Fort Nelson and the northern Alaska Highway offer fantastic and varied hiking experiences. Take a few hours to explore forest trails near town, set out on a day trips to trails easy accessed from the highway, or hike for days through rugged wilderness and alpine meadows. Most hikes also provide great opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Hikes Near Town
Hike the Fort Nelson Demonstration Forest Trails near town. Drive to the west end of Mountainview Road past the high school. The trailhead is in a small glade with a picnic table and fire pit. Looping trails range in length from 2.3km/1.4mi to 8.1km/5mi. The Tsimeh Lakes trail is also worth exploring close to Fort Nelson.
Trail to Teetering Rock
Get the heart pumping on a rugged steep hike to view Teetering Rock, with a campsite, pit toilet, table, and fire pit along the way. This route (23km/14mi roundtrip) is considered difficult with many steep sections and is either a long day hike or an overnight trip. Impressive views of the surrounding countryside including Steamboat Mountain make this trail worth the effort. Hikers need to bring water, as there are no clean sources on this hike. The trailhead is 99km/61.5mi north of Fort Nelson, marked by a blue hiking sign.
Trails to Flower Springs Lake
Take time to enjoy a delightful day hike through alpine meadows and pristine lakes along one of two routes leading to Flower Springs Lake. Allow 4-6 hours for the return trip along this pretty alpine hike, or consider camping overnight as an option for a backcountry experience. Fires are not permitted. The lake trail (13.6km/8.4mi roundtrip) includes higher elevation gains and steeper sections. The tower route (10.2/6.3mi roundtrip) is gentler. From Flower Springs Lake, another trail (5.4km/3.4mi roundtrip) leads to two other lakes. The trailhead is 146km/91mi from Fort Nelson along the Alaska Highway at Summit Lake, in Stone Mountain Provincial Park.
Nonda Creek Corridor
An easy way up to the alpine is along the Nonda Creek Corridor. The road is rough with some jagged rocks, so motorists should be confident in their vehicle and carry a spare tire and jack. At the Nonda radio tower there is a spectacular viewpoint and nice walking along alpine meadows.
More Hike along the Alaska Highway
Other day hike options along the Alaska Highway include Summit Peak Trail, Summit Tower Road, Erosion Pillar Trail, The "Cut" Trail, Baba Canyon, Petersen Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, Old Alaska Highway Trail, Stone's Sheep Trail, Boulder Canyon, Mineral Licks Trail, Teeter Creek and Smith River Falls. Day hikes range from half an hour to six hours return.
Multi-day Wilderness Hikes
Discover a geological phenomenon hiking along the Wokkpash Valley. Hoodoos are towering spires of eroded sedimentary rock. The challenging Wokkpash hike requires an advanced fitness level and much preparation, as well as a 4x4 vehicle for the drive to the trailhead. This 71km/44mi hike is rated difficult, requiring 4-7 days to complete. Another multi-day hike option is MacDonald Creek trail, requiring 3-4 days return. It is rated as moderate and is located at Mile 378/Km 612 of the Alaska Highway. The McDonald Creek area is ideal for wildlife viewing.
Check with the Fort Nelson Visitor Centre for more information about hiking trails in the area.