An OC and a PNT make up this NA. The OC shows signs of disturbances and abuse in the form of dumping. Otherwise, a good location for fat biking, walking, or snowshoeing.

Bridge Lake is one of those depressions, filled with water, that are generously called a lake. It also has an alias. The lake seems to have two names, either Bridge or sometimes Bouchard [1]. I suspect a shady past and the lake is laying low in Northern Alberta.

OC’s and Leased Land

The equivalent of RR 242 forms the western border for both portions and they are separated by TWP 602. Collectively, the two portions are a full section of land between them. Quarter sections nearby are also Crown land, some of which are leased to local landowners. The PNT portion is under a grazing lease [2]. Contact the leaseholder before accessing as they have cattle in the area.

Numerous ATV Trails and Service Roads

The OC to the south is crisscrossed with service roads and ATV tracks. In the OC portion, RR 242 is a dual track heading south. This was probably a service road for an oil field installation found in the center of the NA. A more direct access road comes from the north off TWP 602. This north-south corridor extends across the TWP into the PNT portion of the NA which lies to the north.

These former roads or access points are being kept open by moderate Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) use. A number of these trails are becoming braided. There are semi-permanent camps in the NE corner of the site.

RR 242 travels north from TWP 602 and ends at a cul-de-sac with a home nearby. Two very friendly, but dirty dogs came out to greet me. The north end of Bridge Lake could be accessed by continuing north along a power line right of way.

Return Visit – Bring Garbage Bags

The area has the potential for a return visit. Either snowshoeing or fat biking are on my radar. Self-propelled activities would be good as the area is at risk for abuse with the ATV traffic and dumping.

PNT Visit – May 2026

A return visit focused on the PNT portion which is North of the TWP. Permission was obtained from the grazing lease holder. Of the two areas, this is the better site to go to because the restricted access means less abuse. Notes from the visit:

• OFF THE BEATEN TRACK.
• Overall (3 out of 5) Well defined clearings for the cattle make for good trails.;
• Rating: 48;
• Access: Granted;
• Develop: Limited Development.
• Maint: Serviceable;
• Season: All Season:
• The PNT is under a grazing lease. The lease holder is accommodating but requires prior permission to access the site.

Any maps and map views are for general information only. Do not rely on them for navigation or to determine legal boundaries.

The Fast Facts

• Winter Challenge Category: ADVENTURE
• Worth a return visit to snowshoe or fat bike.
• No Washrooms.
• Not Kid Focused

Area Details

• Name/Owner: Provincial Order in Council and Protected Notation Natural Area.
• Is it Worth It and Why Go Here?: 4/5: good potential for snowshoeing, walking and fat biking.
• Wayne Gretzky Units: 70.3km
• Trail Classification: Overall (4 out of 5); Rating: 24; Access: Granted; Develop: Limited Development; Maint: In Disrepair or Abused; Season: All Season: Numerous trails and services roads. Unfortunately, ATV traffic is causing the trails to be braided.
• The Drive Out: The drive out is very pleasant and there are a number of other natural areas nearby if you lose interest in this one too quickly.
• Frank’s Trip Notes
• First done: Bridge Lake NA – 2023-10-01
• Return Visit: 2026-05-26.

Notes and Reference

1. Westlock County Maps.
2. Recreation access on agricultural public lands web map

Usage: This site is intended for my personal use only and very select invited guests. My recommendation is for you to stay in bed with the covers pulled firmly over your head.