Comox Lake is not exactly a remote wilderness that has gone untouched by humans. In fact, it was made by humans after they logged the forest that once covered what is now the bottom of the lake. Still, it's an interesting place to paddle and provides for some eerie photography.

There's something strange about floating around a shore line that is not supposed to be a shoreline, but the wall of a massive valley. Submerged stumps are more of a hazard than rocks and forests of still standing dead trees are a common obstacle on the shore line.

It's surrounded by cliffs, many of which are perfect to jump off, and has a few rope swings and camping spots scattered around the lake. The end opposite of the campground is the best place to explore. It has the Cruikshank River which eventually gets to fast to paddle up, but is fun to paddle down.

At the very end is the Puntledge river which can be followed to Willimar lake, if your up for a challenge. The river splits into many rivers as it approaches Comox lake. If I remember correctly, you need to go left at the first intersection, than make your second right.

It's a pretty fun maze to float around, but every channel eventually turns into a mess of log jams and overgrowth, including the main river which is to fast to paddle up and sketchy to paddle down. I gave it a go after a friend told me at the end of the river is a special place that not to many people no about. I spent about five hours hauling my canoe up the Puntledge only to find a well maintained logging road that travelled right up the river to Willimar lake. Secret spot my ass!

Andrew Malcolm andymalcolm@coastalbc.com