Wednesday, May 25, 2016

A Trip to the Head of Powell Lake

Wayne and I took our first barge and quad overnight camping trip of the season to the Head of Powell Lake. We wanted to catch the waterfalls during spring runoff. Because of our early spring they weren't running full bore, but they were still spectacular.

We left from our cabin home at Hole in the Wall just past First Narrows. Thanks to Harry Zroback, Powell Lake float cabins were just featured in Cottage Life magazine's May issue.

Calm water reflected snowy peaks of the Coast Range past Second Narrows. There's pointy Beartooth on the right. Have you ever eaten Beartooth Pie at the Shinglemill Pub? It was invented by Max Pagani, a local realtor and Powell Lake neighbour of ours.

We stopped at several waterfalls to try our luck at fishing. None here, but it's one of many beautiful spots.

We arrived late on Friday after the crews were gone. Before going, we stopped at the Western Forest Products office in Powell River to check on weekend logging activity. Knowing there would be no log trucks hauling, we offloaded our quads and set up camp on the empty barge.

The next morning we rode up Daniels Main to see the spectacular waterfalls fanning out over the granite cliffs. Active logging roads are well maintained. Older ones narrow to rougher trails.

We found colourful spring flowers like this Red Columbine.

Next we went up Powell Main. Both roads are named for the two rivers that feed into the head of Powell Lake. Here's the Powell River before it merges with the Daniels River.

From a lookout, you can see the headwaters of Powell Lake.

We saw four black bears during our ride, but they were too quick to photograph. They are out of their winter dens eating grass while they wait for the berries to ripen.

Thanks for coming along on this quad ride at the head of Powell Lake. We live in an amazing place where you can see and experience amazing backcountry.

You can read more about Powell Lake and regional adventures in my husband Wayne's Coastal BC Stories series of books. They are available locally at Coles or online in print and e-book formats through Amazon, Kobo, and other retailers. -- Margy

10 comments:

  1. Thanks for taking me along vicariously on such a spectacular trip.

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    1. It takes a long time to get there in the barge, but having the quads to explore makes it all worth it. Plus, the barge makes a nice spot for our tent away from bears and critters on shore. - Margy

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  2. So beautiful, I love our trips together, thank you xxx

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    1. Thanks Fran. I'm ready to settle down for the summer and take only local trips to enjoy our own area. - Margy

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  3. What a stunning trip I've made by your side, my dearest friend, and what amazing views you showed me, I'm so, so very grateful to you, you truly put a smile on my face, thank you !
    Hope your week is off to a great start I wish you most wonderful days to come, sending my dearest love to you

    Dany

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  4. I am your newest follower. What a way to see BC! Impressive photos with a photographer's eye besides. Fun blog. Looking forward to viewing your photos and stories more often.
    JM, Illinois-U.S.A.

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    1. Thanks for the follow. I visited Chicago once, but that's about it for Illinois. I'll check out your blog to see what it's really like. - Margy

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  5. Hello, what a lovely trip, the scenery is gorgeous. I would love to visit this area. Thanks for taking me along.

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    1. We visited on vacation and fell in love, bought out cabin and then became Canadian permanent residents. That was a major lifestyle change for us. - Margy

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy