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.