Tag Archives: hike

Bear Safety at Buntzen Lake

April 15, 2014Buntzen Lake Blogbear, buntzen lake, Diez Vistas, hike, nature, scenicadmin

Buntzen Lake is bear country. Black bears occasionally travel through the recreation area and surrounding forests, and BC Hydro regularly posts wildlife-awareness signs around the lake.

The bears found around Buntzen Lake are black bears, not grizzly bears. The safety guidance on this page is therefore focused on black bear encounters.

I have completed hundreds of hikes around Buntzen Lake and have probably seen bears only six or seven times. Most of those encounters have been uneventful, with the bear either ignoring me or moving away. That does not mean every encounter will be the same, so it is important to know what to do before you see one.

If you see a bear:
Stay calm, do not run, give the bear plenty of space, and slowly move away. Do not approach it for a photograph or block its escape route. Keep the bear in sight, but avoid staring directly at it. If you carry bear spray, keep it accessible and know how to use it.

Bear Encounters at Buntzen Lake

Seeing a bear at Buntzen Lake is not especially common in my experience, but it does happen. Bears may cross hiking trails, travel along forest edges, or feed in areas where berries and other natural foods are abundant.

Most of the bears I have encountered have shown little interest in me. However, I once made the mistake of watching a bear too intently. The bear responded with what appeared to be a bluff charge. That was a useful reminder that even a bear that initially seems calm can react if it feels threatened or crowded.

WildSafeBC recommends avoiding direct eye contact with an agitated bear while still keeping it in sight. Speak calmly, back away slowly, and give the bear a clear route to leave.

Avoid Surprising a Bear

One of the best ways to stay safe is to avoid surprising a bear in the first place. Be especially alert on narrow trails, around blind corners, beside noisy streams, and in dense vegetation where visibility is poor.

Talk normally or call out occasionally when hiking in areas with poor visibility.
Pay attention to fresh bear scat, tracks, claw marks, overturned logs, and other signs of recent activity.
Avoid wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing what is happening around you.
Keep dogs under control and follow current leash requirements.
Be particularly cautious around berry patches and other natural food sources.
Never deliberately approach a bear, even if it appears calm.

Bears and Berries

Salmonberries are common around Buntzen Lake, particularly in sunny openings and along forest edges. Their pink flowers appear in spring and are followed by edible berries later in the season.

Bears eat a wide variety of natural foods, including berries. Salmonberries, blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries can all attract feeding bears when the fruit is ripe. If you find yourself in a productive berry patch, pay extra attention to your surroundings and watch for fresh bear sign.

Salmonberry flower at Buntzen Lake — A salmonberry flower at Buntzen Lake. Berry-producing shrubs are an important natural food source for bears.

What to Do if You Encounter a Bear

Every bear encounter is different, and the bear’s behaviour matters. In general, if a bear becomes aware of you but is not approaching aggressively, remain calm, speak in a low voice, and slowly increase the distance between you and the bear.

Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response.
Do not approach. Give the bear plenty of room and allow it to leave.
Do not stare directly at the bear. Keep the bear in sight, but avoid prolonged direct eye contact, especially if it appears agitated or defensive.
Back away slowly. Avoid sudden movements.
Have bear spray ready. It should be carried somewhere immediately accessible, not buried inside a backpack.
If a bear bluff charges: stand your ground, prepare your bear spray, and do not run.

A bear that stomps, woofs, jaw-pops, or bluff charges may be telling you that you are too close. Increase your distance calmly and give it space.

Carry Bear Spray

Bear spray can be an effective deterrent, but only if it is accessible and you know how to use it. Carry it in a holster or another location where you can reach it immediately rather than storing it inside your backpack.

Check the expiry date, practise removing the safety clip before heading out, and learn the correct technique before you need it. Bear spray is emergency equipment, not something to experiment with on the trail.

Never Feed Bears

Never intentionally feed a bear or leave food where wildlife can access it. Food-conditioned bears can lose their natural wariness of people, increasing the risk of conflict for both the bear and visitors.

Pack out food scraps and other garbage, including fruit peels and cores. Even biodegradable food waste can attract wildlife to trails and recreation areas.

