Visit VanderhoofTrails

This well-groomed, wide, moderate elevation, 1.25km loop gravel trail runs through the Vanderhoof Community Museum site and along Stoney Creek, up the far valley wall of the Nechako River, then returning back to the museum. Along the way visitors will enjoy a look-out spot onto Stoney Creek, wildflowers, mixed deciduous and conifer forest as well as viewing and hearing birds and other wildlife. This trail is appropriate for families and is wheelchair accessible.

This well-groomed, wide, 775m (one-way) gravel trail follows Stoney Creek to the confluence of the Nechako River. Along the trail, learn about the areas long history as important traditional land of Saik’uz First Nation, the historic railroad tracks and area flora and fauna through points of interest signage. Both sections of this trail have been dedicated to long-time residents of Vanderhoof – Don Schwartz and George Smith. This trail is good for families and is wheelchair accessible.

This easy, 1.35km (one way) gravel trail runs along the beautiful Nechako River from the Migratory Bird Sanctuary observation tower in Riverside Park to the WL McLeod wetland downstream. Along the way visitors will enjoy stopping at look-outs along the river, meandering through a forest, and viewing and hearing birds and other wildlife. This trail is appropriate for families and is wheelchair accessible.

The WL McLeod Wetland is a naturally low-lying area that used to be a side channel of the Nechako River. Over the past 40 years this area has transformed into a wetland. Wetland plants, invertebrates and birds use this urban wetland as their home. Walk the 300m trail to the ground level platform to get a close-up look of the plants, bugs and soil of this wetland. Continue to connect with the Riverside Nature Trail to loop back.

No matter the season, this multi-disciplinary park has something for the beginner to the advanced rider. The park incorporates 10 kilometers of flow, jump and technical trails, along with featuring a technical boardwalk square, pump track and 24ft wallride. It is located on 7th Street, off of Kenny Dam Road. A full trail map can be found on trailforks.com.

Enjoy a wheelchair accessible trail system that loops around the community. Start at Riverside Park and enjoy the views of the river, or at the Vanderhoof Community Museum for a step back in time. Interpretive signs line this trail and speak to the nature along the trail and history of the area. There are many access points. Pick up a tour card at the Visitor Centre.

A quiet and scenic trail with dips and turns perfect for hiking or biking. Starting at Evelyn Dickson school, the trail has connections to Hwy 16 or Kenney Dam Road. Located on Fifth Street, 2 km from the Visitor Centre.

This historic trail was used for hundreds of years by First Nations. It was the trade route of the Dakelh (Carrier) First Nations people from Noonla (narrow crossing on the Nechako River) to the Stuart River and Stuart Lake. Then in the 1870s, the path was used as a pack trail to the Omineca Gold Fields by prospectors to the area. From the trailhead on Striegler Pit Road, the trail is 15 km long (one way) ending at the Old Ferry Crossing on the Stuart River.

Note the side trails to McLeod Meadow, Wonder Lake and Expected Lake off this trail. All trails are marked and excellent for horseback and mountain biking. Trailhead located roughly 5 km down Striegler Pit Road ~19 km from the Visitor Centre. Turn onto Striegler Pit Road from Northside Road.

The trail has 7 loops from 1.2 km to 12.6 km in length, and range from beginner to advanced trails. Most trails are marked with triangular orange trail markers. Points of interest include: Homestead Lake and Waterlily Lake; an old trapper’s cabin; many interesting geological and geographical points of interest including the Moose Mountain Geodetic Survey marker at Logan’s Point; an amazing view of Blue Mountain and the mountains around Stuart Lake can be seen from here.

This trail is used in the winter time for cross country skiing, and hiking in the summer. The trail is not well maintained in the summer, so wear good footware.
Located 2.4 km down Smedley Road off Sturgeon Point Road, 13 km from the Visitor Centre. Access Sturgeon Point Road from Northside Road.

At the Nechako Nordics Ski Club, enjoy over 10 kms of groomed and ungroomed, lit and unlit cross-country ski trails operated by the Nechako Valley Sporting Association. Full trail map and membership information can be found at on their website.

Tracks are also often set around the loop at Riverside Park, and outside of town at the Waterlily Lakes trails.

For the best view of the Nechako Valley, head up Sinkut Mountain. A radio station and look-out tower sit atop this peak, which is the highest point seen from Vanderhoof. The hike is 2.7 km (one way) and is rated moderate to hard. The hike is uphill for the entire length on rough gravel road. The route to get to Sinkut Mountain is not direct. You can drive to the gate, which is approx. 41 km from the Visitor Centre. Ask there for directions.

This trail is another historic landmark of the area. The trail was built as part of the Collins Overland Telegraph in 1865 in an ill-fated attempt to link North America to Europe. Pieces of the old telegraph wire are still strung on old poles.

Walk the trail, built on top of an esker – evidence of our glacial covered past – for views of the lakes. The loop trail is 10 km (one way). You can either start at the Hogback Lake trailhead or the Telegraph Trailhead. The trail is moderate to rough and is good for hiking and advanced mountain biking.

Hogback Lake Trailhead is located at 22.5 km on Blackwater Road, 6.6 km east of the Visitor Centre on Highway 16. Follow the signs to the BC Forest Service campsite, staying left. Park in the most easterly parking lot and look for trailhead sign. Telegraph Trailhead is located 12.1 km from the Hogsback Lake Road entrance. Look for Telegraph Trail sign on the right.

This trail weaves through the forest to the base of an impressive 8 m waterfall. The pool at the bottom of the falls is suitable for swimming. A picnic table offers an ideal setting for a summer outing. Outhouse also on site.

The trail is 1.2 km long and takes approx. 30 minutes to hike. The hill at the end of trail that leads down to Greer Creek is steep, but the path is good for strollers and dayhikers.

Drive 22 km to the Kenney Dam Road/Kluskus intersection and turn left onto the Kluskus FSR. Trail is at approx. 18 km from the intersection, just past the 37 km marker. There is a parking area to the right of the road.

This trail is well marked and maintained all the way into Home Lake. Once at the lake there is a small Forest Service cabin that can be used for picnicking. The trail is 6 km long (one way) and takes approximately 2.5 hours to hike. Return on the same trail back to your vehicle. In the winter, the cabin is accessible by cross-country skiis or ski-doo and is stocked with firewood and equipped with sleeping platforms making it a great winter camping destination.

Drive 22 km to the Kenney Dam Road/Kluskus intersection and turn left onto the Kluskus FSR. Trail is at approx. 21 km from the intersection.

This hike goes to the top of Cutoff Butte, which is the site of an ancient volcanic landmark. There are spectacular views of the surrounding area and is great for picnicking.

The trail is 1.3 km long (30 minute hike), over very steep terrain. Return on the same trail back to your vehicle.

Drive 22 km to the Kenney Dam Road/Kluskus intersection and turn left onto the Kluskus FSR. Trail is 87.9 km from the intersection.

The trail goes through a peaceful pine forest on a ridge overlooking the roaring Cheslatta River below. It winds around and finally stops at the edge of a cliff directly beside Cheslatta Falls, allowing for a spectacular view.

The trail is 1.2 km long (one way) and takes about 2 hours to hike. There are hiking diamonds along the pathway. Caution, this trail and the cliff by the falls can be slippery when wet. This trail is not suitable or safe for young children or pets. Travel down Kenney Dam Road, crossing the dam, and turning right onto the Holy Cross FSR (~ 97 km). Go another 11 km and follow the signs to the falls. Watch for logging traffic on the Holy Cross FSR.