Hiking The Mountains

By Marilyn Zink

Late summer or early fall is the perfect time to hike in the mountains.
The intense heat of summer is past, but the days are still warm and fairly dry to make a good day's hike pleasurable.

Here in B.C. there are so many mountains to choose from, whether you live on Vancouver Island or on the Mainland. Either way, it won't take long to get to a favorite location.

One of my favorites is Mount Washington with the many hiking trails of Paradise Meadows at Strathcona Park.

Whether you are planning an overnight camping trip or a simple day hike with family or friends, there are many trails to choose from.

Heading to Mount Washington is easy - simply go north past Courtenay and look for the signs. When you get to the top of the mountain, turn left towards the park and trail entrance. If family members are getting anxious for the loo, don't worry, there is an outhouse handy near the trail entrance.
Dogs are also welcome and on the day we went, there were many people as well as happy, often wet dogs.

Wet? Well, follow the trail and eventually you will get to a lake. Currently, the boardwalk heading towards Lake Helen Mackenzie is closed as the boardwalk is getting repaired.

However, you can access that lake and Battleship Lake following the boardwalk to the left. It is actually an easier elevation and not to difficult for younger family members.

The alpine meadows on the way to the lake are quite scenic and often provide interesting flowers, many with interpretive signs. You can also find wild blueberries to eat.

When you get to the lake, head left and you will find some nice rocks to sit on and enjoy a snack or lunch. If you hold out your hand with some seeds on it, the Whisky Jacks will fly down and eat right out of your hand, providing great entertainment on your hike.

If it's a hot day and you are inclined to take a swim, the water is refreshing though the glacier-fed lakes are cold.

For those who want to explore further, Lake Helen Mackenzie is the next lake you can access by following the trail and then heading to the right. This is a larger lake, very scenic and also cold for those inclined to swim. But hot dogs would probably welcome a swim and enjoy cooling off.

Both these lakes and many others along the trail give meaning to that over-used word, 'pristine.' So keep it that way by packing all your belongings and garbage out with you.

Take plenty of photos and also water, as you may discover you want to hike further.

Once you get past the two most popular lakes, you can continue on to many other lakes. Though check the distances and give yourself enough time if you are just planning a day trip. For those who are camping, there are camping platforms provided and you will need to pack everything in.

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