Fossli Provincial Park
One of my favourite places to go is Fossli Provincial Park. Despite it being a provincial park, few people are aware of it. It’s on the other side of Sproat Lake. That is, on the south side. But it’s not that hard to get to. And it is a wonderful place to spend a hot spring or summer afternoon.
I like the park because there are quite a few really pleasant features about it. First, the park is not crowded. It is a bit off the beaten track so it isn’t used that much. For me that’s a big attraction.
Second, it has a beautiful little waterfall in it. St. Andrews Creek flows down from the hillside overlooking the south side of the lake and through the park. Just when it reaches the flats is where the waterfall is located.
Third, there is a magnificent old Big Leaf Maple tree in the middle of a grove of second-growth alder. It is so old and gnarled. It’s amazing. In several places there are branches that look like trees growing out of other branches. Quite unusual. I was there earlier this week. It was damaged by a winter storm. But it is still standing and just beginning to put out leaves.
There is also a beautiful little beach with a lovely view of Sproat Lake where you can spend a warm spring or summer day swimming or picnicking. Sometimes people camp there on the beach or on the flat grassy area just up from the beach. But the park is designated for day use only.
And finally, there is a network of trails in the park that allow access to it from the logging road about 25 minutes away. It’s not a long hike and on the way there is a little suspension footbridge that has been recently upgraded to make it safer to cross. The trail begins just before the bridge over St. Andrews Creek. You’ll see a painted brown wooden post by the start of an old logging road that is now more of a trail. The trail follows the old road downwards. There are some turnoffs along the way. Right at the start, take the right fork. Then stay left every time you have a choice until you come to the suspension bridge. After that the trail follows the creek and then bends away above a steep bank. Look for a trail leading off to the left that traverses down that bank to the creek. Step out on the cobbles a few feet and look upstream. You’ll see the falls.
A perfect place to spend time on a warm summer afternoon
The trail follows the creek down a distance and then it becomes obscured because the creek has overflowed its banks and washed across it. But if you have a sharp eye you will notice a few plastic ribbons tied to trees marking the original location of the trail. You will then come to the trail again about 50 meters further on. It winds through an alder flat and past the enormous maple I mentioned earlier and eventually to the beach. There is a plaque , a pit toilet and a picnic table near a flat grassy area just up from this beach.
If you go, don’t forget to wear sensible rubber soled shoes, or day hikers. You might consider bringing along a pair of water sandals because you may be tempted to wade in the creek a bit. But don’t forget, it’s slippery. So a walking stick or trekking poles might be a good idea too.
Happy trails!