| Inland Lake Trail
is nearest to the community of Powell River, BC, located on the
top half of the Sunshine Coast. The walking and biking trail is
enjoyed by all ages and abilities. The park and trail has been
designed for easy walking and is fully wheelchair accessible spread
out over 2,763 hectares. There are Totem Poles onsite from carvers
Jackie Timothy and Terry Chapman. There are no limits based on
abilities at this park. How refreshing is that eh!
Not long ago, before 1997, the Inland Lake region was a Forest
Service Recreation area and it was not till after '97 did it become
a Provincial Park. In 1989 the trial route was the winner of the
Premier's Award for Excellence in Accessible Resign. The entire
park is for anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy the therapeutic
qualities that nature delivers while exploring the outdoors.
The 13 km Inland Lake Trail and Inland Lake
area, together, provide endless enjoyment whether camping, swim
ming, cycling, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, off
roading or boating. Because of the easy grade gravel trail it
attracts many day walkers and bike riders to the area in the peak
months.
The entire Inland Lake Trail should take no
longer than 4-5 hours to complete depending on the amount of breaks
for scenery and picnics. There are 8 picnic areas to enjoy along
the trail route. So plan accordingly.
Not only is the Inland Lake Trail relatively
level, it has been covered with crushed limestone, raised boardwalk
and bridges for easy walking or wheelchair "wheelys".
The entire trail circles the shores of Inland Lake and is well
marked with many different view points. Thinking of everything,
they even have strategically positioned pit toilets along the
route for any unexpected natural emergency stops.
The trail and Inland Lake area also has 2 overnight
camping areas for drive-in and walk-in camping and some specially
equipped shelters for picnicking. For all those who like to try
there luck fresh water fishing will be totally excited at the
fact that Inland Lake has 6 piers and is able to accommodate small
boats like canoes.
There is a shorter version of an easy grade 6 km (3.6mi.) well
groomed trail located just to the right of the campsites leading
to the loop trail around Anthony Lake. The unique beauty of this
trail is the man-made bridge connecting the trail to Anthony Island
with Mount Mahoney looming behind you.
On the Inland Lake Trail there is a connecting
trail leading to the 4 km Lost
Lake Trail. The connecting route is a good work out because
of the small climbs and descents taking you past Lost Lake and
eventually hooking up to Haywire
Bay Park located on Powell Lake. Powell Lake also has some
short trails leading the curious around the lake.
Access to Inland Lake Trail: It is located near
Cranberry Lake about 12 km north of the community of Powell River,
BC. From the city of Powell River BC , at the BC Ferry Terminal
in Westview head north on Hwy 101. Turn right on Alberni Street
turning left on Manson Avenue and then a right on Cassiar Street.
You'll turn onto Yukon Street, continue on and take a right on
Haslam. Follow the road till the first junction and steer left
onto Inland Lake Road for about 4.5 km then turn right at the
Haywire Bay/Inland Lake junction for another 2 km. Locate park
signs, find a parking spot (do not leave valuables in the car).
Have fun!
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