While out seeking a few nearby hidden gems, we discovered the trail system of the Puntledge River Recreation area. BC Hydro owns this beautiful area and has abundant multi-use trails to explore. The majority of which, start at the Comox Lake Dam near Cumberland.

Quick Facts

  • Trail Features: Multi-use trails; Second growth forest; Water features; Footbridges;
  • Length: A variety of lengths
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, depending on the trail chosen
  • Suitability: Everyone! (Trail dependent)
  • Bike Trails: Yes! The majority of these trails were created for mountain bikers.

A Bit of History

In 1912, Canadian Collieries Ltd. developed the hydroelectric potential of Comox Lake and the Puntledge River to provide electricity for the operation of its coal mines in the surrounding areas.

In 1955, BC Hydro’s predecessor, The BC Power Commission, acquired the development. The company then rebuilt the diversion dam, penstocks and powerhouse to expand the electrical output to nearby communities. The dam was upgraded once again in 1982.

The heavily treed property surrounding the dam was made into a multi-use trail system for all to enjoy. These trails were also built to connect with Nymph Falls Nature Park.

A bridge in the Puntledge River Recreation area. Vancouver Island View

The Trails

The Puntledge River Recreation area has trails that suit everyone. There are trails for biking, hiking, and walking and even ones suited for sports wheelchairs (so also great for strollers). The trails are very well marked, and some even have a difficulty rating on the posted signs.

Here’s an overview of the trails found within the Puntledge River Recreation area.

A wooded trail near Cumberland. Vancouver Island View

Designated Walking/Hiking Trails

River Trail West

This easy 5.5 km trail follows the west side of the Puntledge River. Along this trail, you’ll find numerous boardwalks, bridges, and plenty of benches to enjoy the beautiful river views.

If you are looking for an even longer walk, this trail eventually connects to the trails within Nymph Falls Regional Park.

River Trail East

This 4 km trail follows along the east side of the Puntledge River and ends near the Lake View Guesthouse in Bevan. Look for the eagle head carving while on your walk.

Twin Lakes Trail

This easy walking trail is only 600 meters (one way). On the trail, you’ll walk past two small lakes (more like ponds). Link back around by following the Loop Trail (below).

Loop Trail

This interesting 1.7 km loop trail offers walkers benches to relax on, a log bridge to cross over and plenty of lake, forest and river views.

Bridge on the Palm Beach Trail in the Puntledge River Recreation area

Multi-Use Trails

The following trails are designated as biking and hiking trails and are equally enjoyable to do both.

Bevan Trail

This 4.8 km (one-way) trail begins at the Comox Lake Dam and ends at the Puntledge Diversion Dam near the old townsite of Bevan. Many smaller offshoot loops along this main route provide a shorter distance or an even more interesting journey.

Bear Bait Trail

This 4.7 km trail is full of unique bridges and log jumps (used by mountain bikers), which makes for an extremely interesting walk. If you do hike this trail, please give bikers the right away.

Comox Damn picnic area. Vancouver Island View

Location

The Puntledge River Recreation area is at the Comox Lake Dam near Cumberland. Along with the trails mentioned above are a parking lot, a small beach area, pit toilets, information displays and a small picnic area.

The area is open to the public year-round, but please observe posted gate closure times. There is an alternate parking area adjacent to the gate.

For some reason, this area doesn’t have an official address:

  • Take Exit 117 to Cumberland
  • Turn left onto Comox Valley Pkwy S/Cumberland Rd S
  • Continue to follow Cumberland Rd S,
  • Take the 2nd right onto Bevan Rd
  • Turn left onto Comox Logging Road and keep following
  • The dam will come up on your right-hand side.

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4 Comments

  1. nell howse says:

    Cannot access the trails nor Bevin gems…nor will it let me write to you..

    1. Hi Nell, you should have access to this article (where the trails are mentioned). However, the gems are part of the paid membership service. You can send me an email to Kim@vancouverislandview.com if you have any further questions.

  2. Sid Lodewyk says:

    Hi – just a comment on a typo: hydroelectric dams are spelled without an ‘n’. I.e ‘Damn’ is the expletive

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