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Locations Listed.
Usage changes over time. I encourage you to use discretion in
locating and using the locations listed.
- Lower Fraser Valley.
- CHILLIWACK: Chilliwack Lake --- No nude use.
- CHILLIWACK: Chilliwack River --- Possible nude use.
- MAPLE RIDGE: Allouette Lake.
- MISSION: Happy Campers Hideaway --- Closed? <<< Updated. (2010-5)
- MISSION: Sunny Trails Club --- Questionable.
- MISSION: Mountain Haven Nudist Retreat --- Closed.
- MISSION: Norrish Creek. <<< Updated. (2010-5)
- MISSION: Devil's Lake. <<< Updated. (2010-7)
- HARRISON: Clear Creek Hotspring.
- Hope/Princeton.
- MANNING PARK: Castle Creek.
Lower Fraser Valley.
CHILLIWACK: Chilliwack
Lake --- No nude use. [Satellite]
According to the World Guide (1991), "clad and unclad share without
offense." I haven't yet visited this lake, but two reporters found no
evidence of nude use.
Directions: Chilliwack Lake is about 50 km east of Chilliwack
on Chilliwack Lake Rd. It is due south of Hope at the US border.
Comment: "Went to Chilliwack Lake found no unclad bathers, and
not a great place to camp. It was filled with clothing only. Suggest
taking it off the list. The trip wasn't worth it." [K.D.,
1998]
Comment: "I checked out Chilliwack Lake area yesterday. It was
a long dusty drive up past the Provincial Park campground. Has some
possibilities perhaps, but I'd err on the side of caution. The road
is rough in places, with not a lot of traffic. The water is freezing
despite the recent heat wave we had." [posted on NWNaturist, July
2002]
CHILLIWACK: Chilliwack
River --- Possible nude use. [Satellite]
Comment: "Along the [Chilliwack] River I stopped and
met a couple who were enjoying a nude picnic. They were visiting from
Seattle. I would [avoid Chilliwack Lake] in favour of spots
along the river for nude recreation, but recommend getting off the
beaten track." [posted on NWNaturist, July 2002]
Directions: Chilliwack Lake Rd. follows the Chilliwack River
east for about 50 km, ending at Chilliwack Lake.
MAPLE RIDGE: Allouette
Lake.
I've heard from several people that the east side and north end of
Allouette are great for nude camping (but you need a boat to get to
them). I also heard a rumour years ago that suggested that "North
Beach" is clothing-optional. And in 2002, one reader thought that it
might be possible, but in 2006 the North Beach campground is no
longer a "wilderness" camping area. With vehicle-accessibility comes
increased use. If there is any nude use here, it would have to be
before the June 15 opening date. Even then it is probably too well
used. I would look for a trail heading north from North Beach. A
more remote beach would offer more possibilities. [Last info,
July 2006]
Directions: From Hwy 7 (Lougheed Hwy) 47 km east of Vancouver,
follow the signs to Golden Ears Provincial Park. Boat ramp is located
at the north end of the day use area.
MISSION: Happy
Campers Hideaway ---
Closed? [Map]
"Open May through September in the scenic mountains above Mission,
B.C., in an area called Steelhead, this 40 acre cattle farm is a
sparkling diamond in the rough. Joann & Heinz, the owners, are
relatively new to playing hosts to fellow nudists, But they exude the
hospitality and charm one would hope to find in Southern BC's newest
naturist campground. 13 serviced sites, a great hot tub, showers,
roofed kitchen, swimming pond, paddle
boat, water volleyball, grass volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, bocce ball,
snooker, and acres of gorgeous scenery
to take in.
This lovely quiet mountain retreat is definitely worth checking out.
The Address is 12738 Ainsworth Rd. In the Community of Steelhead,
north west of Mission, B.C. Contact # is (604) 826-8891. Give them a
call, leave a message if you don't reach them. They are very good at
getting back to you as soon as they are able." [Dee & Rick
Johnston, Apr 2007]
Directions: Take the freeway (Hwy #1) to the Abbotsford exit
that goes to Mission and follow the signs to Mission. After you cross
the Mission Bridge you will come to Hwy #7 (Lougheed Hwy). Continue
North through the lights to eventually turn left on Dewdney Trunk Rd.
