Winter Trails
Starting from the Brandy Lake parking area a short looping trail and longer linear trail can be found running from the North Bay Mattawa Conservation area to Telford's Landing and Cooper's Lake. Generally the trails are fine for hiking with winter boots ( in the winter months ) and keep to the higher ground. Snow shoeing is always another option following heavy snowfalls.
Walking south from the parking area, just past the bridge over a small stream area and on the east side, the trail splits at right angle to the main trail. Follow the flagged trail along the east shore of the swamp area, throuh a large spruce and pine grove, and about a kilometer along the trail it rises to a high clearing - home of an abandoned cabin foundation.
At this point you can either return along the alternate return trail ( marked brown on the above map) or continue another two kilometers to Telford's Landing and Cooper's Lake. From the landing the high hilltop of Murray's Lookout can be seen opposite the landing on the west bank and if ice conditions allow for the crossing, the hike to the top offers a great view n a clear day.
You will need to return via the same trail or continue south down Cooper's Lake to Birch's Road but will need to either make separate arrangments to be picked up at the south end or return by the same track.
On the return please be sure to respect the posted no tresspassing signs as they mark private property and keep on the same trail as you came out on.
The short loop trail takes about 50 minutes. The trail to Cooper's Lake and back takes about two hours plus any additional time if you climb Murray's Lookout.
Telford's Landing
Located at the south end of the Upper or Third Portage are the grown over remains of an old farming homestead owned by the Telford family in the early 1900's. This is also the northern access point for Cooper's Lake , simply called Telford's Landing. A beaver dam blocks this initial section of the upper La Vase river and makes a good put in for the canoes during high water levels.
Murray's Lookout
Named after Dr Murray Leatherdale, past President of the North Bay Chamber of Commerce and an early advocate for the recognition and protection of La Vase Portages in the 1960's, the lookout is a short hike uphill just across from Telford's Landing and makes a great place to sit and enjoy the view.