Bear Photos from Deboville Slough

The two bear photographs below were not taken at Buntzen Lake. I photographed these black bears at Deboville Slough in northeast Coquitlam in 2013 while they were feeding on berries.

They appeared much more interested in their natural food than in me, but photographs like these should always be taken from a safe distance. A bear that appears relaxed can still react quickly if approached or disturbed.

Black bear at Deboville Slough in Coquitlam — A black bear at Deboville Slough in Coquitlam. This photograph was not taken at Buntzen Lake.

Black bear feeding near Deboville Slough in Coquitlam — Another black bear at Deboville Slough. Always photograph wildlife from a safe distance.

Dogs and Bears

Dogs can complicate bear encounters. A dog may chase or provoke a bear and then run back toward its owner. Keep dogs under control and follow posted leash requirements, particularly where bears or other wildlife have recently been reported.

Report Problem Bears

A bear simply moving through the forest does not normally require intervention. However, aggressive behaviour, bears repeatedly accessing human food, or other serious wildlife conflicts should be reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

Learn More About Bear Safety

For current information about bear behaviour, avoiding encounters, bear spray, and what to do during an encounter, visit WildSafeBC’s black bear safety information.

BC Hydro also reminds visitors to its recreation areas that wildlife, including bears and cougars, may be encountered and that wildlife should never be fed.

Bear behaviour is unpredictable, and no set of guidelines can guarantee a safe encounter. Give wildlife plenty of space, follow current posted warnings, carry bear spray where appropriate, and use current bear-safety guidance before heading into bear country.

Interesting Trees Around Buntzen Lake

April 11, 2014Buntzen Lake Blogbuntzen lake, Diez Vistas, hike, nature, scenicadmin

After hundreds of walks and hikes around Buntzen Lake, I have come across plenty of unusual trees, roots, stumps, and other small details that are easy to miss if you are focused only on reaching your destination.

Some are the result of natural growth, decay, fire, or injury. Others are reminders of the area’s logging history. This page is a collection of some of the more interesting examples I have photographed around Buntzen Lake and the surrounding trails.

A Tree with a Major Sap Flow

This tree on the west side of the Buntzen Lake Trail was producing an unusually large amount of sap or resin. The flow started well above ground level and had built up into a thick layer extending downhill for roughly 2 m.

Trees can produce sap or resin in response to injury, insect activity, disease, cracks in the bark, or other stress. Without examining the tree closely, it is impossible to know exactly what caused this particular flow, but it was certainly one of the more dramatic examples I have seen.

Tree with a large sap or resin flow beside the Buntzen Lake Trail — A large sap or resin flow on a tree beside the Buntzen Lake Trail.

A Burned Spiral Tree

On the east side of Buntzen Lake, I found this burned-out tree with a striking spiral shape. Fire, decay, wind, and uneven growth can leave trees with some remarkable forms, although the exact history of this one is unknown.

Burned spiral-shaped tree at Buntzen Lake — A burned tree with an unusual spiral form on the east side of Buntzen Lake.

Stumps Growing on Stumps

Large old logging stumps are common around Buntzen Lake and are reminders of logging that took place in the area many decades ago.

The stumps below are particularly interesting. New trees established themselves on top of the older stumps, sending roots down around the decaying wood. Those younger trees were later cut as well, leaving what looks like a stump growing on top of another stump.

As old stumps slowly decay, the roots of the younger tree can remain standing around the empty space, sometimes forming surprisingly elaborate shapes.

Trees growing from old logging stumps at Buntzen Lake — Old logging stumps supporting later generations of trees near South Beach.

Woodpecker Excavation

During one walk on Lakeview Trail, I noticed what looked almost like someone had attacked a tree with a saw. The damage was high above the ground and surprisingly extensive.

On a later visit, the mystery was solved when I saw a woodpecker actively working on the tree. By then, it had already begun excavating a second section.

Woodpeckers excavate trees for several reasons, including searching for insects and creating nesting or roosting cavities. Decaying or insect-damaged wood is often particularly attractive to them.

Woodpecker excavation damage high on a tree along Lakeview Trail — Woodpecker excavation high on a tree along Lakeview Trail.

