lcometto Member
Joined: 27 Feb 2018 Posts: 108 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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lcometto
Member
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Tue Dec 10, 2019 7:38 am
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The Carmanah Valley in Vancouver Island is one of the greatest old-growth valleys in the entire Northwest. As an avid hiker of old-growth forests, I’m consistently blown away by its prehistoric feel. Last weekend, I decided to photograph the Carmanah’s Valley Mist Trail and the Upper Valley Trail as part of my years-long project to document the giant trees on the Island: http://www.lucascometto.com/cascadia-vancouver-island
Valley Mist Trail
The drive to the Carmanah Valley parking lot is a long, bumpy and only suitable for vehicles with good tires. The drive crosses almost the entire Island and starts near the western coast where the mouth of the valley meets the ocean. Much like the major rainforest valleys of Olympic National Park, constant rain filters into the valley permitting giant trees to grow.
There are two sections of a long trail that the Canada Parks acknowledges. The first is the Valley Mist Trail, which starts by dropped down a few hundred feet from the parking lot to a trail that follows the Carmanah River. This 1.6-mile trail is filled with absolutely titanic trees. In the early 1990s, this remarkable valley served as ground zero for the conservation movement resulting in the boardwalk trail that still exists today. Through its short length, the Valley Mist Trail follows the river closely, penetrating rain-soaked landscapes that are optimal for Sitka Spruce old-growth. A huge spruce at the beginning of the trail called the Coast Tower confirms this fact (picture one above).
Carmanah Valley, Vancouver Island
The southern section of the Valley Mist Trail leads to both the Randy Stoltmann Commemorative Grove (picture two) and the interestingly-shaped “Heaven Tree” (picture three). The Soltmann Grove commemorates one of the most important conservationists in Vancouver Island’s history, whose relentless advocacy saved this and other valleys from destruction. The memorial is appropriate, as this grove contains the greatest concentration of titanic Sitka Spruces in the entire valley.
Upper Valley Trail
The approximately 10-mile Upper Valley Trail is a long day-hike alternative. It begins north of the boardwalk section and leads upstream through lush old-growth forests of primarily western hemlock, amabilis fir, and, of course, spruce. Several sections of the trail are lined with grove after grove of huge trees.
Carmanah Valley, Vancouver Island Carmanah Valley, Vancouver Island
Because Parks Canada does not maintain the path north of the Valley Mist Trail, hikers must navigate significant blowdown. Currently, there are many trees on the trail and several sections require following flagging tape around the deteriorating path. However, it’s nothing too extreme and is easily navigable for the average fit hiker. Though this slows the hiking, the overgrown feeling of the trail’s northern portion provides an unrivaled sense of adventure.
Carmanah Valley, Vancouver Island
Several overnight backcountry camps, including Grunt’s Grove and Mystic Hollow, are accessible deep in the valley, and remove hikers far from civilization. Near its end, about six miles from the parking lot, the trail reaches a stunning swimming hole of deep turquoise water named Paradise Pool (picture eight below). The landmark is an appropriate turnaround for day hikers. Further on, the trail fords the Carmanah River and connects to the Upper Caramah Trail. Here, the upper reaches of the valley offer hikers incredible solitude and true unspoiled wilderness. My hope is to return and hike the Upper Carmanah one day to experience all of the beauty this incredible valley has to offer.
Carmanah Valley, Vancouver Island Carmanah Valley, Vancouver Island
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