Kwai & Hairtrigger Lakes

Castlecrag & Mt. Frink approaching Hairtrigger Lake

Trying to take advantage of every moment of autumn colour & sunshine, it was time for a hike to Kwai Lake & Hairtrigger Lake! Both offer great views of some of the key peaks of this area of Strathcona Park: Mt. Albert Edward, Mt. Regan, Mt. Frink, Castlecrag, and the Comox Glacier.

The Comox Glacier is visible from several of the campsites at Kwai Lake.

Part of the hike was a quest to match photos taken many years ago.   At one time a log cabin stood at Kwai Lake,  one of the cabins along the 'Strathcona Trail' of the 1930's.

Today only the clearing remains, but the backdrop is still the same, with Castlecrag visible beyond the trees.

Hairtrigger Lake is one of the most photogenic places on the Plateau - the lake seems to be an infinity pool reflecting the panorama of mountains on calm days. This photo from years ago is a beautiful arrangement with a series of triangular shapes & relationships. A key element in the composition is the pyamidal rock near the shoreline.

Today the sky was not as blue, but the water was totally calm. This time I tried composing with the rock centred between the peaks of Mt. Albert Edward & Mt. Regan.

Around Croteau Lake, the gray jays must have learned over many generations to visit hikers & campers.

Along the trail through Murray Meadows, between Croteau & Kwai Lake, were more than a dozen amanita muscaria - one of the most poisonous mushrooms and familiar as the 'toadstool' of childrens' tales.

 At this time of year the huckleberry, blueberry & mountain ash leaves appear in every colour of the rainbow.

Back in the meadows near the trailhead, the dark red leaves against the green moss are dwarf blueberry, while the carpets of paler red are bog blueberry.

At the end of the day, tufted club rush almost glows in the meadows. Mt. Regan & Mt. Jutland are visible in the background.

Autumn Hike to Croteau Lake

Often when the weather appears cloudy in the Comox Valley, Paradise Meadows will be above the cloud - which was the case today, with blue skies for most of the day.

Spectacular colours in the meadows & plateau - a good day for a hike to Croteau Lake, in search of photos & history .

Remnant foundations of Eugene Croteau's main cabin at Croteau Lake

Another cabin was higher up on a rise, with a spectacular view of Mt. Albert Edward & Mt. Regan

Friendy gray jays - don't need to feed them, they still visit

Photographers in the meadows

In the late afternoon several flocks of sandhill cranes flew over the meadows - a thrill to see. Often people will mistake the large flocks for Canada geese, but the distinctive croak of the cranes is unmistakeable.

Since the rain in September, the trails can be muddy in places - gaiters are recommended, and waterproof your hiking boots, so that you can walk through the mud instead of widening the trail.

Last Chance to Claim Lost & Found

The Wilderness Centre was closed up for the season yesterday, so anyone who may have lost items over the summer, please contact the Wilderness Centre ASAP. Any items not claimed by Oct. 8 will be donated to a local thrift shop.

With the beautiful weather the past few days, many school classes & other groups are still hiking in Paradise Meadows. Hopefully the good weather will continue so the landscape work can be completed. Several mountain hemlock have been planted outside the Centre, and the final portion of concrete walkway connecting the ramp to the trailhead path will soon be finished.

Stay tuned for the summary of  visitor numbers over the summer!