Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake is a forested lake north of Loup Loup Pass. It's not drop-dead gorgeous, but offers the hikers the rare chance to see terrain recovering from the devastating fires of the Okanagon Complex in 2015.

The trail is short, only two miles round trip with 400 feet of elevation gain. While it could be hiked quicker than the drive, a curious hiker will find much to delay arrival at the lake.

Virtually all the tall trees were killed in the fire, though many still stand. It's easy to think there's nothing left alive, but on the forest floor life is bursting forth. Beneath the dead trees, the ground is carpeted with wildflowers. Even when not in bloom, they are such a stark difference from the black and gray of the burn they seem more vibrant and colorful than they should be. 

The trail climbs in fits and starts with flats in between. Arriving at the lake, it splits. Heading counter-clockwise, you'll cross the outlet and circle the lake, but you'll never get too close to the water. Clockwise leads to a collection of big campsites with fire rings as well as access to the lake. There are trout in the lake, but also huge crayfish scuttling around the rocks. Presumably, there are beavers, too, but they keep to themselves.

When you return to the trailhead, be sure to go across the road and look at the devastation the fire wrought on the plateau. There's little growth between the trees, but if you search near the stumps and snags you'll find the next generation of seedlings coming up. Even if you don't go to the lake, this alone is worth a visit.