South Lakeside Several small trails may be found along Williams Lake's south valley side. Russet Bluff offers beautiful views of the east end of the valley. Williams Lake River Valley Walking, hiking, cycling, horse, skiing, wheel chairs, baby carriages. As it meanders past meadows, hoodoos, sagebrush, juniper, and grassy benches, the Williams Lake dominates the setting where Douglas firs, spruce, cottonwood, birch and alder flourish. Dramatic cliffs rise over 500 ft., and BCRail's Cariboo Prospector line clings to the north slope over 600 ft. above the WL River.
Many marvellous views await hikers, painters and photographers.
The highest point above the valley is at 3200 ft. Some consider the Williams Lake River an extension of the San Jose, which flows into the Lake's East End. The River Valley Urban Recreation Corridor starts at Scout Island, and is accessed at several points along Mackenzie Avenue and Soda Creek Road. Deer, beaver, and waterfowl reside here along with some cattle, and the river supports spawning trout, and salmon on occasion. You'll also find Oregon grape, wild raspberry, and cactus.