Turn right to stay on Dewdney Trunk and continue until you approach a
tiny community called Steelhead. Turn right onto Cardinal Rd. and
take an immediate left onto Ainsworth St. The farm/campground is
about 1.5 km ahead on the right. You will see a green & white
mailbox with white daisies and 12738 on it on the left (?) side of
the road. It has a white"HCH" on top of it. The entrance is through a
large metal double gate on the right.
Comment: the "hot" tub is reported to be 37-38° C (body temperature).
Update: I received a message on May 30, 2010 that Happy Campers is closed, but
I haven't confirmed it yet. [May 2010]
MISSION: Sunny
Trails Club (FCN, AANR).
Sunny Trails was once located in Surrey, but is now at Lake Errock,
28 km east of Mission and 1.5 km past the Lake Errock store on
Lougheed Hwy (Hwy #7). That's about 2 hours from Vancouver. They have
a hot tub, sauna, and outdoor swimming pool, plus other amenities,
situated on 18 acres of woodlands. Sites are available for tents and
RVs, and they have rooms for rent. This might be a good base for day
hiking in the nearby mountains. Day fees are $9/adult (1998 rates).
FCN/TNS/AANR members do not need to call ahead. PO Box 18, 43955
Lougheed Highway, Lake Errock, BC, V0M 1N0. (604) 826-3419. Email:
<sunnytrails
uniserve.com>.[Last
info 2000]
UPDATE: "Basically, this park no longer exists. The only sign
says 'THE! Campground' and the campground has gone textile to keep
from going bankrupt. There is a fenced off area for the nudists (not
the RV's) but it doesn't offer much. There is an above ground spa
that has had the jets disconnected so it's just a hot tub (something
to do with some health code), a sauna, and a 'clubhouse' that has a
wood burning stove and a satellite TV. The clubhouse could be nice
but currently it's a mess. The only things that work are the TV and
the stove. There is a large grassy area for sunbathing and that's
about it. They do charge you extra for the use of the 'nudist' area.
Rates are $14/night camping fee for an RV with full hook-up and
$11/day ground fee for the nudist area for a total of $25/day. The
park is still owned by the Sunny Trails group and they have a couple
of plans to restore the 'Sunny Trails Nudist Club' but it will take a
few years for them to come to pass (if they ever do)." [M.D., Jun
2004]
MISSION: Mountain Haven Nudist Retreat. --- CLOSED.
Mountain Haven is no longer in existence.
MISSION: Norrish
Creek. [Photo] (GPS: N49 10.538 W122 8.979)
Norrish Creek, just outside Mission, has seen discreet nude use for
many years. It is a long stretch of small pools and sandy spots hidden
behind patches of alder trees.You will encounter naturists on any hot
day, particularily on weekends. People come here for privacy so
please use discretion and avoid walking over them as you find your
own spot.
Directions: Take Hwy 7 east through Mission. Exactly 8km
from Stave Lake Road in Mission there will be a sign
for Inch Creek Fish Hatchery and a flashing red light. Go straight
through this (leaving Hwy 7) onto Hawkins-Pickle Road (Bell Rd.?), rather than
taking a right and crossing the rail road tracks by the restaurant. In 2.2km
turn right onto Hawkins-Pickle Road and cross the rail road tracks. Follow this
until you get to the bridge (?) and a gate across the road. Park here
(on the west side of bridge) and follow the paths over the railroad tracks and
head north on the west side of the creek.
Description: There is a
wide open part of the river here with lots of beaches. This area, which has a
cave and some very deep clear pools, does see some use on weekdays, but on weekends
it is occupied by teenagers and campers. So, it's best to continue on, taking
the main trail up past the gravel pit and then a rough road down to the river.
