Kermodei Tourism

Black Sister (Cedarvale Trail), 7km return, Moderate

Driving east of Terrace, go about 70km until you get to Coyote Creek. Just past the bridge is a logging road to the right. If you follow this road for 3km you will get to a pink ribbon which marks the trailhead. This can either be driven to, depending on the vehicle, or will have to be hiked to. If you hike the trail for around an hour you will get to a lake, and 10 minutes beyond the lake is open mountain. After reaching the moraine (rock field), you can hike up to the ridge for another half hour to the glacier at top the valley. A ridge to the left will take you for another half hour hike. Less ambitious hikers can view an ice cropping about 200m up the moraine at the base of the ridge to the right.

* glacier creek and lake

* mountain goats

* elevation gain of 1,000 feet

* spectacular scenery of mountain valley

 

 

Bornite Mountain, 9.2km return, Moderate

Follow highway 16 east until you get to Kleanza Creek Provincial Park. Turn right on to the road, but instead of heading into the campsite turn onto Bornite Mountain Road. Drive 4.5km until you see a road on your left. Follow this road for 8km to the trailhead, the last 4km is by 4x4 access.

* first part of trail leads through blueberry bushes

* when shaded part of woods open up, hike is enjoyable – it leads through meadows with varieties of flowers and plants

* follows an old mining trail to a sub-alpine ridge

* you can stop at the last small lake before the rock-climbing begins OR you can continue through the rocks on an unmarked route continuing up to the summit, a breathtaking and feasible hike of only about ½ hour’s work to panoramic views of the Skeena Valley and surrounding ranges

* remains of mining sites found on the ridge

 

 

Clearwater Lakes, 2.5 hours long, Easy

28km south towards Kitimat, or 6km past the Mount Layton Hotsprings is the trail head on the side of the road just before the parking area for Onion Lake. The trail follows the north side of Onion Lake with a short detour from the trail to a lookout over Lakelse Lake Valley. The trail leads to 3 small lakes, through a pleasant wooded area.

* blueberries around the lakes in July and August

* moss-drenched rocks and logs, lots of ferns and greenery to be seen

 

 

Copper Mountain Trail, Moderate

Leaving the Visitor Centre, drive east of Terrace until you reach Old Lakelse Lake Road (turn off at Macs Gas station). Follow this road 6km towards Jackpine Flats through Thornhill. 800m past the Thornhill Dump, take the first road on the left onto Copper Road (there is a house and a parking lot at this turnoff). Continue up this logging road past the Thornhill Mountain trailhead. The logging road is deactivated, yet frequently used by mountain bikers, all-terrain vehicles, hikers and vehicles. There are communications facilities on the top of the mountain; CFTK building is on the lower, northwest peak. On the higher peaks are facilities for BC Hydro, Telus/CNR, RCMP, Highways, etc.

* excellent view of Terrace, the Airport lands and Lakelse Lake

* with clear skies you can see to Seven Sisters peaks

* snowmobiling access in the winter

 

 

Exstew Falls, Easy

Exstew Falls A
Following highway 16 towards Prince Rupert for 38.5km you will see a logging road on your right. Following the road, which is half a km before the Exstew River, it is about 10km to Falls A. To get to Falls A, take a right at the first fork, and a left at the second fork. To get to Falls B you turn left at the first fork. It is about 8.3km from the highway to Falls B.

* Falls A is 500m trail to a 100ft waterfall

* Falls B 100m trail with a smaller waterfall

* suitable for families with children over 7 years

* 4 hour hike in a beautiful broad valley with old river oxbows, magnificent rock cliffs and lots of bird activity; berry vegetation, old Forestry campsite

* excellent for cross-country skiing in winter or mountain biking in summer

 

 

Ferry Island, 2.8 km, Easy

From Visitor Centre, cross over 1st bridge and turn right into Ferry Island Municipal Campground.
This trail goes around the southern perimeter of Ferry Island and begins at the picnic shelter on the west side. It circles through the woods, along the shoreline of the Skeena River for approx. 2.8 km. There is a cut-off halfway along the west side for those who wish to follow a shorter route (1.6 km)

* a favourite with locals and visitors alike, it has been called Terrace’s own “Enchanted Forest”

* dogs permitted on leash until after the power lines

* fun walk for children of all ages

* wheelchair/stroller friendly

* check out the unique carvings on the trees along the trail, all carved by local artisan, Rick Goyette

* more than 56 carvings at various locations and height of trees

* lots of vegetation, glimpses of the Skeena River, shortcuts to fishing spots

* small pond for exploring

* 2 picnic shelters, 2 picnic areas, 68 campsites (some with electricity), shower facilities

* on-site caretaker

 

 

Grand Trunk Pathway, 1.5km, Easy

The Grand Trunk Pathway, a millennium project, is a show piece for linear trail development within the Province of B.C. Developed in 2000; the trail has proven to be very popular with residents and visitors alike. The existing 1.5 kilometre length of the Grand Trunk Pathway parallels Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) and the CN Rail line. This beautifully landscaped linear park with paved pathway is seen to be one of the most significant beautification projects undertaken in Terrace in recent years. The highly visible site has become a source of pride for this community.

