This week's hike to Nechako Canyon - or the Grand Canyon of the Nechako as it is also known - leads to a rare dried up river canyon. The canyon is the result of the once full flowing Nechako River cutting through a lava plateau to create a narrow canyon.
Its features can be seen from top to bottom as the riverbed is now virtually dry since the river was diverted to the Pacific Ocean via the Kenney Dam.
An added feature is the spectacular views of the Cheslatta Falls which are across the river en route to the canyon.
Directions
From the junction of Highway 16 and Domano Blvd in Prince George, drive 100 kilometres west to the town of Vanderhoof. Turn left onto Nechako Avenue, just past the only set of traffic lights. This street turns into the Kenney Dam Road. The road is paved for the first 16 kilometres before becoming a good gravel road.
After 26 kilometres go straight through the Kluskus Forest Road junction. Drive 82.5 kilometres from Highway 16, and look for a trail sign on the right side of the road. There is a small pullout about 50 metres past the trail sign where it is possible to park a vehicle.
The trail begins to the right of the trail sign. Watch for orange markers and ribbon.
Trail description
The trail begins in a recent forest fire burn, so many of the trail markers are missing. Follow the ribbon through these sections. The trail winds in and out of burned and unburned sections throughout the hike.
The trail is easy to follow in the unburned parts. It's relatively flat most of the way to the canyon, except for a few creek gullies that must be crossed.
A junction marked by three trail signs is reached after 1.4 kilometres. The trail to the right heads down to the Nechako River. The trail to the left leads to Nechako Canyon. After three kilometres, views of the Cheslatta Falls can be seen across the river valley.
The falls can be heard prior to reaching the edge of the river valley. The trail follows the top of the ridge for most of the way to Nechako Canyon from here. The canyon is reached after a further three kilometres.
The canyon has steep rock walls and cliffs surrounding the remnants of the Nechako River. For those interested in a longer hike, the trail continues five kilometres along the ridge, above the canyon, towards Kenney Dam.
For more information on this hike including airphotos, maps, GPS co-ordinates and trail photos refer the book Hiking Central B.C. which is available at local bookstores.
