Douglas Bay Campsite to Lost Lake and Gambier Lake

Douglas Bay Campsite to Lost Lake and Gambier Lake is a rugged 10.5 km loop on Gambier Island that feels a lot wilder than its stats suggest. With about 605 m of gain and a high point around 410 m, this challenging route packs in steep climbs, quiet forest, and two classic island lakes, usually in just under four hours if you keep moving.

The loop winds through dense coastal forest, old logging roads, and a couple of punchy ascents that will get your legs working. Views are mostly about deep woods, mossy ground, and the reward of reaching Gambier Lake and Lost Lake, where the water is calm, clear, and good for a refreshing swim if you don’t mind sharing it with salamanders. You’ll get more of a remote backcountry feel than big open vistas, and you’re unlikely to see many other hikers once you leave Douglas Bay.

Right now, expect the Lost Lake section to feel exactly like the reviews say: Lost Lake, lost trail. That side of the loop is very overgrown, with brush hiding markers in places, so bring a GPS track, pay close attention to the yellow and red/orange squares, and be ready to backtrack briefly at confusing junctions. The Gambier Lake side is more straightforward, but the two main climbs are steep, rooty, and slick after rain. This Gambier Island hike is doable year-round for experienced hikers, but it’s far more enjoyable in late spring through early fall, with long daylight, drier tread, and better odds of actually finding the way to Lost Lake.