Paradise Meadows- Strathcona Provincial Park — Attraction in Area C (Puntledge/Black Creek)

This alpine park is aptly named "Paradise Meadows" - indeed this place is a true to it's name. Better known to some folk's as the "Paradise Meadows Loop Trails".

Directions to Paradise Meadows; take the Inland Highway to Mount Washington Road (set of lights is at this crossroad on the hwy. ). Take MW road up to almost the top - at some point this road becomes Strathcona Parkway. Maybe 1 km before you get to the Mount Washington village - turn left onto Nordic Drive - follow the road until you come PM parking lot.

Large parking lot immediately beyond the park entrance at the big rock sign. Park entrance shares it's parking lot with "Ravine Lodge ", "Vancouver Island Mountain Center" and the "Visitor's Information" building that contains a small concession stand.

Trails in the meadow itself are mostly boardwalks- purpose is to keep ecological footprints to a minimum. Just walking the meadow is a pleasant stroll for a hour or more. Maps are on boards in several locations throughout the boardwalks & the trails. Dog's should be kept on leash for the most part, both boardwalk & sections of the trails are somewhat narrow when there is two way traffic.

The lake loop, Helen McKenzie/Battleship lakes, is almost a 6 kilometer loop in total - from meadow back to meadow. Beyond Helen McKenzie is trails to higher alpine lakes. It is another 6 to 7 kilometers to Circlet lake one way, on somewhat rugged trails that are all uphill one way. Can be done as a day trip, but you can opt to stay overnight. There are campsites next to the lake, all are on boardwalk, no campfires in the park - so bring your camp stove & warm cloths. Don't forget bug repellent. Plan on taking all garbage back out with you. Awesome swimming on a hot summer days - though the water is icy cold. Check before hiking &/or camping to whether the trails you intend to take are clear of snow.

During the winter months this meadow becomes Nordic Skiing (cross country) and snowshoeing trails. These trails are groomed & patrolled so there is a day fee charged. Note; dog's are not allowed on the groomed trails. Nordic ski & snowshoe rentals are available at the Nordic Lodge.

Bring unsalted nuts, seeds, wild bird seed, dried bread crumbs or chopped dried fruit for the mooching "Whiskey Jacks". They will eat the spoils directly from the palm of your hand. Make sure you have plenty - there is flocks of these...

After much research and preparation, I figured that we should be able to take in both the Forbidden Plateau Loop and the Paradise Meadows Loop Trail. Aaarg, was I wrong – I forgot to take into account that we were high up on mount Washington. On Jun 20, the boardwalk was still covered with at least 3ft of snow. We should have aborted. But we didn't. Being over optimistic that the snow would surely have melted once inside the meadow. Not. If it wasn't for the Gaia GPS app, we would have been completely lost most likely walked into the lake. But Gaia kept us on track, it was helpful to see the arrow on the app changing direction as we try to figure out where the boardwalk was as it was not possible to tell between boardwalk and lake. Most of the snow was hardened ice, except in some places, the snow was starting to melt. It was in one of those places that I slipped and twisted my knee. Thanks to the Gaia app, we made it back to the trail head. Afterwards, my friend told me that they were there in July, and still saw some snow. But apparently in July, the insects...

What a beautiful summertime walk, suitable for families and everyone else. The meadows seem to change every few metres, showing off a new and different vista, plant, wetland bog or stream and other natural treasures with each step. The loop is also a great launching point for a longer hike to the gorgeous Helen MacKenzie Lake, Battleship Lake, and many smaller lakes. These longer hikes are also suitable for kids (and dogs). They are spectacular...