This week's hike is a relatively unknown trail that has a variety of things to see, especially for rockhounds.
The opal bed trails provide easy access for those hoping to mine a few opals and agates. It also has some great views and a mix of trails for people of all hiking levels.
The opal beds were originally staked by John Shelford in the early '80s and later turned into a reserve staking area for the public to try their luck at rockhounding. The mountain pine beetle has had an impact on the area and killed most of the trees in the trail system.
Directions
From the junction of Domano Blvd and Highway 16 in Prince George, drive 219 kilometres west to the town of Burns Lake. Turn left on Highway 35 (immediately past shopping centre) and drive 1.9 kilometres to Eagle Creek Road. Turn right and drive up the hill for 400 metres.
Turn right on to a dirt road and follow this for 3.0 kilometres. Turn left on to Guyishton Road. After 400 metres the bottom end of the Eagle Trail starts on the right followed by an old stream fed fountain 50 metres further down the road on the right.
At 1.3 kilometres along the road stay right at the junction. Continue on a further 2.1 kilometres to the main parking lot and trailheads.
Trail description
The Opal Bed trail heads off at the end of the roundabout circle and quickly comes to the junction to the agate trail after 400 metres. (The agate trail heads off to the left where it climbs steeply for 700 metres where the trail ends.)
Continuing on the Opal Bed trail trail, it climbs gradually through the pine forest for 1.8 kilometres where another junction is reached on a ridge.
To the right it is 200 metres to a viewpoint of some hoodoos and rock bluffs. Mountain goats can be seen on the rock bluffs across the valley. The opal beds start 150 metres to the left of the junction.
The opals can be seen embedded in the large rock pieces on the ground. The opals can be released by breaking the rocks into pieces. The opal beds continue on for 100 metres along the ridge. Watch for the original claim stake that John Shelford staked out in 1984. It is located on a post in the opal beds.
The opal beds are not the only attraction. A lookout trail leads to a viewpoint with great views of the town of Burns Lake. There is also a beaver pond trail, agate trail and the Eagle Trail.
For more information on this hike including airphotos, GPS co-ordinates and trail photos refer the book Hiking Central BC which is available at local bookstores.
