DeBecks Hill

Todays walk took us back out to Alice Lake Provincial Park, just North of Squamish.  I was undecided enroute whether we would do the Four Lakes Trail or perhaps the DeBecks Hill route which we last walked in August 2010. Not knowing what the trail conditions would be like we kept an open mind.

On reaching the park we discovered that the main park area is actually closed over the winter months.  Access is still allowed but the ‘developed’ aspect of the park such as the campgrounds, washrooms etc are all closed and the trails are not maintained by the parks department until the Spring. This also meant we had to park on Alice Lake Road road than our usual parking lot right inside the park.

The different parking location made our decision on where to walk, as it would add another 2km or so to the 4km round trip up and down DeBecks Hill and make a sufficient stomp on this frosty morning without adding the Four Lakes Trail also.

There were small pockets of snow at the side of the road left from the last snowfall but the trails were completely clear.

Because the park was essentially closed it was eerily quiet….just one other car parked on Alice Lake Road and we didn’t see another person. 

We took the opportunity to use the lakeside trail around Alice Lake.  This is usually a ‘no dogs’ trail but since there was nobody to object…..

Approximately two-thirds of the lake had frozen overnight

Views across the lake towards peaks in the Tantalus  Range.

These picnic benches won’t see much action until the Spring.

The pontoons aren’t getting much use this time of year either.

But that doesn’t stop Mojo from jumping into the freezing water for a paddle……

…..and a drink…..

…..and to blow some bubbles…..

…followed by a good shake.

After our paddle/drink/bubble blowing in Alice Lake we head reach the start of the DeBecks Hill trail.  This trail has no long history, it was only developed in the 1950’s by logger Denis DeBeck who cut and blasted rock to create this track for use as he logged the hill. He closed his logging business in 1966 but in honour of his work Mojo attempts to keep the tradition alive.

There are just a couple of the old growth trees left here that managed to escape the chop, the rest are the result of replantation of the site.

Soon we reach the top of DeBecks Hill.  We get great views across the Squamish Valley.

The Tantalus Range – this ridge marks the edge of the large and extremely remote Tantalus Provincial Park

Views to the North

On our way back down we get a brief glimpse of the Garibaldi Range to the East.

More views around Alice Lake on our return.

Where’s Wally ?   He’s hiding in the shadows looking for an elusive squirrel or bird.

Views from the parking lot as we depart.

On our way back we warm up with the help of a mocha from Tim Hortons.  One of the things I like most about Squamish is that there are great views everywhere, even at the mall !

We continue on the Sea-to-Sky Highway getting these views of Mt Garibaldi with the town of Squamish in the valley below.

 

Then we stop for a brief photo op. in Porteau Cove.

Views here across Howe Sound towards Tantalus Provincial Park.

Mojo spots a seagull he’d like a ‘friendly chat’ with.   Thankfully he’s on leash.

And the seagull tantalisingly paddles across in front of us.

We then continue the 30 minute or so drive home, where there is an inevitable outcome……

Great walk, great weather, what else is there to say ?!