Over this May long weekend, we camped out with friends who have a
block of land nearby. While going for a walk on the Saturday, we
introduced our friends to this obsession of ours by finding a
nearby cache. Afterwards, we continued on along the trail and ended
up here, at the top of a small hill, overlooking Surveyors Lake,
which is located in the Kikomun Creek Provincial Park.
According to the BCParks website, “Kikomun Creek Provincial Park
(682 hectors) was created on May 18, 1972, and is located on Lake
Koocanusa, a 144 km long reservoir created by the Libby Dam on the
Kootenay River in Montana.
Located in a dry sunny area of the Province, this Park preserves
an example of Interior Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine forest and
grassland habitat. Paved roads within this family oriented park are
conducive to biking.
Because native grasslands are rare to this part of the country
many endangered plants are found throughout the park. An extensive
program to restore native grassland is underway in the park.
Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park's natural heritage,
please do not damage or remove them.
Visitors are asked to only enjoy viewing the painted turtles.
Because the survival rate of these turtles is low, it is crucial
that they be protected in the park and treated with respect by
visitors. IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DISTURB, ABUSE OR REMOVE TURTLES FROM
THE PARK.
To get to the Provincial Park from the east, turn off Hwy 3,
three kms west of Hwy 3/93 junction at Elko, the park entrance is
eight kms west. From the west, turn off Hwy 3 at Jaffray, the park
is located 16 kms south.”
Apparently there is a very nice campground nearby, which is open
from May 1 – October 31 and has 105 full-services sites (available
until September 30) which are reasonably priced.
Activities within the Park include camping, canoeing, cycling,
fishing, hiking and swimming. There is also a boat launch and
picnic areas.
We came in along the trail from Baynes Lake Road, after finding
the nearby HAGGIS cache. There are also trails from Kikumon Road,
which would be a longer walk, but equally as enjoyable.
After finding the cache, you might like to sit on The (nearby)
Bench and sign the log or just take in the view as we did.
This is a favourite spot for our friends, who like to relax here
and enjoy watching visitors swim and boat on the lake. So we
dedicate this cache to them … Scott and Kathy … and thank them for
welcoming us to their get-away spot and showing us around this
beautiful area of the Kootenays.
KR
