The overdeepening of the lower end of the valley over the span of the Wisconsin glaciation created a trough over 140 m below current sea level.

While most of this marshland has since been drained for agricultural use, the northernmost portion is strictly protected in order to provide critical habitat for migratory birds.

At the north end of the lake is a locality named Alvin, which is a transport and shipping point for logging companies and their employees.

The lake is popular with boaters and canoeists, but is prone to heavy winds and rains as well as big waves (due to its great depth).

The Upper Pitt, meaning the valley upstream from the lake, is considered one of BC's best fly-fishing rivers and one of its best steelhead streams.

Local historian Bill Barlee has said "that this highly colourful and interesting tale, accepted as fact by a host of treasure seekers, probably does not exist.