animals, insects, intertidal thingamajigs, a cornucopia of nature

convenient parking areas, or from the town itself. The Willingdon Beach trail, which runs from Willingdon Beach (surprise surprise) to the old townsite of Powell River, passes through some fine coastal forest (including a Douglas Fir over 165 feet high) and a unique outdoor forestry museum which flanks the beach.

Bring along a good bird book, one on plants, and one on seashore critters to help you identify what you see, and don't be surprised if you see one of these Barred Owls (Strix varia) (below) and the book you're using as reference says they don't exist around here; more responsible logging practices are bringing birds like this one

"Plants of Coastal British Columbia," compiled and edited by Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, and published by Lone Pine Publishing is a stupendous book on the flora of our area and should be included in everyone's backpack along with his binoculars.

A difficult trail climbs up to Confederation Lake (below) through splendid old growth forest. One fallen tree has been cut to reveal 365 growth rings.

An afternoon climb up Vallantyne Mountain would be perfect for providing your family with unobstructed views of Vancouver Island and Powell Lake. Longer trips around Duck Lake, Mud Lake and Lang Creek, will give you a good taste of the variety of terrain we have around here, such as conifer and broadleaf forest, bog, creek and lakeside environs. A particular proud point for us in Powell River is the wheelchair accessible Inland or Loon Lake trail, 13 kilometres of flat trail and bridges built in semi-remote wilderness.

back to the Pacific Northwest. This guy (or gal) was photographed near the Lost Lake bog, another of the areas reacheable by marked trail, a short drive from Oceanside.

Despite the ease with which one can access these areas, one must remember that they are still wilderness and must be respected as such. Some wild animals are dangerous and can be provoked and fires can be easily started by stray matches. A detailed booklet on the main hikes in the area, along with maps and spots of interest,

is available at the Powell River Visitor's Bureau.

This year will mark the opening of the awe-inspiring Sunshine Coast Trail, spanning 180 glorious kilometres of Northern Sunshine Coast Wilderness from Lund to Saltery Bay. Call, fax, or email the Powell River Visitor's Bureau for a complimentary package.

(604) 485-4701
(604) 485-2822
prvb@prcn.org