A pretty, little, nearly circular, fish-stocked lake, bounded by municipal forest, circled by an easy, well-designed path.
LOCATION
This is one of those little gems hidden in plain sight. On Highway 1, 1.5 km north of the traffic lights and main turnoff to Chemainus Road (Henry Road), turn west onto River Road. Just 0.5 km along, turn right at the signposted entrance to the park.
DISTANCE
2.8 km
ELEVATION GAIN
20 m, cumulative
DIFFICULTY
Easy, level path nearly all the way.
SEASON
All season, but spring and fall are best for fishing (stocks drop during warm summer months).
OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR CHILDREN
Fishing is permitted from the little dock at the south end. In fact, the lake is stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. With or without fishing tackle, this dock and the picnic table on the east shore make perfect munchfest spots, one in full sun, the other in shade. It is possible for adept children, who hate walking but like biking, to ride most of the trail while the rest of the family walks.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Lily pads and other shallow-water plants are amongst the lake’s attractions; the view south across the lake from the fishing float; most of the lake is bordered by reed beds.
1.Turn right from the parking lot, passing the information sign, and take the broad, groomed, crushed-gravel trail to cross a sturdy little Billy Goat Gruff bridge. This first part of the trail winds prettily by some large firs and cedars, in a bed of sword ferns.
2.The trail passes a picnic table, takes a sharp turn to swing well away from the lake and rises to join a road-width dirt section of trail, all the while skirting the marshlands that border the lake nearly all the way around. Occasionally, however, views across the lake and its usually calm, reflective surface make for contented sighs.
3.As the trail drops and passes the north end of the lake, notice from an attractive viewpoint that you can see the little dock immediately opposite. This marks, roughly, the halfway spot.
4.Alternating between gravel and dirt sections, the last section of trail is generally well above and back from the lake, gently rising and dropping.
5.Returning to your starting spot, turn left to visit the little fishing dock. If you have an avid angler in the family, this is obviously a good time to pick up all the fishing paraphernalia you need from the familymobile.
