Following our first excursion deep into Strathcona Provincial Park we next forayed onto the western facing Paradise Meadows atop the mountain ridge. This part of the park is linked to the neighboring Mt.Washington ski resort and the road going up was very steep, with several bicyclists making what had to be a grueling climb. The gravel trailhead parking lot was large and well-signed, and from the small visitor center we decided to hike a 5 mile loop past Battleship and Helen Mackenzie Lakes.

the trees are Leandra’s size!

We were hiking on a holiday Monday (British Columbia day) and once again there were surprisingly few people in the park. All the trails start on a extensive boardwalk that crosses meadows, marshes and along small ponds.

Quite a few insects were busy either with flowers or defending positions…

These little damselflies were everywhere.

We continued along Battleship Lake, then on along the shore of Helen Mackenzie Lake, stopping for a snack with a great view.

On our way back to the meadows we crossed the stream that feeds the lower marshes and ponds.

Paradise Meadows was a great half-day day hike, and I’m sure the longer hikes to the snowfields and higher lakes are well worth the effort too.