Current Hiking Trail Conditions – July 2, 2013
General Information: Well summer is officially here!
The spine back trail is the latest trail to emerge from the snow cover. There
has been multiple Moose sightings on Baldy, Spine back, Lake and Fir trails.
Please make lots of noise while hiking as to not surprise an animal.
Rail Trail: Easy:
3km (one way) 1.86 miles
At the end of this trail you
will be able to sit on a big bench and view the three mountain tops called the
Three Bears, where we ski in the winter. The trail is snow free and offers easy
walking for all ages and abilities.
Old Growth Trail: Moderate: 4km (one way) 2.49 miles
Shady old growth cedars and
lush interior rainforest plants make this trail a local favorite. You can start
this trail at the Old Growth parking lot and after a 4 km hike; you can come
and enjoy an afternoon beverage, cocktail and meal at the Bear Lodge. Stay bear
aware. Watch out for some water on the
trail at the beginning after the second bridge. We have placed a temporary
bridge in this section to hopefully avoid wet feet.
Lake Trail: Easy:
2km (one way around the lake) 1.24 miles
Take some time to observe the
families of ducks and ducklings out on the lake. There have also been sightings
of a moose and calf on the island. If you see the moose please leave lots of
space and back away slowly. The trail is in good shape and is free of snow.
Fir Trail: Easy: 3km (one way) 1.86 miles
This family oriented trail
wanders thru some of the biggest Douglass Fir, Tamarack and Western Red Cedar
trees that Island Lake has on its propriety. There are currently three
trees down on the trail. However you can step over them easily.
Tamarack Trail:
(Viewpoint) Moderate: 4km (Summit) Advanced:8km (one way) 4.97 miles
Watch out for
lose rocks in the canyon section of the trail. The trail is snow free to just
before the lower viewpoint where there is a small section of snow in the trees.
There is blue flagging tape in the trees for 10 meters to guide you through the
snow. After the viewpoint the trail is clean and free of snow. The wildflowers
are starting to bloom in the sunny sections.
Baldy Loop: Advanced: 10.5km (one way) 6.52 miles
We have recently cut down fallen trees and
limbed branches on the trail.
The
snow has mostly melted on the connector sections but the trail might be muddy
in places.
Spineback Trail: Advanced:
3.5 km (one way) 2.17miles
Most of the trail is now
snow free until just before the bench on the ridge. The glacier lilies are in full bloom! We have not worked on the
trail yet this summer but overall the trail is good shape except for the
remaining snow patches at the top.
