May05_2008

Botanical Glossary - Home - References Cited

One of the greatest natural shows in British Columbia occurs twice daily in Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park in Egmont at the north end of the Sechelt Peninsula on the Sunshine Coast.
One of the largest saltwater rapids on Canada's west coast, Skookumchuk Rapids boil as huge volumes of water force their way through Skookumchuk Narrows.

Photos - Frames left and right: After a 4 kilometer hike through the woods, we make it to the main attraction: Skookumchuk Narrows rapids on outgoing tide. We just caught the tide at the lower part of the ebb, so that there wasn't a lot of wild action in the narrows as far as rushing waters is concerned, but the nest part of the lower tide is the tidal pools and the abundant Seashore ocean life that can be seen. This section of the Narrows is fenced with a chainlink fence so that folks visiting won't fall in a become a liability. This section over looks the narrowest part of the rapids.

Center frame: Ramira Formosa (Beautiful Coral Fungus, Yellow-tipped Coral) A beautiful mushroom, but poisonous. This type of coral mushroom grows large, with many branches. Causes diarrhea or gastric upset. Because of look alikes, it is best to leave coral mushrooms alone - few are edible, most are poisonous.

Photos - Rescue Boat Iona C (CCGA - P Unit 61) is an inflatable Titan 249 XL Pilot boat which keeps an eye on the Skookumchuk Narrows on a regular basis.

Photos - Skookumchuk Narrows with an automated light beacon warning boaters of the fast waters and rocks. When using these waters, know the tides and cross the narrows at high or low slack tide. Only experienced paddlers should attempt the rapids at high tide.
General Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Click here for more photos of Skookumchuk Narrows Park for this day.