This campground has several interpretive trails including a trail that goes around Big Meadow Lake. I have not hiked any of the trails yet but here are some pictures of the campground area. The viewing platform was once the tower of the North Baldy Mountain fire lookout. Unfortunately, during my visit the access was closed due to some vandalism. Also nearby is the Hess Homestead Cabin which is day use only, first come first serve. The lake has a boat launch and a fishing dock. Access is by any kind of vehicle from Colville or Ione.
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Big Meadow Lake Campground Trails
Hiking Distance: 4.4 miles total (Meadow Creek and Lake Trails)
Big Meadow Lake was a homestead. Meadow Creek was dammed to create Meadow Lake for wildlife habitat.
Area History
The tower came from North Baldy Mountain in 1989 with the help of Guy McKee. The tower was the last of several on North Baldy. It was built in 1964 and abandoned in the 1970s, even surviving many years with no guy cables or lightning hardware. When they tore the tower down in 1989, the top 30 feet of the 41 foot tower was moved to Meadow Lake for the wildlife observation tower.
Observation Platform History:
Hess Homestead Cabin
Fishing dock
Hillside above the lake
Viewing platform sign
Meadow Creek Trail from the viewing platform
Paved trail to the viewing platform
Trailhead for the Meadow Creek Trail at cabin site