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| Powell River's Inland Lake Trail System is 13 km of moderate hiking or easy cycling and is the first wheelchair accessible trail at the top of the Sunshine Coast. The idea to develop a trail that was accessible to everyone was inspired by Rick Hansen's Man in Motion Tour and was fostered by the Recreation Officer of the Sunshine Coast Forest District. Building of the trail began in March of 1983 and was completed in 1989, when a crushed limestone coating for the wheelchairs was laid down. The Forest Service continues to maintain the site and make improvements. | |
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Small, rustic log cabins are located at overnight campsite areas for use exclusively by the disabled public. Other facilities on the route include firewood, accessible outhouses at all picnic and camp sites, as well as fishing piers and a caretaker at the main campsite to offer assistance when requested. The 5.5 km long lake is situated in a semi-remote forest and supports an abundant varied wildlife population. Locally, the lake is also known as Loon Lake, as these water birds with their eerie-sounding laugh nest at the water's edge. Keep your eyes open for other wildlife along the trail! There are also some signs to help with the identification of plant and tree species. The lake provides excellent camping, fishing, boating and outdoors oriented activities. |
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Along the trail you will see 3 beautiful carvings by local Native artist Jackie Timothy. One, a 4 meter high totem pole, depicts the clanship of the local Sliammon First Nations people. Shortly before the totem pole, you will come across "The Four Watchmen" carved into alder stumps, there to watch all those who come to visit. |
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As you continue on, there is a mask of the "Old Man of the Forest". He is hidden in a stand of ten or twelve red cedars, ready to offer wisdom and spiritual guidance to those aware enough to find him. There are also number of chain saw carvings that were sculpted by Terry Chapman of Sechelt, B.C. For the Inland Lake Trail, he has sculpted a variety of animals and birds as well as a logger and a fisherman, representing the site's history and biodiversity.  |
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