You will find a couple of spots upriver from here. Or continue farther up the
main trail about 400 to 800 metres (.25 to .5 miles) where there many
large, beautiful spots with expansive white sand beaches. The farther north you
go up the creek, the more secluded it is. [M.M.,
Aug 2002] [A.W. July 2005] Note: I merged two sets
of directions which used different landmarks. Please send an update if any of
this is incorrect. Thanks. [Ed., May 2010]
Note: Hawkins-Pickle Road is big enough to show on BCAA's Vancouver/Fraser
Valley map.
Comment: "Went today...a Sunday in July...it was very hot and
not a nude person in sight. Also, the fabled white sandy beaches were
nowhere to be found. This spot is absolutely georgous, but not necessarily
made for sunbathing as the area is very rocky." [ A.W. Jul
2005]
Comment: "Huge beautiful area, ideal for nudists to enjoy the warm winds
in this valley, but I have not seen any others. You can choose sun or shade all
day long on the nice sandy patches, or you can sit on the big boulders along
the creek. You can easily stroll in the nude between the joung alder trees or
along the creek-side. Needs more nudists to visit and make this a more nudist-friendly
area. The nudist area begins where the young alder trees appear on the north
side of the train crossing." [meile
merhotmail.com,
Jul 2006]
Comment: "Went with a friend, we were the only nude ones. A few people
walked by but didn't seem to mind. Use the same directions provided, they are
accurate." [Dustin, Jun 2009]
Comment: "It looks like it should be possible to drive quick close to
the north end of the open river bed..." [Ed.,
Jun 2010]
MISSION: Devil's Lake.
(GPS: N49 16.236 W122 21.655)
"Situated about 5 km off of Dewdney Trunk Road, beside Stave Lake,
north-west of Mission City, Devil's Lake is easy to find and has a
nice beach area and some private coves. The warm, clean water makes
it a great swimming spot, but watch out for the sudden drop off about
3 metres from the shore. I find that many sunbathers go there and are
nude. It seems to be very relaxed and mutually respectful of both
nude and clothed beachgoers." [T.B. May 2005]
Directions: From Dewdney Trunk Road immediately west of the
dam, turn North at the Stave Lake turn off onto Burma Road. Follow
this gravel road past a small arm of Stave Lake, continuing on for
about 5km. There is a small pull out area that fits about ten cars.
Follow the trail to the lake. The trail is long and winding, but not
steep.
Editor's Note: The first contributor indicated a distance of 3km. A second
contributor claimed it is "exactly" 7km. A third says there is a "5 mile" marker
by the trail head. On Google, it looks like five to six km, so it is probably
a "5 km" marker. It's possible
that one, or more, of these sets of directions actually leads to the western
arm of Stave Lake instead of Devil's Lake, itself. Some accurate GPS readings
would be really helpful. I've changed T.B.'s description to say 5km, but the
truth could be anywhere from 3 to 7km.
Comment: "On a very hot day, I drove up the very dusty Burma Road to Devil's
Lake. The lake is exactly SEVEN kilometres north of Dewdney Trunk
Road [not 3 as stated by T.B.]. I spent hours wandering around the BC
hydro trails only 3 km up Burma road trying to find a lake. So I drove 4 km farther.
The road has two hairpin turns with bridges at the turn. The parking area is
just past the second hairpin turn. The beach area was on the west shore of the
Lake, with a high mountain behind me. By 3 PM it was too late to suntan, but
the air was as cool as an air conditioned room. The climb back up to the parking
area reminded me of the Wreck Beach trail, but it was not nearly as steep." [oco
i shaw.ca,
July 2006]
Editor's Note: On Google, I don't see hairpin
turns or bridge "just before" Devil's Lake. There might be a bridge at 4km. And
there seem to be hairpins and a bridge at 3km. Parking here could lead to Stave
Lake (which might be a good location), but the writer specifically says he drove
3km and then another 4km before the hairpins. 7km should be well past the lake.