A Tiny Waterfall After Heavy Rain

Heavy rainfall can reveal small features around Buntzen Lake that disappear again once the forest dries out. After one particularly wet period, water was dripping steadily over a moss-covered rock beside the trail, creating what looked like a miniature waterfall.

A Loopy Branch

This branch somehow managed to form an almost complete loop before continuing to grow. Trees can produce unusual shapes when branches are redirected by obstacles, damage, changing light conditions, or irregular growth.

Tree branch growing in a loop at Buntzen Lake — A branch with an unusual loop-shaped growth pattern.

An Unusual Tree on the Diez Vistas Trail

This tree on the Diez Vistas Trail has another unusual growth pattern. It may have been influenced by an old injury, damage when the tree was young, competing growth, or another disturbance, but there is no way to determine the exact cause from appearance alone.

Tree with an unusual growth pattern on the Diez Vistas Trail — An unusual growth pattern on a tree along the Diez Vistas Trail.

A Tree Growing Around a Rock

Trees are remarkably good at adapting to obstacles. This one began growing beside a large rock and gradually expanded around it.

As trunks and roots increase in diameter, they can slowly envelop rocks, old stumps, fences, and other objects that happen to be in the way.

Tree growing around a large rock near Buntzen Lake — A tree adapting its growth around a large rock.

Patterns in the Roots

On a connecting trail between Diez Vistas and Lakeview Trail, I noticed this interesting root pattern. Roots often follow the easiest route through soil, around rocks, and across fallen wood, producing shapes that can look almost deliberately designed.

Interesting tree root pattern near Buntzen Lake — An interesting pattern formed by tree roots near Buntzen Lake.

Part of the Fun of Walking at Buntzen Lake

These are the kinds of things I enjoy noticing after repeatedly walking the same trails. A familiar route can look completely different after a storm, during another season, or simply when you happen to notice something you have walked past dozens of times before.

Some of the most interesting features at Buntzen Lake are not viewpoints or destinations at all. They are just small details in the forest that make you stop for a closer look.

Buntzen Lake Tunnel

April 1, 2014Buntzen Lake Blogbuntzen lake, construction, hike, scenic, tunneladmin

The Coquitlam-Buntzen diversion tunnel is one of the most remarkable pieces of infrastructure at Buntzen Lake. It carries water from Coquitlam Reservoir through Eagle Mountain and into the north end of Buntzen Lake, forming a key part of the hydroelectric system that helped bring hydroelectric power to Vancouver more than a century ago.

The tunnel is approximately 3.9 km long and passes as much as 1.2 km beneath the surface of Eagle Mountain. Considering that the original tunnel was excavated more than a century ago using drilling, blasting, hand tools, and surveying equipment of the period, the engineering achievement is remarkable.

A Tunnel Through Eagle Mountain

The tunnel carries water west from Coquitlam Reservoir beneath Eagle Mountain before emerging at the north end of Buntzen Lake.

Water entering Buntzen Lake can eventually be directed through large penstocks down the steep western side of the mountain toward the hydroelectric facilities on Indian Arm.

Heavy water flow from the Coquitlam-Buntzen diversion tunnel into Buntzen Lake — A heavy flow of water entering Buntzen Lake from the diversion tunnel.

Construction of the Original Tunnel

Construction of the original tunnel began in January 1903. Rather than excavating from only one end, crews worked from both sides of Eagle Mountain and drove the tunnel toward the centre.

The contractor was Ironside, Rannie & Campbell. More than 175 men were employed on the work, with the workforce reportedly reaching as many as 300 at times. Crews worked eight-hour shifts through days, nights, and holidays.

The two headings finally met in April 1905. The surveying accuracy was extraordinary: the closing error was reported as only 7/8 inch in horizontal alignment and 1¾ inches in grade.

For a tunnel driven through several kilometres of mountain using early twentieth-century surveying and construction techniques, that level of accuracy is difficult to imagine today.

How Big Was the Original Tunnel?

The original tunnel was approximately 9 feet by 9 feet. Demand for electricity grew so quickly that the tunnel was enlarged between 1909 and 1911 to approximately 14 feet by 14 feet, greatly increasing the amount of water that could be transferred from Coquitlam Reservoir to Buntzen Lake.

