A log chute (also known as a "log flume") is a man-made trough that was used to carry logs over rough river landscape to a sawmill by using flowing water. The first log chute was developed in 1829 to circumnavigate the Chaudière Falls in Quebec.
Early flumes were square sided chutes that were prone to jams that could cause damage and required constant maintenance. Earlier images of the Hawk Lake log chute, first constructed in 1861, show that the original chute design did have a more square sided shape that the current reconstructed one.
By the late 1800s, thousands of these wooden chutes existed around the province. Now this one alone remains in Ontario. As you can see from the damage to the mid-section of the chute, it is sadly in need of repair once again.
It is said that flume herders and others would take rides down log chutes in small boats, either for the purposes of a formal inspection or just for the fun of it...despite this being an exceedingly risky activity! This is where the idea for a "log-ride" attraction was born. As a child, the log-ride was one of my most favourite amusement park attractions - visiting this real log chute brought back some wonderful memories of those carefree times.
This designated historical site includes several features that will enhance your visit to the area:
- A scenic 500-meter loop trail that takes you from the log chute to a nearby parking lot.
- Picnic tables are available so you can relax with a picnic lunch or snack.
- A well maintained outhouse.
Logging Requirements:
You will need to visit four locations within the park to answer questions and take photos in order to complete this virtual cache. There is no gate and no admission fees for entry or parking. The site is officially opened in the spring, summer and fall. I was told it was possible to visit in the winter also, but the road to the location is not guaranteed to receive winter maintenance, so please bear this in mind if attempting your visit in the winter.
Waypoint # 1 - Top of the Dam (the winch)
Take a walk up to the top of the dam. Locate the winch and answer the following questions:
(1) Who is the manufacturer of the winch?
(2) What city was the winch made in?
(3) How many tons can the winch handle?
Waypoint # 2 - Information Kiosk
Visit the information kiosk and answer the following questions:
(1) Who built the log chutes?
(2) What are log chutes always attached to?
(3) What happened to the thousands of log chutes around the province that no longer exist?
(4) When was the most recent project to rebuild this log chute completed?
Waypoint # 3 - Picture Spot - Viewing Platform at the mouth of the chute
Visit the viewing platform and take an original photo with the mouth of the chute visible in the background. There is no need to show your face in the photo, but you may do so if you wish. If the photo is for a group, ensure that all group members are represented. Attach the photo to your found log. Here is an example:
Waypoint # 4 - Picture Spot - Side view of the dam and chute
From the indicated spot, take an original photo with the dam and top of the chute in the background. There is no need to show your face in the photo, but you may do so if you wish. If the photo is for a group, ensure that all group members are represented. Attach the photo to your found log. Here is an example:
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019-2021
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and December 31, 2021. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.