Best Places to See in BC - Old Growth Trees

There are still some old
growth trees here in British Columbia.
I won't get into the political and
economic halabaloo
regarding the logging of these
giants.
What I will say is
every single person needs to be near one of
these behemoths once in your lifetime.
To stand near one is awe inspiring.
To actually touch one brings you
to an understanding of how really
really huge they are.
And how important their presence is
on our planet and in our lives.

BC is home to some of the
most astounding old growth forests,
or more accurately what is left of them.
I found this beauty along east Harrison Lake.
Right next to an active logging camp.
I can only pray that she remains intact.

I, for one, feel honored to
have been in the presence
of these giant trees.

 To see other photos
from fabulous British Columbia
please visit my other website:
karencooperdesigns.ca

Best Places to See in BC - Lynn Headwaters Regional Park

I've just discovered another
Best Places to See in BC
destination right in Vancouver, BC.
Lynn Headwaters Regional Park
in North Vancouver is
an absolute gem.
With a variety of trails for
all skill levels, this
area offers nature at the city limits
at it's finest. Even in damp,
misty weather the scenery is
ephemeral and enchanting.
I was lucky enough to watch
the lunch time escapades
of a downy woodpecker as
he pecked and hammered his
way through a rotting log for
yummy grubs. His lunch, not mine.

I hiked the Varley and Lynn Loop Trail
and will return for many more hours
of hiking for more
British Columbia scenery.

Best Places to See in BC - Helmcken Falls

Helmcken Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park
should be a Must-Go-To-And-Gape-At-Open-Mouthed
destination for anyone either living in BC
or visiting here.
Helmcken Falls is a 141 m (463 ft)
waterfall on the Murtle River, and
is the fourth largest waterfall in Canada.

I'd heard so much about the ice dome that forms
at the base of the falls during the cold winter months here
in British Columbia. Had to see it for myself.

You really have to see this in person to appreciate the
size of the falls, and the dome itself, which can reach over
150 ft high some winters if it's cold enough.
I estimated this years dome to be roughly 100 ft high.
The sound of the Murtle River dropping down into this
dome is like nothing I have ever heard before.
A deep muffled roar are the best words I can use to describe it.
Our language is so limited when it comes to
evoking what is really happening when you first
are hit the sound waves from the falls.

I was lucky enough to observe and photograph the falls over
2 days and 2 very different skies.

The first day I met some ice climbers just coming out
of the bowl. Now that would be a spectacular way to
see and photograph this amazing feat of
Mother Nature.
The initial drop over the rim must be ... stomach churning
and adrenaline rushing all rolled into one emotion.
Fear of heights is not an option.

I think I am hearing another adventure about to hatch.

Best Places to See in BC, Peaches and Creme Falls

I knew I'd found a truly magnificent
place in the world the minute I laid on eyes on
Peaches and Creme Falls.
Part of the Elaho River Complex
near Squamish, British Columbia,
Peaches and Creme Falls literally took my breath away.
I stood in open jawed wonder looking at her
veil of mist and moss enshrouded rock before I came to my senses.

She drops 210 meters in 7 different steps.
The last step (pictured above) is mist covered and
laden with moss and tiny orchids that thrive in
this wet West Coast waterfall environment.
I can't bring you the sounds and smells from
Peaches and Creme, I wish I could.
The whole experience was mystical and
peaceful in the shadow
of a mighty and elegant lady
known as Peaches and Creme.

I can't wait to go back.

D'Arcy, BC

One of the best adventures in British
Columbia is to follow the various
paths of the gold seekers.

D'Arcy, on the shore of Anderson Lake,
was founded during British Columbia's
Gold Rush
and originally called Port Anderson.
Steam ships plied the waters of
Anderson Lake taking gold hunters
across the 21 km's to Seton Portage.
Then across Seton Lake and on to Lillooet,
the hardy men and women made their way to the
various gold fields of British Columbia


I am still awed at the lengths
that gold seekers went to follow their
dreams. This area is rugged and
totally beautiful. To explore it today
is not for the faint of heart. The roads
are narrow and crumbling in some parts, winding
and twisting along mountains that seemingly
drop into the very depths of the lakes.
Traversing it during the 1800's
on horseback, by foot or even
by bicycle must have been a totally
hair raising experience.

Great Central Lake, BC

Great Central Lake in
British Columbia is located
approx. 16 kms northwest of Port Alberni
along the Pacific Rim Highway.
I admit to knowing very little about
this beautiful Vancouver Island lake before
I started exploring the area.
In typical Canadian fashion, Great Central
Lake does not have flashing neon billboards pointing
the way to her. She is marked simply
by a sign along the Pacific Rim Highway, Great
Central Lake Road.
And great she is.
Home to numerous kinds of fish including
steelhead trout, she is also the
starting point for hikers
accessing Della Falls.
Della Falls is the highest waterfall in
Canada.
In 1899 prospector and trapper Joe Drinkwater,
named the falls after his wife Della.
Apparently Joe did some mining near the falls, and
there is evidence of an aerial tramway that he
built still in existence.
I know, an amazing adventure waiting
to be had. I'm on it.

The weather was cold and frosty when I was here,
and thoughts of kayaking along the
lake and hiking to Della Falls in
spring fill my inner sense of adventure
and discovery.