This week's hike to Cutoff Butte is another short early season hike, but it does pack a punch with a steep grunt to the peak. The hike is similar in size and length to our local favorite Teapot Mountain as it is another remnant of our past volcanic activity. There are great views of Knewstubb Lake to the south. This lake is the result of the Kenney Dam which can be visited 11 km before the trailhead is reached. There is a log book hidden in the peak cairn with quotes from those who have successfully completed the climb.
Directions
From the junction of Highway 16 and Domano Blvd in Prince George, drive west to Vanderhoof. Turn left onto Nechako Ave, which quickly becomes the Kenney Dam Road (in the centre of town). The road is paved for the first 16 km before becoming a good gravel road. After 26 km, go straight through the Kluskus Forest Road junction. After 91 km, the Kenney Dam is reached. Turn left onto the Kluskus - Natalklus Forest Road ( do not cross the dam), and drive 11 km to the trail parking lot on the right side of the road.
Trail Description
The parking lot is marked by a large forest service sign on the right side of the road. It is a further 150 m down the road to the trailhead. The trail starts on the left side of the road and is marked by another large forest service trail sign.
The trail heads north from the road for 500 m through relatively flat terrain. The trail starts to ascend steeply for the remainder of the 1.2 km hike. The trail switchbacks up through volcanic rock to the top of the butte. The last 100 m crosses large rock faces that can be slippery when wet. The trail is well marked and easy to follow.
For more information on this hike including airphotos, maps, GPS coordinates and trail photos refer the newly released 2nd edition of Hiking North Central BC which is available at local bookstores.
