Squamish
. . . . .
| ROUND TRIP | 17 km (10 ½ miles) |
| TERRAIN | Paved roads; some flat, some gentle hills |
| TRAFFIC VOLUME | Low on Paradise Valley Road, moderate around Hwy 99 |
| ALLOW | 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours |
| HIGHLIGHTS | Quiet roads, mountain views, Cheakamus River, old-growth cedar |
| PICNIC SPOT | Dyke near Cheakamus River bridge at 8.5 km |
| STARTING POINT | Alice Lake Provincial Park beach and picnic area parking lot |
| HOW TO GET THERE | BY CAR: Leave Hwy 99 North at Alice Lake sign, 10 km north of Squamish. |
| BY TRANSIT: There is no convenient transit option at this time. | |
| WHEN TO GO | Swim at Alice Lake in July and August. |
CAMPING AT Alice Lake? For a change of pace from exploring the park trails, try this short foray into secluded Paradise Valley.
After crossing the Cheakamus River in Cheekye, the road winds through typical coastal forest, much of it environmental reserve. Along the way, watch for an unobtrusive sign leading to a thousand-year-old western red cedar a few metres from the road. A boardwalk protects the base of this living giant.
A good picnic spot and turnaround point presents itself just beyond the second bridge at 8.5 kilometres, where an information kiosk describes the formation and action of glaciers, rivers and volcanoes. Below the dyke, the Cheakamus River sweeps around a gravel bar.
Squamish Valley Road west of Cheekye also offers easy cycling with breathtaking views of the Tantalus Range. River access is limited, however, as the road runs through Squamish First Nation reserves
Cheakamus River
KM THE ROUTE
0.0 Alice Lake beach and picnic area parking lot. Proceed down the park access road to Hwy 99.
1.7 Cross Hwy 99 onto Squamish Valley Road toward Cheekye.
5.3 Cross the Cheakamus River bridge at Cheekye and immediately take the right fork onto Paradise Valley Road.
6.7 The boardwalk to the old-growth cedar is on your left.
Keep straight on past North Vancouver Outdoor School and the road to Evans Lake.
8.5 Bridge across the Cheakamus River. The information kiosk and picnic spot are ahead on your left.
OPTION: For a self-guided tour of Tenderfoot Creek Fish Hatchery, continue north for less than 2 km and turn right at the hatchery sign.
8.5 From the picnic spot, return south on Paradise Valley Road.
11.7 Left on Squamish Valley Road to cross the river in Cheekye.
17.0 Alice Lake beach and picnic area parking lot.