Checking out the Oyster River Potholes

 by Keith and Heather Nicol

We had heard alot of the Oyster River Potholes so finally decided to check them out on Sunday, July 5. They are easily accessed by driving north from Courtenay on the inland highway 19 to the bridge which crosses the Oyster River. You can even put in Oyster River Potholes in google maps and it will direct you there!.  Once you park at the edge of the highway use care in walking back toward the bridge where you will pick up a trail leading through a deer/elk fence and on to the river. The trail has a few different forks which lead down to different parts of the river. The trail is rooty and rocky in places and there are a couple of fallen trees across the trail but for the most part it is easy to negotiate. If you have small kids there is a sloping bed rock area at further along the trail which would be suited to them. There were kids jumping off the cliffs in some areas and green blue water made for a very scenic setting. Everyone we chatted to said the water was cool (we didn't go in) but it was certainly a picturesque location even if you don't swim. If you do go in use common sense related to diving and jumping into water that may be shallower than you think.  Also the algae forming on the rocks made for very slippery conditions and we saw a few people slip as they walked along the water's edge. Be aware that it is popular in the summer and you may have to park some distance along the highway.A real bonus is that when you want to return to Courtenay you only have to drive north a short distance to Cranberry Lane where you can turn left to get back on the inland highway. This spot is definitely worth checking out.