Riverside Trail - Whistler, BC, Canada - Update

A week or so after I my last post, I decided to do the whole Riverside loop ... that is, walking upriver on the west side of Cheakamus River, and downriver on the east bank (which I subsequently learned is called Farside). 

 

The whole walk took me almost 3 hours that include multiple stops to take photos, and to let my heart and respiration rates return to something resembling normal levels. Doubtless it can be done quicker by those in better shape.

Until you get about level with the current end of Mt Fee Road (///merit.counted.raincoats) the trail is fairly wide and even. 

Uphill from that, however, it soon becomes less travelled - narrower, twistier, more strewn with stones and roots, and it offers more challenging up- and downhills! One of those challenging ups was a series of sharp switchbacks - hard work going up but I would rather that, than trying to get down (especially with a bike!).

Not many views of the river along this part, although the roar of it reminds you that you're never far away! The riverbed is bounded by granite cliffs for some way, promising breathtaking views to come.

Not many photos from this portion of the trail as it was very dark in the forest despite it being after 8am.

Even after the switchbacks, the path continues uphill for a while until you suddenly come out at a clearing where the trail splits - and the suspension bridge (///gossip.winger.positioning). This made the effort worth it!

I spent a few minutes here, drinking in the "white horses" in the canyon, then crossed the slightly-wriggly bridge to begin my descent on the east side.

Imagine my surprise when I saw bright daylight ahead. By this time, the sun had crested the massif of Whistler Mountain and begun flooding the valley bottom with its rays. Sadly, instead of more lush rainforest full of birdsong and the rustling of the creatures of the forest floor, this is the shockingly silent scene I found:

The staggering smell of slashed soil and weeping sap was an assault. The twisted, torn trunks of once-living and life-giving trees, still red and raw.

It is hard to tell the extent of it, but I reckon that 1/3 to 1/2 of the forest east of the upper trail between the suspension bridge and the Riverside trailhead (///plush.spuds.friendlier) has been wrecked. Needless to say, I won't be rushing back there. 

If you're biking through the section beside the destruction, take care ... a tilt in the wrong direction could end with you impaled on one of many splintered stumps.

The west side, however, will still be a lovely experience for residents and visitors alike to walk and ride.

And the lower part of the east side trail is still very pleasant with views of the river and lush greenery. I'll probably return there soon to see if I can catch a photo of the kingfisher I saw a few weeks ago!

I'd written a significantly longer rant but decided against subjecting all 23 of you, my faithful subscribers, to it. Suffice to say, whatever the reason for the destruction, it can surely not be worth it!

Until next time...

Tanya

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