This description just doesn't seem to mesh with Google's aerial image.
Comment: "I am a nudist from Mission and visit the lake frequently. I
am always the only nudist and would like to see more nudists visit this beautiful
area. No one has objected yet. Camping is okay. Camping and parking are free.
The trail is not long--it's a nice five minute walk in the woods." [meile
merhotmail.com,
Jul 2006]
Comment: "I brought my family there this past Saturday in hopes of finding
a nearby clothing-optional location to my home. There were about 30 others there
and not one person was even topless. Beautiful lake and warm enough to swim in
already. Too bad. The entrance is exactly at the 5 mile marker posted by local
logging companies at the trail head." [Luke,
Jul 2010]
HARRISON: Clear Creek Hot
Springs. [Photo]
[Map]
"Clear Creek hot springs is located halfway up the East side of
Harrison Lake. It used to be very difficult to access but the road
has been repaired due to renewed logging.The hot springs are in the
bush across from half a dozen campsites. They have two six foot cedar
tubs, one jacuzzi tub, and three other bath tubs. The water
temperature in the tubs is 100-105 degrees F. People relax nude in
the hot tubs and suntan at the campsite. Clear Creek is beautiful and
clean and it is superb having the creek next to your tent, with the
tubs only a hundred feet away. At night with a full moon it is an
incredibly beautiful and relaxing place. The forest company complies
with B.C. Forest Practices Code and digs erosion control channels
across the road in the winter, making for a difficult drive. But from
early spring to late fall the road is passable with the smallest of
cars." [D.P., Aug 2003]
Directions: Heading up the East side of Harrison Lake, drive
past the second logging camp, where the road will then turn away from
the lake and head into the mountains. About 5 km past this turn is a
road to the right that will lead you 17 km directly to the hot
springs. The hot springs and camp sites are located where the road
finally meets the creek. If you reach the big metal gate you have
gone 30 metres too far. [D.P., Aug 2003]
Comment: "They did not maintain the road this year. Those deep
ruts they put in for winter stayed all year and are almost impossible
to get though with an ordinary car. High clearance is the call now.
Still, if you make it up there it's a beautiful place." [B.D.,
Sep 2003]
Update: "Clear Creek h/s is open, high clearance vehicle
recommended for the last few kilometres." ["Bulldozer", Dec
2005]
Comment: "Was just there August long weekend 2005 - only 3
other groups of people so the use of the two hot tubs and jacuzzi was
ours alone most of the time. long road in, but very peaceful.
campsites weren't bad either but check the fire restrictions before
you go. One other thing - BRING BUG SPRAY OR CITRONELLA CANDLES. THIS
IS A MUST." [Ray Boudreau, Aug 2005]
Note: Check the Chilliwack
Forest District website to get updated on the condition of the
road.
Hope / Princeton.
MANNING
PARK: Castle Creek. [Map]
[Manning
Park Map]
"You're driving along Highway 3 on your way to Aunt Mable's in the
Okanagan. The engine's beginning to overheat and so are you. Good
time for a skinny-dip in some of that cool-looking water you've been
following. It's Castle Creek, and at the junction of the creek and
the Similkameen River, there's a wonderful, sparkling jade swimming
hole just waiting for you. This beautiful spot offers maximum privacy
for minimum time and effort. The water is cool without being icy
cold, and its colour is gorgeous. It's located on one of Manning
Park's many hiking trails; if you want to stretch your legs a little
more after your swim, continue along the trail over the bridge to
Boyd's Meadow, about 15 minutes away.
Directions: To reach this refreshing site, drive 3.5km east of
Manning Park Lodge, and turn right at the trailhead marked Mon.
78-83. Park here and take the trail by the gate. After a pleasant
five-minute walk, you'll come to an old bridge. You've arrived! On
the left is the jade pool, the only deep swimming hole to be seen on
this shallow creek. " [Cherie
Thiessen, Beautiful B.C. Traveller magazine, Summer 1997.]
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