Pros & cons
PROS
- Flexible itinerary: three interconnected loops from 32 to 88 km.
- Classic Shield scenery—lakes, lookouts, and glacial erratic boulders.
- Boardwalks ease some marshy creek crossings when water is high.
CONS
- Highway 60 trailhead can flood in late April/early May and close.
- Some sites have awkward water access and scarce firewood later in season.
- Short sections are overgrown or faint, which slows travel.
Trailhead parking at km 3.0 on Highway 60 (Oxtongue River Picnic Ground) with bathrooms and a picnic area; Rain Lake Access has parking when the road is open. If you print your permit, leave a copy on the dashboard.
Spring flooding can close the Highway 60 trailhead; Rain Lake Road isn’t winter‑maintained. Expect steep, leaf‑covered hills, mud, and creek crossings—carry the park backpacking map and don’t rely solely on a phone.
Overview
This is Algonquin’s big backpacking classic: three interconnected loops ranging from roughly 32 to 88 km (about 20–55 miles) through lake‑studded Canadian Shield. Expect steady ups and downs, side slopes, sharp turns, and the occasional scenic lookout and glacial erratic boulder. The park rates it Difficult, and that’s fair—fit beginners do fine on the shortest loop, but the full system is a real workout.
Route options (and an easy win)
The shortest “inner” loop is commonly done over 3 days/2 nights and comes out to about 36 km depending on your campsite choices. A proven itinerary from the Highway 60 trailhead: Day 1 to Maggie Lake (~12 km), Day 2 to Ramona Lake via Oak (~15 km), Day 3 out (~8–9 km). Maggie’s west‑side sites add about 4 km of flat shoreline walking; Oak and Maple Leaf make good lunch/swim stops; Ramona’s elevated sites have steep, sometimes muddy water access. Prefer variety? A mid‑length circuit of lakes on the west side—Rain, Islet, Weed, Stammer, Stutter, Brown, Ishkuday—runs about 44 km. Direction matters less than your reserved sites; go whichever way your bookings line up.
Access and seasonality
Start at the Highway 60 trailhead at km 3.0 (Oxtongue River Picnic Ground) or from the Rain Lake Access. The trail system is open year‑round, but Rain Lake Road isn’t maintained in winter, so that west access can be closed while Highway 60 remains open. In late April/early May, the Highway 60 trailhead area is prone to flooding and may temporarily close—build flexibility into spring plans. Autumn brings short daylight and leaf‑covered tread that can hide mud and holes; winter conditions make everything more serious.
Permits, reservations, navigation
Backcountry camping permits are mandatory; you can reserve up to five months in advance. As of 2022, you book specific backcountry sites. You can print your permit at home (leave a copy on your dash) or pick it up at the gate. The route is marked and has boardwalks over some marshy bits, but you should still carry the park’s Backpacking Trails Map and a compass and follow the blue markers—short sections can be faint or overgrown.
Trail reality and tips
Footing runs the gamut: rocky rollers, muddy low spots, creek crossings that get spicier after rain. Waterproof boots help; trekking poles make the hilly, leaf‑covered stretches friendlier. Start early outside of summer; parties on the inner loop typically hike about six hours a day. Campsites usually have a thunderbox and good pads, but firewood can be scarce by mid‑late August. Treat all water, store food properly, and pack enough calories—cool shoulder seasons burn energy fast. One small nav note leaving Guskewau Lake toward Highway 60: ignore the tempting riverside tread and look for a short, steep climb to stay on route.
Best time to hike
- Spring: variable water, potential flooding near Highway 60; bugs ramp up.
- Summer: the most popular and swim‑friendly; expect competition for the best sites and thinner firewood near busy lakes.
- Fall: cooler air, fewer bugs, leaf‑covered tread—watch your footing and daylight.
- Winter: generally accessed from Highway 60 only; snow/ice and short days raise the difficulty.
Nearby alternatives
Want a shorter day on Highway 60 with big views? Centennial Ridges (10.4 km) or Track & Tower (7.5 km) scratch the scenery itch with less commitment.
Elevation
22.4 mi · 18 hrWhere it starts
45.4634, -78.7979Wildlife on this trail
Near Western Uplands Backpacking Trail
All places →All trails →
1.8 mi awayWest Gate Information CentrePermits, flush toilets, and trail intel at the west gateTrailhead · Restroom
2.5 mi awayWhiskey Rapids TrailShort riverside loop with rapids views and a punchy finish climb.Moderate · 1.3 mi · 1 hr
2.5 mi awayWhiskey Rapids Trail ViewpointShort walk to a lively Oxtongue River overlookScenic Viewpoint · Parking
3.2 mi awayTea Lake DamQuiet riverside picnic stop with rapids and easy parkingParking · Restroom
5.1 mi awayTea Lake CampgroundSmall lakeside campground with showers and easy Hwy 60 accessCampground · Restroom
6.3 mi awayHardwood Lookout TrailShort, rooty loop to a Smoke Lake vista with real payoff.Easy · 0.6 mi · 45 min
7.4 mi awayMizzy Lake TrailWildlife loop of ponds and bogs with mostly gentle, rooty footingModerate · 6.7 mi · 4.5 hr
9.3 mi awayPeck Lake TrailShort lakeshore loop with constant views and slick, rooty footing.Easy · 1.2 mi · 1 hr