* partially lighted for night use

* paved parking area

* historic Rail car on-site

* gazebo and numerous benches for relaxing and resting

* water fountains

 

 

Gruchy’s Beach, 15 hike in, Easy

A short drive about 15 to 20 minutes south of Terrace will bring you to the parking area for the trail. Being only 200m before the Williams Creek Bridge and well marked with Parks Branch sign, Gruchy’s is easy to find.

* follows Williams creek

* old growth trees, skunk cabbage and devils club are found in the area

* Sockeye salmon spawning in August

* beachcombing

* suitable for all ages

* good for swimming but PLEASE BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL as the undertow can cause drowning

 

 

Hirsch Creek Canyon Falls, Easy to Moderate

There are two ways to reach the falls, route one is much longer and more challenging, while route two skips most of the trail. Regardless of which route you choose, the viewpoint is a perfect place for some great photography as it provides a spectacular view overlooking the creek.

Route 1 (3-4hours return): Drive along Forest Avenue past the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce building and take the first left hand turn approximately 1km from the Chamber of Commerce. Drive past a large metal gate (gravel pit) on your right hand side and drive tot he old Hirsch Creek Bridge (approximately 1km from the left hand turn). Park your vehicle before the bridge. About 35m from the bridge, on the right hand side of the road there is a large opening in the woods. Follow it down the small hill and watch for a sign on a tree on your right hand side. This marks the start of the trail. At the first fork in the trail (approximately 5 minutes from the trailhead), proceed right. You will reach a second fork in the trail; keep to the right. If you take the left it will take you down to the creek and a naturally formed pool, "Egg Rock". At the third fork, proceed left. It will take you about 10 minutes from here to reach the lookout point and the trail to the creek. From this point you can either take the trail to the left which will take you to the lookout point or you can take the trail to the right which will take you to a creek.

Route 2 (40 minutes return): Drive along Forest Avenue to past the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce for 4.3km. The entrance to the trail is at the top of the ridge is on your left hand side marked by signs on the tree just before the beginning of the trail (if you come to a bridge, you have gone too far). It is approximately 20 minutes to the canyon viewpoint.

 

 

Howe Creek, 1.5km, Easy

The trail begins at either Christy Park or at the bottom or Lanfear hill. It is a gravel path that meanders through a band of forest along Howe Creek at the base of the Terrace bench. The main trail follows behind the residential area with access points at end the of Sparks Street, Eby Street, Dejong Crescent, Rowland Street, the 3-way stop at Lambly/Labelle/Caledonia or at the bottom of Lanfear hill. The trail is used by joggers, bikers, walkers, and people with animals. There have been bears spotted using the trail generally in the fall.

* a flat easy trail suitable for children

* dogs permitted on leashes

 

 

Kleanza Creek, 1.5km, Easy

Located 19km east of Terrace in the Kleanza Creek Provincial park, the trail begins from the information board in the parking lot and climbs uphill to overlook the 24m canyon. Day use area is spacious and has access to the creek.

* 32 vehicle/tent campsite along with large picnic, day-use area

* please stay on the trail to protect the fragile terrain

* open and family-friendly trail

* fish habitat in the creek which flows into the Skeena River

 

 

Little Oliver Creek, 12km, Easy to Moderate

Driving east of Terrace for about 30 minutes you should come to the Little Oliver Creek Bridge. The access road is just before the bridge, so if you miss it you may have to turn back. It is an old logging road that used to be drivable to the end of the road, yet a landslide has blocked off a section of the road near the beginning of the trail.

* wonderful location for sighting mountain goats

 

 

Old Copper City, Easy

Not so much a hiking trail as it is road all the way, but you have the option to hike it rather than drive. It is on the north side of the Skeena River east of Terrace Mountain, and it is the site of riverboat landings and homesteads dating from the 1890s. The community diminished after the Flood of 1936. Drive north up Kalum Street hill, and go 0.4km past the Halliwell intersection. Turn right onto a narrow dirt road which meets the railway tracks at km 6. A good place to park is at the 7.5 km mark where a meadow marks the site of an old homestead on your left while km 8 has a road to right that crosses the tracks and leads to the river at Stuart’s Landing which was used by paddle wheelers from 1890-1914 and the site of a ferry crossing, used until the 1960s. Return to the main road and proceed half km to an old orchard and another half km to two recent cottages. The road will now climb up and back from the railroad tracks where a new logging road forks to the left – you continue on the right fork for half a km and the trail heads right, down to a cabin. Continuing east, the road crosses a slough and enters the Kitselas Indian Reserve and 2km to the site of the Kitselas rail station. Another half km right on a road to a village school; 100 meters east to an old cemetery and Guinnar Eklund’s farm. The road does continue eastward further.

