Paul Jones of Friends of Caren inspects the yellow cedar stump. Photo: Dr. John Field

The remnant Caren Range Old-Growth Forest on the Sechelt Peninsula has been called 'the oldest known forest in Canada'. It is also famous for its breeding colony of Marbled Murrelets - an enigmatic seabird that only nests in old-growth forests. The first and second, and so far only, active nests of the species ever discovered in Canada were on the Caren Range (1993 and 1994).

A stump of a yellow cedar (right) recently destroyed by senseless logging yielded 1,835 growth rings, meaning that it was Canada's oldest tree - and a seedling back in 160 AD!!

The forest contains a species mix of yellow cedar, mountain hemlock and balsam, with the yellow cedars being the greatest age. The forest, at an elevation of about 1000 metres, is essentially a 'cloud forest', with many fog-shrouded days and a long season of snow cover. This produces a spongy, wet, forest floor with beautiful moss gardens and ancient cedars festooned with moss and lichen.

The Marbled Murrelets can be observed flying into their nesting territory for up to two hours after first light (4.30am - 6.30am in June and July). The dawn chorus of Hermit Thrushes and Varied Thrushes is another excellent reason to make an early visit, or to camp overnight on the Caren.

Take Highway 101 for 11 kilometres north of Sechelt. At the bottom of the long downhill stretch just before Halfmoon Bay, turn right onto Trout Lake Road. Proceed up this logging road and fork left at the main junction at kilometre 12. The ancient stand of trees begins at about kilometre 15, with the road running through the stand for about 2 kilometres. The best place to access the forest is to walk downslope 200 metres before the next clearcut. There is no trail, and little walking is required.

Guide and Map: The local guide Trails of The Lower Sunshine Coast is produced by the Sunshine Coast Forest District - available at Visitor Info Centres on the Sunshine Coast.

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