Here are some local trails in Squamish you can enjoy this spring that also honour those who contributed to our community.
Ray Peters trail
Ray Peters (1946-2006) was a retired fireman from North Vancouver who lived his last decades in Squamish. He was a keen advocate for outdoor activity and an active trail builder. Ray was a very able trail runner and a marathoner.
He was one of the originators of the Squamish Triathlon and a municipal councillor from 2000 to 2006. The Ray Peters trail is a well-used and well maintained 7.8 km loop in the mature second growth on the Cheekye fan in north Brackendale.
Cattermole trail
Robert Cattermole (1924-2004) owned the forestry company that built the first log sort and wharf on the slough bearing his name in 1963. Remnants of the wharf are still visible on the east bank of the slough. The company is still in forestry operations in Chilliwack. Cattermole trail follows Cattermole creek southward from the western end of Bailey road to the railroad and then to the dike.
DeBeck’s Hill trail
Dennis DeBeck (1911-2007) came to Squamish in 1945 after having logged in the Parkhurst area of Whistler since 1933. He cut and blasted a rough logging road to the top of the hill that now bears his name.
His steam donkey engine was on skids to facilitate its many moves.
The final, and present, site of this engine is likely where he stopped logging in 1966. Dennis was active in community work and supported the creation of Alice Lake Provincial Park. The steep trail rises 300 metres to the hilltop now filled with modern communication huts.
Dryden Creek trail
T.K. Dryden (1870-1951) was an early settler who had a farm in this area of Brackendale from 1890 to 1921. Dryden creek flowing out of Alice Lake to enter the Squamish river at the Eagle viewing kiosks is named after this rustic farmer. The trail is a smooth stroll behind the homes on Dryden road.
Bob McIntosh Memorial Trail
Robert (Bob) W. McIntosh (1957-1997) came to Squamish in 1989 to better access our formidable trail system. He was a champion runner who competed in two World Marathon championships: Once as captain of our national team.
He was killed while trying to calm a party at a neighbour’s house. The annual scholarship in his name is awarded to a Squamish student who demonstrates strong abilities in athletics, academics and citizenship.
The 1.2 km trail is on the northeast edge of Alice lake Park.
Brohm Lake trail
William Brohm (1870-1940) came from Germany in 1892 and settled in Brackendale. He operated a small timber operation near the lake, which was eventually named after him. The provincial interpretive forest was established in 1974 and the five trails in this park offer a wide variety of terrain. The lake warms quickly and is a popular summer picnic area.
Jim Gracie is a member of the Squamish Trails Society.
Eric Andersen says
Good information. Great article. In addition to operating a log sorting ground on the east side of the slough, Bob Cattermole built Squamish Terminals, in partnership with Norwegian shipping interests. He sold his share in Squamish Terminals Ltd. to his partners within a few years.