This area was logged in the early 1900's and an impressive forest has re-grown in it's place. Although you can still see the remains of the massive cedar stumps from the original forest that once stood there. The water from Buntzen Lake was used to power Vancouver's first hydroelectric generating station the Buntzen Powerhouse and is still used to supply water to the Burrard Thermal Generating Plant. There are several interpretive signs along the trail describing the forest and power generating history of the area. Walk this short trail and learn about power generation and forest re-generation.
The cache is a round 1L screw lock container. Lots of room for trades and trackables. Easy walk on a well maintained trail that is great for small kids. (I placed this cache with my 4 year old geo-partner) Area is transit accessible during the Summer, or car or bike the rest of the year.
From the BC Hydro Recreation web site (but I think the elevation gain should actually read 50m)
Energy Trail
- Hiking time: 30 minutes return. Distance: 1 km. Elevation gain: 15 m.
Looping around the wooded knoll southwest of the South Beach boat launch, this trail passes through a variety of forest landscapes and past attractive views of Buntzen Lake. Look for interpretive displays along the way.