In early spring, the bloom of forest wildflowers is spectacular along the trails of the Puntledge River Recreation Area. Beginning at the outlet of the Comox Lake Reservoir, this second growth forest offers a sometimes confusing network of riverside paths, towering conifers, and a vibrant understory of spring forest wildflowers. In May, the show starts with dull Oregon-grape (Berberis nervosa), Western trillium (Trillium ovatum) and Calypso orchid (Calypso bulbosa). Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla) is close behind.
About the Puntledge River Recreation Area
The Puntledge River Recreation Area lies west of Courtenay and is managed in part by BC Hydro as part of the Puntledge River hydroelectric system. Canadian Collieries (Dunsmuir) Ltd. first developed the site in 1912 to provide electricity for coal mines and the town of Cumberland. BC Power Commission (now BC Hydro) acquired the facilities and rebuilt the diversion dam, penstocks and powerhouse in the 1950s. Upgrades were made in the 1980s.
The Comox Lake Reservoir supplies water for hydroelectric generation, community use, and fish habitat support. Over the years, the surrounding lands have been enhanced with recreational infrastructure, including day-use areas, picnic sites, interpretive signage, and a well-maintained network of multi-use trails. You can expect trail runners, mountain biking and horseback riding on some of the trails.
This space serves not only as an outdoor destination but also as a vital ecological corridor. It connects upland forest habitats to the salmon-bearing Puntledge River below and provides important education and stewardship opportunities for the local community. The botanically unique Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve is close by and offers a different ecosystem to explore.
River Trail West Highlights
The River Trail West, a 5.5 km loop, meanders through second growth forest along the Puntledge River. The trail is flat and easy walking with great views of the river. Opportunities for bird watching and botanizing for forest wildflowers are excellent. Townsend’s warbler and western flycatcher were calling regularly when we visited. Note that there are a variety of interconnecting trails in this part of the recreation area and it is easy to get sidetracked. It is a good idea to download a trail map or photograph the trail map at the information kiosk before beginning your walk. Rather than looping back on a different trail we did an out-and-back hike following the riverside trail out to a large white pine.
Dull Oregon-grape
Much of the forest is a mix of small trees and a few larger older conifers. Dull Oregon-grape (Berberis nervosa) is a dominant understory species and does well in second-growth, closed-canopy Douglas-fir forests. It is very common along River Trail West.
The leaves of dull Oregon-grape are typically stiff with sharp points along the edges. They superficially resemble non-native English holly leaves. The spectacular wildflower bloom this spring indicates that a bumper crop of dull Oregon-grape berries is likely. The berries are edible as a “taste experience” in small quantities. Using them to make jelly or wine is a more typical way to use them as a food plant. Note that new, soft leaves are edible as well. The leaves have a sharp taste that is refreshing. Older leaves are not edible!
Western Trillium
Another showy forest wildflower, Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum), makes a striking appearance along the wetter parts of the trail. This flower is spectacular and easy to identify. The genus and common name “trillium” refers to the fact that the plant has leaves in sets of three, flower petals in sets of three, and sepals in sets of three.
Western trillium is among the earliest spring forest wildflowers to bloom and by early May most of the flowers were going to seed. It is possible to find some plants that are still in bloom in May, but visiting in April or March likely will result in more success. Western trillium is also know as “wake-robin” because its bloom coincides with the time when robins become more active.
Calypso Orchid
A less common sight is the Calypso Orchid (Calypso bulbosa). Also known as the fairyslipper and pink slipper-orchid, the delicate orchid boasts a single, showy pinkish-purple flower. These beautiful forest wildflowers are easy to miss because of their small size. Aside from the flower, the plant has a single dark-green leaf that is somewhat egg shaped at the base of the stalk. Calypso orchids are very sensitive to disturbance. Picking the flower can break the delicate roots that are attached to the corm of the plant.
Respecting Forest Wildflowers
While the allure of these blossoms is strong, it’s essential to tread lightly. Many of these plants, especially the Calypso orchid, are sensitive to disturbance. Staying on designated trails and refraining from picking or trampling the flora ensures that these species continue to thrive for future visitors to enjoy. Minimize your impact by photographing these beautiful forest wildflowers from the trail.
A walk through the Comox Dam Recreation Area along River Trail West in early May is an excellent way to experience the early spring wildflower bloom. There are a number of other short trails nearby that offer different wildflower viewing as well, making this area a good starting point for botanical exploration!
Getting There
From Courtenay, follow Lake Trail Road until it passes under the Inland Island Highway. Look for your next major left which is Comox Lake Road. Follow Comox Lake Road until it crosses Bevan Road (which takes you to the old townside of Bevan)—keep on straight through this intersection and the road becomes Comox Lake Logging Road. Continue on Comox Lake Logging Road past the Courtenay Fish and Game Club. Drive over the bridge just above the Comox Lake Dam and on the other side there’s a gravel road leading off to the right to the Comox Lake Dam Picnic Area. Park here, check the information kiosk for the trail map and begin your botanical adventure!
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