The expansion was part of a much larger enlargement of the hydroelectric system, including major work at Coquitlam Dam and the eventual construction of additional generating capacity on Indian Arm.

How Deep Is the Tunnel?

At its deepest point, the tunnel lies approximately 1.2 km below the surface of Eagle Mountain. The photograph below helps put that depth into perspective.

Eagle Mountain rising above the Coquitlam-Buntzen diversion tunnel outlet — Eagle Mountain above the tunnel outlet at the north end of Buntzen Lake.

Tunnel Construction Camp

A construction camp was established near what is now North Beach to support the tunnel project. The camp included workers’ accommodation and facilities such as a blacksmith shop.

For several years, the quiet recreation area we know today would have been a busy industrial construction site filled with workers, equipment, supplies, blasting materials, rail carts, and excavation debris.

Historic tunnel construction camp at Buntzen Lake — The tunnel construction camp near what is now North Beach.

A Dangerous Project

Underground construction in the early 1900s was extremely dangerous. Workers drilled and blasted rock with explosives in confined underground spaces while dealing with falling rock, machinery, darkness, dust, water, and limited safety equipment by modern standards.

A memorial near the tunnel recognizes workers associated with the construction of the hydroelectric system and the sacrifices involved in building it.

Historic tunnel workers memorial near Buntzen Lake — The memorial near the tunnel at Buntzen Lake.

Tunnel Flow Can Change Dramatically

The amount of water flowing from the tunnel can vary considerably. On some visits, the outlet can look relatively calm; at other times, a tremendous volume of water pours into Buntzen Lake.

The Coquitlam-Buntzen system has historically been capable of transferring roughly 40 m³ of water per second. That is about 40,000 litres every second.

Low water flow from the Coquitlam-Buntzen diversion tunnel — A much lower flow from the tunnel on another visit.

Why the Tunnel Area Is Dangerous

The quiet appearance of the tunnel outlet can be deceptive. Water flows can change as the hydroelectric system is operated, and currents around the outlet can be powerful and unpredictable.

BC Hydro has warning signs around the area for good reason. Visitors should stay outside restricted areas and well away from the tunnel opening and strong currents.

Danger warning sign near the diversion tunnel at Buntzen Lake — One of the warning signs near the tunnel outlet.

⚠️ Do not enter the tunnel.
The diversion tunnel is active hydroelectric infrastructure. Water can be released through the system, currents can be extremely strong, and entering restricted areas is dangerous. Observe all BC Hydro signs and barriers.

The Tunnel and Vancouver’s First Hydroelectric Power

The tunnel was a key component of one of the Lower Mainland’s earliest major hydroelectric developments.

Water diverted from Coquitlam Reservoir enters Buntzen Lake, which acts as a reservoir for the generating system. From Buntzen Lake, water can travel through large penstocks down the steep mountainside toward the powerhouse on Indian Arm.

Buntzen No. 1 began generating electricity in the early 1900s and became part of the system that supplied Vancouver with hydroelectric power. A second powerhouse, Buntzen No. 2, was later completed farther south along Indian Arm.

Water from Coquitlam Lake to Indian Arm

The complete system takes advantage of a dramatic difference in elevation:

Water is stored in Coquitlam Reservoir.
Water travels through the diversion tunnel beneath Eagle Mountain.
The tunnel empties into Buntzen Lake.
Buntzen Lake acts as a forebay for the hydroelectric system.
Water is directed through large penstocks down the mountainside.
The falling water drives hydroelectric generating equipment near Indian Arm.

In other words, Buntzen Lake is not simply a natural-looking recreational lake. Its water level and much of its modern history are closely connected to a working hydroelectric system.

Video of Heavy Tunnel Flow

This video gives a much better impression of how powerful the tunnel discharge can become.

Above the Tunnel

A trail climbs above the north end of Buntzen Lake and provides another perspective on the area where the tunnel emerges from beneath Eagle Mountain.

View from the trail above the Coquitlam-Buntzen diversion tunnel — Looking toward the tunnel area from the trail above.

Still Operating More Than a Century Later

Perhaps the most remarkable part of the story is that the Coquitlam-Buntzen diversion tunnel remains part of the operating water and hydroelectric system more than a century after it was built.

