The Pinnacles
This week’s hike is an easy leg stretcher, but do not let that stop you from visiting one of the northern interior’s most unique geological rock formations. It makes for a great early season stroll that even young kids can complete. The trail to the lookout provides rewarding views of the hoodoo-like pinnacles. These pillars of rock, which form incredible shapes, have been sculpted by wind and rain erosion. If you have not seen one of these up close then this is the place to go.
Directions
Drive to the city of Quesnel and cross the Moffat Bridge over the Fraser River into West Quesnel. Once over the bridge, drive 350 m to the first set of traffic lights and turn right on to Baker Drive. Follow this road for 5.7 km as it climbs to the plateau above Quesnel. Turn left into the Pinnacles Provincial Park parking lot.
Trail Description
The trail is wide and easy to follow to the Pinnacles. It is 900 m to the closest viewpoint of the Pinnacles. There is a guard fence between the trail and the pinnacles that runs along the edge of the cliffs. The trail continues on a further 600 m to the west as there are many different sets of hoodoos along the way.
These unique formations of sandstone "hoodoos" have been wind and water-sculpted over the years. There is also a picturesque view of the city of Quesnel to the east and Baker Creek to the south below the pinnacles. Pinnacles Provincial Park comprises approximately 124 hectares of pine forest overlooking Baker Creek.
For more information on this hike including airphotos, maps, GPS coordinates and trail photos refer the book Hiking Central BC which is available at local bookstores.
