August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Hiking
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When we were hiking on the northwest ridge
of Blunt Mountain we were absolutely amazed to find a huge array of mountain wild flowers clustered in an approximately 25 meter radius.
Many of the
wildflowers were growing straight out of the rocky dry ground, making their
beauty even more spectacular as the fight they obviously faced to survive at
1700 meters was incredible.
The flower’s beauty was so breathtaking that we put
our hike on hold and took pictures. I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse of
the wildflowers we encountered while hiking last weekend!
August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Hiking
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Blue Lakes Trail is a 5km hike, which leads to two gorgeous
alpine lakes, glaciers, and flower meadows. Blue Lakes trail is undoubtedly one
of the most popular hikes in the Hazelton area.
On a beautiful Sunday
afternoon, my family and I went for a hike on the trail. We were not surprised
to meet over 24 people, both locals and visitors, also hiking on the freshly
groomed and incredibly well maintained trail! Some groups were even camping at
the second lake.
The brilliant
blue hue of the lakes appears to be warm and inviting, so after lunch we
decided to dip our feet into the upper lake; however, we quickly discovered
that the lakes were far too cold to even wade into, as 30 seconds in the lake
was painful!
To access Blue Lakes Trail you will travel east on Highway 16 for
9 kilometers and turn right onto an unmarked gravel road, after travelling on
the road for about 500m you will see a Blue Lakes Trail sign. The first 2.5kms
of the gravel road are easily driven with a standard vehicle; however, the next
1.7kms do require a four wheel drive. The parking area is 4.2km from the
highway and from there you will enjoy a 5km walk to the two gorgeous
lakes!
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking near New Hazelton here.
August 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Hiking
Find more information about New Hazelton - Hiking
On a warm August day, two climbing partners and I climbed
Hagwilget Peak. Hagwilget Peak is the northern most peak on the Roche De Boule
mountain range. This majestic mountain towers over the Hazeltons and its rugged
shape is often regarded as a symbol for the Hazeltons.
Hagwilget Peak Trail is
suited for experienced hikers and climbers. You must be physically fit and not
afraid of heights, and you must also be prepared for quick weather changes.
At
3.3 kms on Station Creek trail there is a tree marked with flagging tape, at
this point you will turn right and follow a path down to a creek. Once you have
crossed the creek you will follow a flagged trail, which is worn through the
forest; however, it is not very well worn above tree line, up to the mountain
peak.
After the creek, there is not another water source for the remainder of
the hike; therefore, it is a good idea to carry plenty of water with you. If
you do use the creek water, it is a good idea to treat it.
Sections of the
trail are a moderate to difficult scramble and there are also a couple sections
that you will need to be able to pull yourself up. You must follow the flagging
tape above timberline; otherwise, you may find yourself in a difficult
situation.
On top of the mountain, there is a flagpole and a guest book – be
sure to sign it and read the local Gitxsan legend about the Mountain Goats of
Temlaham! Climbing Hagwilget Peak provides a sense of great accomplishment,
especially when you return to the valley floor and gaze upon its towering
beauty.
Editor's notes: Learn more about
hiking in the New Hazelton area.
August 06, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Hiking
Find more information about New Hazelton - Hiking
This is one of my favourite trails in the Hazelton Area as the view is
outstanding and the access is quick and easy!
Skilokis Trail is located on the northwest
spine of Blunt Mountain. On this trail, depending on the speed that you travel,
you will be at tree line and viewing incredible scenery after hiking between
thirty and forty-five minutes. Not only will you be treated to spectacular
views of the surrounding mountains, but you will also see interesting mountain
vegetation and wildflowers.
The hiking trail starts at 1250 meters and travels
to 1950 meters. Throughout this trail you will need to pay close attention to
the flagging tape, as this is a primitive trail.
To access the trail one must travel east from New Hazelton on
Highway 16 for 10.5 kilometres, at this point you will turn left onto the
Suskwa Forest Service Road. After 6 kilometres on the Suskwa Forest Service
Road you will turn right onto the Skilokis Forest Service Road. This road is
slightly over grown and fairly steep therefore a four-wheel drive vehicle is
recommended.
While you are travelling up Skilokis Forest Service Road you should
always stay to the right when you encounter forks in the road. After 9.1
Kilometres, at the highest point of the road, which is about 300 meters before
the end of the road, you can pull
over, park, and look for the flagging tape that marks the trail.