Plan your COVID-19 Staycation

Melanie Recommends: East Lake

BY MELANIE ANAKA

My favourite place in Powell River is in the back country along the Sunshine Coast Trail: Elephant Lake. I love the beautiful view of the lake from the shore. This road is 4x4 access as clearance is needed to get over the cross ditches.

When looking for a dog friendly adventure, East Lake provides a short, accessible walk with an enjoyable swim for your furry friend at the end. The start of the trail is located off the Duck Lake Forest service road. Coming from the highway, take the first right turn after the pole line, parking at a yellow gate. The first part of the path is wide and flat, once you see the trail that leads into the forest, soon here is a sign that directs you toward the lake. Once on the trail it’s a mixed forest full of trees, flowers and berries for the bears. Being bear aware on this trail is extremely important as they have been seen throughout this area in the past. Once at the lake there is a dock for swimming. Careful, there is quite the drop off from the shore otherwise! By the lake there is a seating area made up of logs. When looking at the water you’ll notice that the bottom of the lake can’t be seen and that the water is a tea brown colour. This is because there are tannins from decaying wood and peat which tints the water brown. Around the lake Labrador tea plants can be found in abundance. You may want to bring a water toy for your dog because there are not a lot of throwing sticks to be found. On the way back, try the alternate trail, which connects back to the flat part of the trail.