Nicola Cave
I had heard about a cave near Monck Park on Nicola Lake, but waited for better location information. Recently a geocache was placed inside the cave and I now had coordinates to find it. I took a drive down to check it out.
To visit the cave, drive along the road toward Monck Park. As you crest a rocky bluff, there is a pullout area. Park there. Follow the track down the ridge for a short distance, then angle off to your left. The line straight to the cave can't be done since it sits at the foot of bluffs. Bear left, keeping to the easiest route down the steep and loose hillside.
Near the lakeside, follow a rough drive to the mouth of the cave. ( at N 50° 09.547 W 120° 34.222 ) The cave floor is flat and dry to start with and there is headroom, unless you are taller, but you will need a flashlight or headlamp.
The tunnel leads back into the hill and splits into two forks. The left fork ends after about 50 feet. The right fork winds around and continues into the hillside for some ways, ending in a wet and dark spot. Return by the same route back to the entrance.
Dark, quiet, and rocky, the tunnel had no inhabitants, although there is a rumor that one alcove is sometimes inhabited by a cougar. The traditional people of this area knew of this cave and it was said to be a spirit place where a young person would stay for a vision quest, eating no food and drinking water from the lake. With all caves, the echoes and shadows can spur the imagination, especially after starving oneself.
I had a good breakfast before entering the cave so emerged with only my curiosity piqued. This was a fun spot to explore, if only for short excursion while in the Nicola Lake area.