August 25, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Hiking
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Sikanni River falls is a beautiful little hike that can help break up the long drive from Fort Nelson to Fort St. John. The turn-off to these falls is located about 183km south of Fort Nelson, 15km before the campground on the Sikanni river.
The turn off may look like a generic gravel trucker road, but after turning down it you will start to see signs pointing to the trail head. I chose to drive it after it had rained for about three days so there were some wet sections that some smaller vehicles might have trouble with. I would advise driving in a larger truck or SUV if it has been rainy, or just waiting for a dry day.
After the 17km drive down the road you will get to the parking lot for the falls. As you begin the short 1.5km hike to the falls you go down through the forest and come out to a 3 way fork in the trail. Going straight will take you down to the base of the falls, while going left or right will take you up on the rock beside the falls which provides the perfect opportunity for pictures showing the height of these falls.
The falls are a very nice little stop along this stretch of the Alaska Highway, but as with all hiking trails in this area, keep in mind that you could always run into some sort of wild animal. Make sure to prepare accordingly whether that means bringing your dog along with you, having noise makers like Bear Bells, or a can of Bear Spray.