December 23, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Chilliwack, Hiking
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most of the way up mount webb in chilliwack lake provincial park is radium lake .this is a moderate 15 km. hike from the footbridge by the campground. this area was opened by british royal engineers training between ww1 and ww2. .they named the alpine lakes for the beautiful green colour of the water. flora,greendrop,and radium lakes. the trail was very scenic, with alpine meadows and dark old growth rainforest. the trail follows and crosses radium creek fort he over 900 meter climb.there are numerous log bridges and a wild suspension bridge on the way, along with historical ruins of charles lindemans old sattelite hunting cabins.upon reaching the lake i was impressd by the rugged beauty of it all. it was definitely worth all the effort.
December 23, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Chilliwack, Hiking
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In May i went camping at Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.The hiking trails were closed by snow, and water levels so high that the boat launch was inacsessible.My neighbour suggested we drive to the south end of the lake and hike in to the reserve. The 11.5 km. road is not suitable for cars, but a 2 wheel drive truck is no problem (use caution).As we neared the end of the road, Depot Creek was washing over the road, so we decided to add an extra kilometer to the hike and not drive through as the ability to drive out would be uncertain. The easy trail is normally 5.4 km. return. Along the way there is a visible line where 2nd growth forest meets old growth.There is a beautiful sandy beach here, but it was under 1 meter of water. The trail ends opposite the mouth of the south chilliwack river. This part is a narrow peninsula with an old beaver pond to the south and lake to north. Near here my hiking partner walked right past a rare and endangered spotted owl. It was napping about 3 meters off the trail, and resembled a boulder. On the return trip it had moved to better cover about 10 meters off the trail. This place is so beautiful i wish i could post all the photos.
December 23, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Merritt, Camping
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One of 2 lakes in Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park, Alleyne lake is about 40 km. from Merritt, just southeast of Aspen Grove. The lake is a stunning turquoise colour that changes with the light This is mainly due to the mineral content and depth. The lakes were created when huge chunks of ice fell from retreating glaciers and sunk in the surrounding mud. The beautiful white sand on the shore is seashells ground up by the glaciers. Be careful near the water's edge,as this sand is like quicksand. Many intact seashells can be found near shore. The calcium supports a large population of gammarus shrimp which impart a tastiness to the 2 to 3 kg. rainbow trout . The smaller potholes between the 2 lakes are stocked with trout and fishing in these kettles is restricted to young people. The mule deer population is numerous and they have little fear of humans. They regularly browse throug the campground, and caution should be used as the does with fawns can be agressive and territorial. Osprey fish the lakes regularly, and often land to rest in the old nest just out of sight from the campground. The park staff are excellent people, and keep the pit toilets very clean.i have been here twice and will return again in may when the ice is gone and the water is re-oxygenated.