Palmer Lake sits at 1,160 metres elevation in British Columbia's Cariboo region, reached via the Palmer Lake Forest Access Road off Highway 20, roughly 71 kilometres north of the turnoff near Riske Creek. The final 6.

5 kilometres are steep and rough; two-wheel-drive vehicles can manage in dry conditions, but four-wheel drive is recommended if rain is expected. No trailers are permitted due to the challenging access road.

The lake covers 210 hectares with a maximum depth of just over 23 metres and supports rainbow trout, which are also stocked. Angler usage is rated moderate to heavy. A BC Forest Service campsite with boat launching is available on site.

The lake is typically ice-covered from November through May.