BC Hydro has continued to maintain and modernize the infrastructure. Recent work included replacing three tunnel gates and installing modern control equipment so the system can be monitored and operated remotely.

Few visitors walking along North Beach probably realize that beneath Eagle Mountain is a tunnel bored through kilometres of solid rock more than 120 years ago and still serving essentially the same purpose today.

Diez Vistas Trail

March 23, 2014Buntzen Lake Hikesbuntzen lake, Diez Vistas, hike, scenicadmin

The Diez Vistas Trail is one of the classic hikes at Buntzen Lake. The name is Spanish for “ten views”, and the route climbs high onto Buntzen Ridge with views toward Indian Arm, Burrard Inlet, Buntzen Lake, Eagle Ridge, and the surrounding mountains.

The hike is considerably more demanding than the Buntzen Lake Loop. Expect a long initial climb, steep switchbacks, rocky and root-covered trail, substantial descents, and several hours in the forest between viewpoints.

Diez Vistas Trail Stats

Distance: approximately 12.4 km for the full loop
Elevation gain: approximately 450 m
Cumulative elevation gain: approximately 720 m
Difficulty: Difficult
Route: Loop
Typical hiking time: approximately 4 to 6 hours
BC Hydro suggested time: 6 to 8 hours

This is not a beginner hike.
Diez Vistas involves sustained climbing, steep switchbacks, long descents, uneven terrain, roots, rocks, and several hours of hiking. You should be comfortable with prolonged uphill hiking and have a reasonable level of fitness before attempting the route.

Hiking time varies considerably depending on fitness, trail conditions, rest stops, and how long you spend at the viewpoints. BC Hydro suggests allowing 6 to 8 hours, which provides a conservative margin for hikers who are unfamiliar with the route. In my experience, the hike can be completed considerably faster. My average time has been about 3 hours 30 minutes, and my fastest time was 2 hours 43 minutes, although both represent a fast pace with relatively limited stopping time. For most hikers, I think allowing approximately 4 to 6 hours is a reasonable starting point.

Fit hikers can complete the full route considerably faster than the official 6-to-8-hour estimate, but I would allow plenty of time if this is your first time on the trail or if you plan to stop at the viewpoints.

Current route information
Trail access around the north end of Buntzen Lake can change because of rockslides, maintenance, and other hazards. BC Hydro currently reports no pedestrian access on Powerhouse Road between North Beach and Buntzen Dam. Hikers completing Diez Vistas should follow the current posted route using the Old Buntzen Lake Trail and other open trails. Check the BC Hydro trail information before heading out.

Diez Vistas GPS Map

The interactive map below shows one of my actual GPS recordings of the Diez Vistas route. Use the layer control in the upper-right corner to switch between the regular map and satellite imagery.

Which Direction Should You Hike?

I strongly prefer hiking Diez Vistas clockwise, beginning near the southwest end of Buntzen Lake. This puts the hardest sustained climb near the beginning of the hike, when you have the most energy, and leaves the easier return toward South Beach for later.

The first part of the route climbs steadily through the forest. After crossing beneath the powerlines and pipeline, the trail reaches a series of switchbacks. This is one of the steepest sustained sections of the hike.

The First Viewpoint

After the initial climb, the first substantial opening provides a welcome reward. This viewpoint was not one of the original numbered Diez Vistas, but it offers an excellent view toward Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm.

The first major viewpoint reached when hiking Diez Vistas clockwise.

The East Point Option

Near this area, hikers have historically had the option of continuing around the East Point side route or following the more direct bypass.

The East Point route includes Punta Aprecio, an unnamed viewpoint, and Punta del Este, with additional views toward Buntzen Lake and Eagle Ridge.

The exact trail junction and signage can change, so follow current trail markers rather than relying exclusively on older maps or descriptions.

My older map showing the East Point route and bypass. Follow current onsite signage.

Confused by the “ten views”?
Several of the original vistas have become partly obscured by tree growth, while other excellent viewpoints were never part of the original numbering. See my Diez Vistas: Finding Ten Great Views article for the viewpoint history, East Point details, and my alternate vista maps.

My Favourite Diez Vistas View

About another kilometre beyond the southern junction is one of the major west-facing viewpoints. This has long been my favourite view on the hike, looking across the southern part of Indian Arm toward Bedwell Bay and the surrounding mountains.

