“China Bowls” in Cumberland is worth a fall visit

By Keith and Heather Nicol
       We had heard about  the so called China Bowls located just outside Cumberland for awhile and on a recent bike trip to the Cumberland trails we decided to check them out. We were finishing our ride with our cross country ski buddy Steve and ended up on Davis Lake Main on Thursday Oct 1 when we decided to check out the potholes on Perseverance Creek (or China Bowls).  The China Bowls are basically creek erosion on sandstone and there are some interesting potholes and other features in a short section that is very accessible to anyone walking or biking. The China Bowls are accessed by the main entry point for the Cumberland Mountain Bike trails at the foot of Sutton Road and Comox Lake Road in Cumberland. Closest parking is along adjacent Comox Lake Road or you can park in the mountain bike parking lot at Dunsmuir and Sutton Road. Be aware that this is a very popular mountain bike area and so there will likely be a steady stream of bikes either heading up or down this road (Davis Lake Main).  

 

                                          Steve walking along the edge of Perseverance Creek 

       After parking your car head around the gate and to the large map showing the mountain bike trails in this area. From there it is basically up the logging road to the right for about 1.8 km (1 way).  Just keep bearing right at any forks and when you come to the bridge over Perseverance Creek cross the bridge and walk downstream. This side provides the easiest access to the potholes and other erosional features.  This impressive  erosional section is not that long except if you are really keen and want to explore the steeper areas downstream.  This trail takes just 20-30 minutes to walk up (1 way) and since it is a logging road it is suited to a wide range of walkers. It is not that impressive in the summer with low water levels but now with some fall rains and leaves falling on the rocks it is very picturesque. The route is also suited to basic mountain bikes/gravel bikes for those that might want to bike to the spot.   Check it out on your next trip to Cumberland. You can also get more info from alltrails : check this link:https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/china-bowls-via-davis-lake-main.  For a video on the China Bowls see the link below.

  

Some of the potholes formed in the sandstone 

                                                             Falling leaves add to the beauty of this spot
 

 

Video of the "China Bowls"