Capilano Canyon old-growth hike, June 12th 2011

Above the rocky canyon and raging rapids of Capliano River, once stood an impressive forest of towering Douglas-firs and Western red-cedars reputed to be up to 6m in diameter. The majority of the Capilano Ancient forest as well as most of Vancouver's  North Shore Mountains was tragically logged in the early 1900's. 

While many groves of old trees lay scattered throughout the mountains, one of the most accessible  remnants of the North Shore's legendary forest can be easily visited at North Vancouver's Capilano Regional Park. Monumental Douglas-firs growing along the trails across from the Capilano salmon hatchery are the destination of our visit. Along the way we will also see a forest of healthy new growth that is growing rapidly in the humid and lush micorclimate of the Capilano Canyon. The hike also offers great views of the spectacular Capilano Canyon and a glimpse of the Capilano water resevoir, which supplies the city of Vancouver's with a portion of its critical water supply. This is seen as we walk over the tall Dam that forms the resevoir.

This hike is intended to educate the public on the depletion of BC's old-growth forests and to demonstrate the proximity and accessibility of these forests to the provinces largest city. It will be led by Ira Sutherland a member of the UBC Ancient Forest Committee and avid hiker in the North Shore Mountains.

Details: We are Meeting at the Cleveland Dam Parking lot(Capilano Road at Clements Ave)  at 2:30 pm on Sunday June 12th. The hike is 3 hours. The location is accessible by public transit (www.translink.bc.ca) and has ample vehicle and bicycle parking! The hike is free and open for anybody to join. However, all participants must be capable of hiking on the steep uneven ground of the canyon area and exercise caution around streams and the Capilano River aswell as on potentially slippery staircases and footbridges. Everybody must assume responsibility for their own safety. Appropriate clothing, snacks and water are also recommended. That being said this hike is only of moderate-easy difficulty and is less challenging then other AFC hikes in the North Shore Mountains.

Email mountainira@gmail.com if you have any questions.