One of my favourite views from Diez Vistas, looking toward Indian Arm.

Above the Clouds

Weather can completely change the character of the viewpoints. On some days, low cloud and fog obscure almost everything. On other days, the ridge can rise above a layer of low cloud, producing views like this:

Above the low clouds on Buntzen Ridge.

A Popular Trail

Diez Vistas can be very busy on good-weather weekends, particularly at the major viewpoints where hikers tend to stop for a break.

A busy viewpoint on a good-weather day.

Views Along the Ridge

The trail continues north along Buntzen Ridge, alternating between forest and viewpoints. Some openings provide broad views, while others have become increasingly screened by trees.

One of the northern viewpoints looks along Indian Arm:

Looking north along Indian Arm from Buntzen Ridge.

What Is the Trail Like?

Much of Diez Vistas is a forest hike. Between the viewpoints, expect roots, rocks, uneven ground, short climbs and descents, and some steeper sections.

A typical forested section of the Diez Vistas Trail.

Another section of trail along Buntzen Ridge.

Forest trail on Diez Vistas.

Some Vistas Change Over Time

The name may promise ten views, but the forest does not remain static. Some original vistas that were once open have become increasingly obstructed as trees and other vegetation have grown.

One of the viewpoints along the ridge.

Another Diez Vistas viewpoint where vegetation affects the view.

The Northern Descent

Eventually the ridge walking gives way to a substantial descent through the forest. After the first major descent, the trail reaches wider sections that resemble old forestry or service roads before continuing toward BC Hydro infrastructure at the north end of the route.

Follow the current trail markers carefully through this area. The route and available connections can change because of maintenance, rockslides, vegetation, and other conditions.

Old Buntzen Lake Trail and Swan Falls

The northern part of the route connects with the Old Buntzen Lake Trail, which passes near McCombe Lake before eventually reconnecting with trails leading back toward Buntzen Lake.

This area also provides access to several seasonal waterfalls on the steep slopes above the lake, including Swan Falls.

Swan Falls near the north end of the Diez Vistas route.

Returning to South Beach

The route eventually reconnects with the Buntzen Lake trail system for the return toward South Beach. The final portion is much easier than the initial climb onto Buntzen Ridge, which is another reason I prefer doing the hike clockwise.

Because trail connections around North Beach and Powerhouse Road can change, follow current BC Hydro signage rather than relying solely on an older route description.

Before You Go

Diez Vistas is a substantial day hike. Bring suitable footwear, adequate water and food, a fully charged phone, and enough time to complete the route before the Buntzen Lake gate closes. Cell coverage can be unreliable in parts of the area, so downloading an offline map before starting is useful.

Dogs are permitted on the trails but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.

If you are driving during the seasonal reservation period, check the current Buntzen Lake parking information before leaving home.

For the full story behind the trail’s confusing viewpoint numbering, see my Diez Vistas: Finding Ten Great Views article.

Trail conditions, viewpoints, closures, and access can change due to weather, vegetation, maintenance, and other factors. Before heading out, check BC Hydro for current trail closures and major access advisories.

Buntzen Lake in the Snow

February 25, 2014Buntzen Lake Blogbuntzen lake, hike, scenic, snowadmin

Over the weekend, we had a nice snowfall. And today, I decided to hike around Buntzen Lake in the snow.

It was a gorgeous sunny day with very few hikers on the trail – I think I saw two or three. Even though it was sunny, the snow was melting from the trees giving me a nice shower ! I didn’t have the foresight to bring my waterproof hat ! Below is a photo of me hiking in the snow.

Following the weekend weather, there were many branches on the trail, which I helped to remove and I also shook low hanging branches to clear the snow. Below is a photo of me at North Beach.

And below is the bridge/jetty (old floating bridge area)…

After over 100 times hiking around the Lake, this is my first time in the snow. The sunny day made it just perfect. Great photo ops. Below is a photo of the Lake from the old floating bridge…

I had taken my new micro spikes, but they kept slipping off – I guess that’s what you get for buying the cheap ones ! I was alright anyways – not too much slipping ! Below is a serene photo of the snowy trail…

Here is a view of the lake from the dog park on south beach…