The Vanderhoof area has a ruggedly beautiful forest, spotted with more than a thousand lakes, ready for the exploring. Prepare for a full day's adventure on a bumpy, but well maintained network of logging roads. Pick up the Canfor Recreation Road Map of the Prince George and Vanderhoof Forest Area at the Vanderhoof Visitor Centre.
Big River Country Route
Spend a full day exploring the area south of Vanderhoof, Big River Country, where sights include the former Rich Hobson ranch (now the HSP Ranch, a spiritual resort); the Kenney Dam; picturesque lakes; and Cheslatta Waterfalls (via a short hike).
- Begin at the Vanderhoof Visitor Centre. Head west on Highway 16 towards Fort Fraser. Turn left at the fire hall onto Nechako Road. Continue until it turns into the Kenney Dam Road. On route pass the former Hobson ranch. Hobson, a famous local cowboy who died in 1966, inspired the TV miniseries Nothing too Good for a Cowboy.
- Continue for total of about one hour until reaching the Kenney Dam. At the time of its construction in the 1950s, the Kenney was the largest rock-filled dam in the world. The reservoir it contains today is beautiful, filled of clear blue water and surrounded by trees. Turn right and drive across the dam then turn right immediately again. Follow the road for a few minutes until you reach a bridge above rapids. Park here and enjoy the view of the rushing water.
Take a break from driving and hike approximately 30 minutes to Cheslatta Falls. The trail starts from the road, on the south side of the bridge. The route is easy, with just a couple of steep sections. The top of the hike looks down onto the falls, and offers a great view of the Nechako Canyon.
- Head back over the dam and east along 500 Road. Hungry? Stop at the Nechako Lodge for lunch. Keep driving along the same route until hitting a fork in the road. Head north back to Vanderhoof. For this part of the journey, grab a Kluskus Forest Service Road Tour booklet from the Vanderhoof Visitor Centre. The brochure describes 15 different points of interest along this road such as the Greer Creek Falls, picnic spots, and places of historical significance.
Visitors who want to take more time to explore the area can stay at one of 15 wilderness lodges, which in addition to accommodation offer a variety of outdoor recreational packages. Note: Logging roads are still active, so it is important to drive carefully. Most vehicles are equipped to handle logging road conditions, but trucks with high clearance may be preferable.