Hidden Gems at Cheam Lake

You can find this hidden "gem" by driving the #1 Highway towards Hope.  The Park is located on the north side of the Freewya around 15 kilometers east of Chilliwack near Minter Gardens.  Take the exit which leads you to Highway #9.  In the Round-about turn east onto Yale Road and proceed to Elgey Road.  At this point follow the signs.  More information can be found here:  http://bit.ly/qTEv9N

This nature reserve has an abundance of wildlife.  From the Rabbit to an unlimited number and varieties of birds.  These include the Blue Heron and in Fall every duck and Goose imaginable.  There is an easy walking trail which provide numerous views of the Lake.

More pictures can be viewed here:  http://bit.ly/pt0sLC

Hidden Gems on the Hayward Lake Trails, Mission

Hayward Lake offers scenic hikes which meander around the lake. There are two trails; the Railway Trail on the west side and the Reservoir Trail on the east side. It is possible to do both trails as part of a loop.  Even on the hottest summer days the Reservoir Trail provides relief.  Highlights on the Reservoir Trail include Steelehead Falls and the many bridges which cross the many small streams.  Besides the numerous short glimpses of the Lake the other highlights include the floating bridge and the moss covered trees.  This is truly a rain forest.  Highlights of the Railway Trail include the beaver pond and the long abandoned railway trestles which still stand up from the lake.  The main parking lot, which is the start point for the Railway Trail, has fully operational washrooms and a beach.  Keep in mind that the water is always cold.  More information can be found here:  http://bit.ly/bthump

 

Additional photographs taken from around Hayward Lake can be viewed at:  http://bit.ly/qpOzSt

Hidden Gems at Nicomen Slough

Located along the Lougheed Highway just east of Mission this waterway becomes the stop over for many of the migrating birds as they head both north and south.  During October through November this one of the premiere spots to view Bald Eagles as they look over the slough from the tree tops.

As this is a stop over for migrating birds this is also the place to go to view Canadian Geese, White Swans, and every species of Ducks that there are.  In addition to the birds the scenery is unbeatable.  On the one side of the Highway is the meandering slough and on the other are mile after mile of dairy farms.  As one drives further out into the Valley the foothills become part of the scenery.

More pictures can be viewed at http://bit.ly/oZBKAf

Hidden Gem - Bridal Veil Falls

This hidden gem is located on the #1 Highway between Chilliwack and Hope.  More information can be found here:  http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/bridalveil_falls/

The waterfalls are an easy 15 minute walk from the parking lot.  This is a great activity for those hot summer days as the sun rarely breaks through the canopy of the trees.  As you walk along the path you will realize that we really do live in the west coast rain forest as evidenced with all the moss hanging from the tree limbs.  Along the short walk are a number of small bridges which are crossed giving views of the small creeks underneath.

Additional photographs can be viewed at:  http://bit.ly/qzf0eV

Hidden Gems at Silverdale Creek Wetlands

Just west of Mission along the Lougheed Highway are the Silverdale Creek Wetlands.  This was a partnership project including the District of Mission which created these wetlands and walkways.  If one can tolerate the mosquito's (which must be expected when in this environment) one encounters almost unlimited wildlife.  It is not unusual to encounter a number of blue herons as one wanders along the trails.  In Spring one must keep a wary eye for Black Bear.  In early fall the water channels are overtaken with spawning salmon and migrating ducks.  Except for in Spring when the Fraser River is at flood stage the paths are usable at all times.

More pictures can be viewed at http://bit.ly/onuNJH and more will be added in the future.