This week's hike to the Giscome Portage retraces one of the regions historic overland transport routes. This relatively flat trail passes over the Arctic Divide which was once a major trade route between the Pacific and Arctic drainages with a trail from the Fraser River to Summit Lake. If you have a desire to hike this trail, then this is the time to do it as the bugs are ferocious in the spring and summer. The hike would not be complete without a stop at the Huble Homestead to learn more about the history of the trail and area.
Trailheads
This hike has two easily accessible trailheads. The closest is from the Huble Homestead.
From the corner of Chief Lake Road and Highway 97, drive 27 km north to Mitchell Road. Turn right and drive 4.9 km to the trail head or drive an additional 900 m to the parking lot at the end of the road. The second trailhead can be accessed from the Barney Road. From the corner of Chief Lake Road and Highway 97, drive 34.5 km north to the Barney Road. Turn right and park in the lot just east of the trailhead. The trail can also be accessed via the North Fraser Road which is 1.8 km past the Mitchell Road turn off. It is 3.1 km down the road to the point where the trail crosses the road.
Trail Description
The Huble Homestead trailhead starts 900 m west of the parking lot along the road. Park at the end of the road and walk back up the road to the trailhead which is well signed and marked by a log archway. The Barney Road trailhead is well marked and starts beneath a log archway as well. The trail can be hiked in either direction but a second vehicle or bicycle at the destination trailhead will be needed unless the trail is hiked out and back.
The 8.5 km trail is well marked and maintained throughout. It is forested most of the way except when crossing one section of a power line and gasline right of way. There is a nice picnic area just north of the North Fraser Road. The site has a picnic table on the banks of Tay Creek and makes for a nice spot to take a break. The trail can be wet and muddy during the spring or after a rainfall.
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.
