Scout Island Nature Centre
N 52° 07.379 W 122° 07.213
10U E 560231 N 5775081
A great place for a picnic and to enjoy our many feathered friends.
Waymark Code: WMCGH7
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 09/05/2011
Views: 10
Scout Island Nature Centre and its variety of trails is located in the heart of Williams Lake in the Cariboo Chilcotin Region of British Columbia, Canada. On the migration path of hundreds of species of birds, it is a bird-watcher’s paradise in the spring and fall.
There are six trails at Scout Island. They are Bulrush Trail, Otter Point Trail, Butterfly Trail, Island Trail, Willow Trail and Marsh Wren Trail. Some of the trails are wheel chair accessible, the washrooms and picnic area is wheelchair accessible. The Willow Trail starts near the parking lot and winds through the willows and Red Osier Dogwood it is a nice shady walk on a warm day but during spring run off may be closed due to flooding. The longest trail is the Island Trail which will take you over the bridge and to the very end of the island. Deer can be spotted at the end of the island. There are several trails that wind around the hills so you have a choice to go up for a good view or take the easier walk around. Bullrush Trail which leads to Otter Point Trail are both wheel chair accessible and Otter point trail is one of my favourites at any season. It makes a loop out in the marsh along a boardwalk and theres a bench to sit and watch for muskrat. I like to take my coffee or tea and sit there to enjoy the sounds of the marsh. Another great walk is continuing on along the Bulrush Trail to the Observation Blind. The blind gets you up a little higher for some good pictures. I have seen Red Winged Blackbirds, Muskrat, variety of ducks, Yellow Throated Blackbirds and Herons from the blind. Continue on the Bull Rush Trail and you will come to a board walk which provides some great views and a peaceful walk through the bushes close to the marsh and lake area.
The Scout Island Nature Centre is a community centre for people and wildlife. Considered an important wildlife viewing area in the province of BC, it is a place where people can enjoy and learn about nature in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. The land and waters of the Nature Centre, owned mostly by the Nature Trust of BC, are designated as a public nature education facility. It is operated by the Williams Lake Field Naturalists in cooperation with the Nature Trust of BC and the City of Williams Lake. The Scout Island Nature House is open by appointment year round for school and community programs. It is open to the public every day from May through August and on the weekends until October.
Parking is available at the entrance to Scout Island, there are gates that close at dusk and open at dawn. Times are posted since they change during the year. Parking is also available in the main parking lot with washroom facilities, picnic tables and many benches to sit and enjoy the scenery throughout the island. There is a swimming area (no lifeguard), a boat launch and several boardwalks to enjoy the marshy areas. Ita a great place for the whole family. Currently there are 3 geocaches located here. On January 1st each year the Polar Bear swim is held at 10:00am, see local paper for info.
Trailhead/trail website: [Web Link]
Trail allowances or restrictions:
Dogs are allowed but must be on leash, poop bags are supplied in various areas. No bikes on trails as it is a nature park and a sensitive area home to a variety of wildlife.
Trail type: some dirt, crushed gravel, board walks and steps on some trails
Parking: Not Listed
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