Map of Sites and Trails in the Kitimat Area (188kb)
(PDF)
Staying
Safe in Bear Country
All sites and trailheads are accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicles unless otherwise noted.
Bishop Bay Hot Springs (North Coast Forest District)
Access: Located approximately 80 km south of Kitimat off Ursula Channel, Bishop Bay is
accessible only by boat or float plane.
Site description: A short trail from the dock leads to a covered hot springs
pool, roofed picnic area, raised tenting platforms and toilets. Boaters are advised that this can be a very busy anchorage and that
they may not be able to find a suitable anchorage or mooring space. Large vessels are
encouraged to anchor in the bay or use the mooring buoys instead of using the dock for
overnight stays.
Weewanie Hot Springs
Access: Located approximately 40 km south of Kitimat on Devastation
Channel, Weewanie is accessible only by boat.
Site description: There are 2 sea anchors in the small sheltered bay by
the hot springs. The site has picnic tables, fire pits, a toilet and a small bath house.
Robinson Lake Trail
Access: From Highway 37, turn south and follow the Kitamaat Village road
for 2.3 km. After crossing Cordella Creek bridge turn left into the gravel pit. Head up to
the right following the road for .7 km to the trailhead.
Trail description: A moderate 4 km trail that leads past a series of
small lakes to Robinson Lake, with a return time of 5 to 7 hours.
Caution: Trail may be extremely wet over the last
1.5 km.
Mount Elizabeth Trail
Access: Drive north from the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce building along
Highway 37 for approximately 7.5 km. Turn right just south from where the Hydro
transmission lines cross the Highway and follow the North Hirsch Mainline for 13.5 km.
Turn left off the North Hirsch Mainline onto a rough, narrow 4WD road, continue up the
road for 2.5 km to the trailhead.
Trail description: A difficult 6 km trail to alpine that offers good
views of Kitimat and the Douglas Channel. Allow 3 to 4 hours to reach alpine. Once in the
alpine, Mount Elizabeth peak is almost due East. The trail to the peak takes 9 to 12 hours
return (from trailhead).
Caution: This trail is very difficult beyond Little
Elizabeth Peak and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Mount Elizabeth Recreation Site
Access: Drive north from the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce building along
Highway 37 for approximately 7.5 km. Turn right just south from where the Hydro
transmission lines cross the Highway and follow the North Hirsch Mainline for 13.5 km.
Turn right and follow the road as it leads to Hirsch Creek.
Site Description: A small rustic site with two camping areas next to
Hirsch Creek.
Note: The compact nature of this site does not make it suitable for large
trailers or motor homes.
Mount Claque Trail
Access: From the Kitimat Service Centre head north along Enterprise Avenue until
you reach the Wedeene Forest Service Road. Continue north along the road for approximately
1 km. Turn left and follow the side road for approximately 2 km to the trailhead.
Trail description: A difficult 6 km trail that leads to alpine on the
West side of the Kitimat valley, with a return time of 8 to 10 hours. Excellent views of
the Kitimat valley and Douglas Channel from alpine.
Enso
Recreation Site
Access: From the Kitimat Service Centre head north along Enterprise
Avenue until you reach the Wedeene Forest Service Road. Continue north along the mainline
for approximately 14.5 km. The site is located on the right just before Raley Creek.
Site Description: A small, six unit camp site located near the junction
of the Wedeene River and Raley Creek.
Onion Lake Recreation Site
Access: Located 31 km north of Kitimat along Highway 37 at the start of the
Clearwater Lakes Trail.
Site Description: A small day use site with picnicking facilities and fishing
opportunities.
Onion
Lake Cross Country Ski Trails
Access: The trailhead is located 29 km north of Kitimat where the Wedeene Forest
Service Road meets Highway 37.
Trail Description: 23 km of cross country ski trails used during the summer for
mountain biking and horse back riding. Excellent views of Lakelse Lake and the
valley from viewpoints along the Moose Highway trail The site is maintained and managed by
the Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club.
Clearwater Lakes Trail
Access: The trailhead is located 31 km north of Kitimat on Highway 37 next to Onion
Lake.
Trail description: An easy hike along a 6 km trail that begins at Onion Lake. The
trail runs through an old growth reserve which encompasses Onion, Big Clearwater and
Little Clearwater Lakes. A side trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking Lakelse Lake and
the valley to the north. A small day use area is located at Onion Lake.
Chist Creek Recreation Site
Access: Turn east off of Highway 37 across from the Onion Lake Ski Trails onto the
North Kitimat Forest Service Road, 29 km north of Kitimat. Follow the road for
approximately 2 km and turn left. Keep to the left at the next intersection and continue
along for approximately 1 km. At the next main intersection, turn right and go another .6
km to the site.
Site description: A small, rustic site with three camping spots located next to
rock climbing areas.
West Lake Recreation Site
Access: Turn west off Highway 37 at the Onion Lake Ski Trails 29 km north of
Kitimat. Follow the Wedeene Forest Service Road for approximately 5 km. Turn right onto
the Lakelse Main Forest Service Road and follow for another 4 km. Turn left and follow the
road for 2 km to the site.
Site description: A small rustic site with 2 camping spots next to West Lake.
Deception
Lake Recreation Site
Access: Turn west off highway 37 at the Onion Lake Ski Trails, 29 km north of Kitimat.
Follow the Wedeene Forest Service Road for approximately 4.5 km and then turn left.
Continue south past the first main junction then turn right at the second main
intersection (approx. 2.5 km) and follow this road for approx. 7.5 km. At this point turn
right again and continue south for approx. 3.5 km. Make another right and follow the road
for 6.5 km to the lake..
Site Description: A small rustic site with 3 camping spots overlooking Deception
Lake.
Note: The last 6.5 km of road may be seasonally deactivated. This
possibility coupled with the compact nature the camping area makes this site unsuitable
for large trailers or motor homes.
Update: Please be advised that the
Deception Lake Recreation Site was decommissioned on Friday November 19, 2004. All the
directional and site signs, tables, fire rings and outhouses were removed.
The site establishment will remain so if circumstances in
the future warrant, the site can be rebuilt.
Upper Kitimat
River Recreation Site
Access: Turn east off of Highway 37 across from the Onion Lake Ski Trails onto the
North Kitimat Forest Service Road, 29 km north of Kitimat. Follow the road for
approximately 8 km. The site is located on the far side of the Upper Kitimat River bridge.
Site Description: A small, rustic, five unit site next to the Kitimat River.
North Cove Trail and Recreation Site
Access: From Kitimat head south past the Alcan Smelter and take the Moon Bay Marina
Road. Continue past the marina for approximately 7 km to the trailhead. It's about a 1 km
hike to the recreation site..
Site Description: Located on the shore of Douglas Channel this small rustic site
has 3 tables and spectacular views. Walk in and boat access only. A short walk to a rocky
outcrop gives further views of the Douglas Channel and Kitimat area.
Robinson Ridge Snowmobiling Trail
Access: From the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce office located on Highway
37, head east along Forestry Avenue and the South Hirsch forestry road for approximately
7.5 km. Turn right onto branch 100 and go another 4 km to the trailhead. Road access from
Forestry Avenue to the trailhead is dependent on snow conditions.
Trail description: From the end of the road this 3 km trail climbs
steeply up the west side of the ridge through heavy timber and into the sub-alpine. The
trail continues south along the ridge to a cabin maintained by the Kitimat Snowmobile
Club. The cabin has a registration book that you are welcome to sign.
Caution: This trail is not recommended for beginner
or intermediate snowmobilers.