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LOCAL HIKING TRAILS

The B.C. Forset Service and the Tongass National Forest offer a variety of recreational opportunities within easy driving distance of Stewart, British Columbia and Hyder, Alaska. Access to all sites and trailheads described below are accessible by two wheel drive vehicles unless otherwise noted. All distances noted are one way.

-SLUICE BOX/BARNEYS GULCH TRAIL-

Access: When leaving Stewart on Highway 37A, cross the Bear River bridge and take the first right at Brown Bear Trucking and follow the signs to the trailhead.

Trail Description: A short moderate hike that follows the original railway bed leading out of Stewart and then turns right, climbing up along the historic Sluice Box, to a viewpoint overlooking the town of Stewart and the Portland Canal.

-UNITED EMPIRE LOYALIST TRAIL-

Access: The trailhead begins off Highway 37A, across from the B.C. Ministry of Highways service yard, in the town of Stewart.

Trail Description: A short moderate hike that follows along Bear River then climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the Bear River Valley and Stewart. Beyond the viewpoint, an unmaintained, rough and difficult route continues climbing to the site of the old United Empire Loyalist mine.

-FISH CREEK WILDLIFE OBSERVATION SITE-

Access: Drive North of Hyder 6 miles (9.6 km's) along the Salmon River Road. Parking for the Observation Site is located in a parking area immediately after crossing the Fish Creek bridge.

Site Description: The location provides excellent opportunities to view Black and Brown bears during the months of July and August as they feed on salmon. The site is day use only, no camping is permitted. Ranger programs are given in the evenings during June, July, and August.

-TITAN TRAIL-

Access: Drive North of Hyder 6.25 miles (10 km's) along the Salmon River Road where the trailhead is located on the right hand side.

Trail Description: A moderate to difficult 4.8 mile (7.7 km) climb that follows a mule trail, which accesses the historic Titan Mine site. The trail, built in 1922, also provided access to several other mineral claims in the area.

-CLEMENTS LAKE RECREATION SITE-

Access: Drive North from Stewart along Highway 37A for approximately 13 km's (8 miles). After crossing the Bitter Creek bridge, take the first right. Turn left at the first junction and follow the road for another kilometer (.6 miles).

Site Description: Clements Lake offers good opportunities for picnicing, canoeing, camping and a sandy beach for swimming. Motor restrictions apply on the lake. The site is maintained from May to October.

-ORE MOUNTAIN TRAIL-

Access: Drive North from Stewart along Highway 37A for approximately 13 km's (8 miles). After crossing the Bitter Creek bridge take the first right. Turn left at the first junction and follow the road, keeping to the right for another kilometer (.6 miles). From the Clements Lake Recreation Site, follow the old road for 300 m (330 yards) to the trailhead. Note: The road is unpassable by vehicles 200m (220 yards) past the Recreation Site.

Trail Description: A moderate to difficult 3.5 km (2.1 mile) trail that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Bear River Valley. A rough marked route continues past the tree line to alpine.

-AMERICAN CREEK TRAIL-

Access: Drive North from Stewart along Highway 37A for approximately 22 km's (15.5 miles). After crossing the Bear River bridge, take the second left onto a steep gravel road. Follow the road, keeping to the right for 300 m (330 yards) until you reach the trailhead.

Trail Description: A short historic mining trail that follows along American Creek. The maintained trail terminates after 4 km's (2.4 miles) at Champion Creek.

-TIPS FOR SAFE HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY-

Bears feel threatened if surprised - hike in a group and make loud noises. Whistle, talk, sing, or carry noise makers such as bells or a can containing stones. In dense bush or near rushing water, don't depend on your noise makers to be heard. Use extra caution and watch for evidence of bears. Most bears will leave if they are aware of your groups presence. Stay in the open as much as possible. Keep children close at hand in trails. Be especially alert when traveling in the wind, a bear may not get your sent as a warning of your presence.

-TRAIL ETIQUETTE-

Please keep to the designated trails. Shortcutting on switchbacks damages the plants and soils which keep rian and snow melt from eroding the trail. Do not cut down live trees. Take only photographs, leave only footprints.

-SAFETY TIPS-

Before leaving on a hike, let a responsible individual know where you are going and when you will be returning. Always contact that individual when you return. Never hike alone.

Always take a map, compass, food and emergency gear.

In case of an emergency contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police: Stewart detachment: (250)636-2233

-FOREST FIRES-

Should you spot a forest fire in British Columbia call 1-800-663-5555. This is a free, province wide, forest fire emergency phone number.

Should you spot a forest fire in Alaska call:

(250)636-2367
or
(907)228-6346

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