Deep in the Western Canadian mountains, there is a rare temperate inland rainforest. Located in Mount Revelstoke National Park, next to the Illecillewaet River is the Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail. It's more of a stroll than a hike but the greenery is nothing short of impressive.
These hemlock trees are much smaller than those found in the Hemlock Grove but the scenery is just as lush. Ferns cover the forest floor and the atmosphere is as peaceful as it gets. Wonderful forest smells fill the air and one can hear the roaring river in the background.
We didn't see any Skunk Cabbage nor did we smell it. This was more of a stop on the side of the road during a Sunday morning. Instead of drinking a coffee in the car or cafe, we took it to the forest.
Humans are incapable of re-creating such nature. Tiny brooks criss-cross the forest floors draining mount Revelstoke into the Columbian River Basin.
The boardwalk starts at the swamp but it was blocked off for repairs. Thankfully we weren't here for a hike and were finishing up the coffees.
This is a highway rest spot located just off the Trans-Canada Highway about a 20 minute drive East of Revelstoke or four hours West of Calgary. So many trails start between here so a 4 hour drive can easily turn into years of weekend experiences.
Smoke was still in the air so we have to come back when the sky is clearer. It's hard to make out the mountains of Roger's Pass in the background. On a clear day one would see for dozens of miles.
On a day like today because of the smoke, one could barely see across the river. It was the perfect day for a forest walk and not the best time to explore trails with a view.
It's time to leave Revelstoke for next season. Thank you for reading and keep exploring!
All photos taken with an S22 phone and are unfiltered.
