This week's hike to Fraser Mountain is a good tune-up before tackling some of our regions higher peaks. The trail has a nice mix of steep pitches and easy ridge walking The trail has easy access right off the highway so no need for 4 wheel drive vehicles. The view across Fraser Lake are the best in the area and allow you to see the white specks outlining the Trumpeter Swans near the outlet of the Nautley River.
Directions
From the corner of Domano Blvd and Highway 16 in Prince George, drive 137 km west. The trailhead is 5.6 km west of the town of Fort Fraser. The trailhead is just off the highway on the left side. Watch for the brown colored BC Forest Service sign at the edge of the grassy parking lot adjacent to the highway.
Trail Description
The trail is well marked and climbs southward from the parking lot directly up the mountain through an old ski hill. The trail heads up the hill southward, initially, and then levels off towards the west. The first viewpoint overlooking Fraser Lake is reached after 1.3 km. The trail then ascends steeply and reaches a second viewpoint with a bench at 1.9 km. At 2.2 km another viewpoint with great views off to the north is reached. The trail levels off as the majority of the elevation has been completed. At 2.4 km, there is a trail junction to an alpine knoll. This side trail to the west is only 100 m and gives great views of Drywilliam Lake.
The main trail follows the top of the ridge along the south side of Fraser Mountain. Unique rock formations and cliffs lie just to the south of the trail along this section. At 3.0 km, a pink ribbon and a lightly treaded trail branches off to the northeast. This trail is easily followed and leads to a viewpoint over the large rock face that can be seen from the trailhead. It is 1.5 km from the main trail to this overlook. Be careful as there is no guide rail over the cliffs. There are also many caves and large rock openings along the trail during this section.
After 4.6 km, the main trail meets the lookout road. The road to the left heads uphill for 70 m to a radio tower and storage shed. The main trail continues southeast down the road for another 1.0 km to the fire lookout and other communication towers.
The steep climb up the steps of the fire lookout are well worth the 360 degree views over the Nechako Plateau. The lookout can also be reached by vehicle via a forestry road but the hike provides a more enjoyable walk through pine forests and over old volcanic rock.
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.
