Hobson Lake sits at the uppermost reach of the Clearwater River within Wells Gray Provincial Park in east-central British Columbia, and reaching it is a genuine wilderness undertaking.

There is no road access; the primary route is a 13–15 km trail beginning at the head of Clearwater Lake, ending at the lake's southern outlet.

The path is often in poor condition with numerous deadfalls, and fording Lickskillet Creek poses a serious hazard given the 40-metre Sundt Falls immediately downstream.

A second, overgrown route connects Quesnel Lake to Hobson Lake along the remains of an old mining tote road. Water-taxi service to the trailhead is available through Clearwater Lake Tours, which also offers rental canoes on the lake by prior arrangement.

Visitors should come fully prepared with strong backcountry skills; the surrounding terrain is remote, largely trailless above the lakeshore, and the glacier-fed water is icy cold year-round.