Checking out some short walks in Strathcona Provincial Park

By Keith and Heather Nicol

Lady Falls

     We awoke to another sunny day at the Buttle Lake Campground  on June 13 and after breakfast took down our tent. Since it was already windy we decided to do a variety of short walks in the park (instead of kayaking) and also check out another camping area at Ralph River which is also along Buttle Lake.  Our first hike was to Lady Falls and it is certainly worth checking out since at this time of year it is really flowing from snowmelt.  The trail takes just 10-15 minutes 1 way and the trail is smooth and climbs slightly uphill. There is a large viewing platform which gives good views of the falls.

Heather walking along the Ralph River

   Next we headed down Westmin Road toward the south end of Buttle Lake where we hiked the Wild Ginger Trail which follows the Ralph River for part of its loop. This is another short trail but is more rooty and has more ups and downs than the Lady Falls trail. We saw no wild ginger but the trail does feature large cedars and fir trees. We lunched at Ralph River Campground and were surprised to see how many vacant sites there were. It would make an ideal place to camp to explore the southern end of the park and there is a boat launch at nearby Karst Creek. 

A closeup of Candy Stick - a non green plant that lives off fungi

 We then checked out Auger Point (another nice picnic site with beach access) and then did the short (30 minute) Lupin Falls trail which features a tall "ribbon type" water fall. We also saw some interesting plants on this trail including some Candy Stick which is a non green plant that lives off fungi!!  This location also has a beach access trail and some picnic tables. It is worth going down to the water at this location since it provides stunning views of rugged Mt McBride.  There is lots more exploring to be done in this park and we vowed to come back again later in the summer to do some more kayaking and walking. For more information on the park see:  http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/strath/

Be sure to head to the beach at the Lupin Falls trail for some great mountain scenery