2011 - 11 Little Qualicum Falls

Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park was a great place to be today.  It is situated about 12 km west from the Qualicum Beach/Parksville area and is situated in a forested area and the Little Qualicum River weaves its way through a rocky gorge down to the ocean. 

As you will see in some of these photos the weather was very transient; rain then sun and then a little snow mixed in the rain but no one got wet and the river had lots of water. 



Upstream view from the lower falls bridge




Downstream view from lower falls bridge




Did I mention snow in the rain?



Lower Falls



Deep section of the gorge




The river took a path of least resistance a few years back (million or two)




These falls are just downstream of the middle bridge and are the most impressive.



This photo was taken July 2009, not much water flowing that day...



2011 - 10 Englishman River Falls

Linda and I returned back to Vancouver Island on Wednesday and after unpacking the trailer and getting caught up on some chores we headed off for a small hike close to us.  The day started with rain but the sun came out and so it was off to the Falls.  We haven't seen this much water going over the rocks for quite a few years so it was good to be there.

Here is the description of the provincial park from their website: 

The park has a large day-use area and campground and contains several hiking trails that meander through the forest and along the river. Visitors can expect spectacular views along the way, particularly from two bridges that cross the river where it plunges down the narrow rock canyon toward quieter waters below. The lower falls end in a deep crystal-clear pool - an ideal swimming hole in the summer when river levels are low and a great place to view spawning salmon in the fall.

Upper Falls - looking down from the bridge



Water pouring into a narrow slot canyon





View from the upper bridge looking down stream



After a winter in the desert this is so lush and GREEN!



Rain drops still hanging on the cedars



Lin took this photo of the fungi and vines - great contrast



Chip and I survey the damage from a storm that went through a few days ago





Sun playing with the water current



The forest floor with its beautiful carpet of plants



Lower falls - picture taken from lower bridge. The water is starting to spill over the large rock that plugs the canyon.



Lower falls - Nov 2010



Lower falls - Feb 2009



Lower falls - May 2003



Another view of our forest carpet