Photo © Bud Logan Photos © Bud Logan
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Bud Logan
ELK FALLS PROV I NCI A L PA RK
Elk Falls is located just west of Campbell
up some great photo opportunities along with breath-
River on the Gold River Highway. It has a great many
taking views of the river far below.
trails for hiking, picnicking, and over 200 individual campsites along the Quinsam River. The Quinsam Campsite provides great riverside camping in the heart of a world-renowned fishing area; the Quinsam River, with its
Elk Falls Provincial Park is home to a wide variety of birds. Great blue herons, killdeer, ravens, crows, chestnut-backed chickadees, and eagles are among the most
great trout fishing, running right by the campground.
abundant resident bird species, but you can also see
After a morning meal at your campsite in the beauti-
red-tailed hawks and other avian visitors. Mammals in-
ful forest, you could pack a picnic lunch and head up
clude black tail deer, black bears, cougars, and Roosevelt
the Canyon View Trail. Just 3km from the campground,
elk as well as shrews, squirrels, voles, raccoons, otters,
you will reach the Elk Falls day use and picnic area. This
muskrat and beaver. A beaver dam and pond are located
area contains many easy walking trails and, of course,
west of the campground on the Beaver Pond Trail.
an incredible cascading waterfall that gives this park its name. The upper falls and the day-use areas are located just below the dam on John Hart Lake. Hiking trails also lead to other areas in the park, which are home to a large and wonderful stand of old-growth Douglas Fir. The trails that lead along the canyon offer
6 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 2 8
western tanagers, golden-crowned kinglets, barred owls,
In 2015, a new suspension bridge opened to the public. The bridge is built over the falls, and gives you some incredible views—it is a must-see for everyone. So for some awesome camping, hiking or fishing, head out to Elk Falls Provincial Park and see what this part of the Island has to offer. Don't forget your camera!
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