 

 

Pine Lakes, 6.1km, Easy

Pine Lakes Boardwalk Photo W.Wilson
Take the West Kalum Forestry Road (just past the Tempo gas bar) for 13km, turn left and follow the road for another 800m. A short road to the right will lead to the trail head. The trail circles around the lake.

 

 

 

 

* suitable for all fitness levels

* caution needed during wet periods as there are extensive boardwalks and bridges which can be slippery

* used by mountain bikers also

* provides terrific views of the surrounding mountains, wetlands and lakes, wild flowers and swamp myrtle

 

 

Red Sand Lake, Easy

From Terrace drive west along Highway 16. 200 m west of the Kalum River turn north onto the first road (West Kalum forestry road) for 26 km. Red Sand Lake Demonstration Forest has 3 short and easy trails which begin and end at the Red Sand campground.

Lookout Hill Trail: This 2 km trail branches off the introduction trail and leads to Lookout Hill, giving scenic views of Red Sand Lake and the Kalum valley. A viewing platform and a picnic area are located on Lookout Hill.

Introduction Trail: A 1.6 km self guiding, wheelchair accessible interpretative loop trail describing forest values.

Operations Trail: A 3.8 km loop trail that shows examples of harvesting, planting and stand tending. The trail begins from the main campsite at Redsand and heads through small cut blocks, thinned areas and replanted areas. The trail then follows the Kalum River with views North along Kalum Lake and of the mountains along the eastern side of the valley. The rails then returns to Redsand Lake. Access is also available from the Hart Farm campsite on Kalum Lake.

* Red Sand Lake Campsite – an enhanced forestry campsite with 14 sites

* Hart Farm – 10 picnic tables

* Old Field – group camping site

* located between Kalum Lake and Treston Lake at the centre of a valley carved out by a mile-thick glacier during the last ice age

 

 

Terrace Mountain Trail, 5km, Easy to Moderate

The Terrace Mountain trails are located approximately 3.5 km from the Visitor Centre on Highway 16. The main trailhead is located at the junction of Johnstone Street and Walsh Avenue and second trailhead is located at the end Munthe Avenue. Ask locally if for more complete directions are required. The trail is about 4.5 km, with some steep sections, that has interesting and varied terrain with beautiful vistas along the way. Benches are located at a rock bluff near the top of the mountain where there are excellent views of Terrace and the Skeena valley.

* good viewpoints along the way

* lush berry vegetation (in season) and lots of wildlife (bears, deer, even moose)

* locals have created a maze of trails at the bottom of the trail so try and keep to the main trail

* used by mountain bikers as well

* altitude is 700 feet

 

 

Trapline Mountain, Easy

Trapline Mountain
Heading east of Terrace, follow the highway to the Copper River Forestry Road. Turning onto this road, follow it for 22.6km until you come to the turn off on the right. This road will then take you 6km up the mountain to the alpine terrain. It is an old logging road, with the Copper River Forestry Road being used at times by logging trucks.

 

 

 

 

 

* used extensive in the winter by snowmobiles

* can be used by mountain bikes

* provides an excellent view in all directions at an altitude of 4,700’

* several alpine lakes at the top along with communication building

* cabin belongs to the snowmobile club

* stick to paths as the alpine terrain is very fragile

 

 

Twin Spruce Trail, under 2km, Easy

Located in the Lakelse Lake Provincial Park campground, the trail starts across from the information board shortly after the park attendant’s station. The trail winds through old growth tress, such as Western red cedar, Sitka spruce and Western hemlock (some over 300 years old).

* suitable for children of all age

* please stay on the trail to protect the fragile terrain

* bears are known to frequent the area in fall so be aware

 

 

Watson Lakes, 3.4km, Easy to Moderate

Take highway 16 east for 55km, or roughly 40 minutes, crossing over the Big Oliver Bridge and going another 9.5km before turning right onto a dirt road. About 1km up this road is the sign marking the start of the trail. The trail starts out steep but after the first lake it levels off. It takes approximately30 minutes to get to the first lake, and if you follow the trail on the left for 15 minutes you will get to the second lake. The third lake is approximately 20 minutes further, below a steep embankment.

* old beaver dams

* 3 small lakes suitable for swimming or fishing

* can climb the scree to get a good view of Knauss Mountain