Hiking

There are many magnificent trails of all levels of fitness and time required to complete.  Caution should be taken to avoid encounters with bears, and appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.  Weather systems can change suddenly and it is wise to leave a hike plan with someone and turn back if the weather changes
Updated Trail Report

Clague Mountain

(8 to 10 hours return - Elivation 1350)
Before you start, you are able to park your vehicle in a wide-open area.  Clague Mountain is a difficult 6 km trail that leads to alpine on the West side of the Kitimat Valley, with a return time of 8 to 10 hours.  While on the trail, it has excellent views of the Kitimat Valley and Douglas Channel from alpine.  Be cautious of the trail being rocky and slippery.  Also, be sure to bring insect repellent.

Clearwater Lakes Trail

(6 K - 3 hours return)
The Clearwater lakes trail is an easy to moderate 6km hike through old growth reserve forests, which encompass Onion Lake as well as the Big and Little Clearwater Lakes.  The trails feature bird and wildlife viewing opportunities as well as a side trail to a viewpoint over looking Lakelse Lake and valley.

Coho Flats

The Coho Flats is a dual hiking and biking Trail. The trail starts at the back of an empty lot beside the Baxter street apartments.You can park your vehical on the vacant lot on Baxter Street. The Trail is well blazed and easy to follow. Don’t forget your fishing gear. (Caution Mark where you exit the bush for your return trip)

Douglas Channel

(11 K return 4 - 8 hours)
To get to the Douglas Channel trail, you drive past Rio Tinto Alcan and turn right on the Bish Forest Road (located approx. 12 km from the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce).  The trail starts out quite easy with access points down to a nice beach.  200-300m along the trail a wooden bridge is crossed, from there the trail becomes more of a hiking trail than a picnic access.

Fisherman’s Trail

(45 min - 1 hour return)
Just before you reach the Kitimat River, there is a space available for you to park your vehicle.  This trail begins at the edge of the Kitimat River at most times of the year, however, it is NOT recommended that you use this trail when the Kitimat River is high.  Please be aware of bears and take extra caution in this area.  This trail can take up to 45 minutes to a one hour trip.

Giant Sitka Spruce Tree

(45 min - 1 hour return)
It is an easy hike on a well groomed trail, featuring the oldest living Sitka Spruce tree in the Kitimat Valley, Over 500 years old.  The giant Sitka Spruce is located adjacent to the Kitimat River.

Hirsch Creek Canyon Falls Route 1

(3 to 4 hours return)
This trail starts from the South side of Hwy 37 Hirsch Creek Bridge and is approx. 7km long.  This trail intersects a logging road, which eventually leads to a spectacular viewpoint.  A picnic area exists down the trail towards the big gully.  It is about 3 to 4 hours return.

Hirsch Creek Canyon Falls Route 2

(40 Min Return)
You are able to park your vehicle before the Hirsch Creek Bridge.  About 35km from the bridge, there is a large opening in the woods.  As you go down a short hill, watch for a sign on the tree marking the trailhead.

Hirsch Creek Park

(numerous trails)
This trail is a rustic setting with camp sites adjacent to Hirsch Creek, yet a 5 to 10 minute drive will put you in downtown Kitimat.

Humphrey’s Creek Falls

(1 hour return)
From Kitimat, drive towards Terrace on Hwy 37 for 14km and take your first right after the Humphrey’s Creek Bridge.  Once you turn to your right, keep going for 3km until you see a little pull in on the left hand side.  Park on the left and then go down the trail on your right.  Walk for 5 minutes and head towards the falls.  You will be able to hear them.  Make lots of noise because it is secluded and bears could be around.  When looking at the Falls, be very careful because at some points you are very high above the water.  Watch your step.

Little Elizabeth

(3.5 to 4.5 hours)
This is a hard hike up rock and vertical hills.  You usually encounter snow and broken shale, which can be slippery.  Be sure to stay on the trail and use extreme caution along ridges.  The trail is marked by circles spray-painted onto the rocks.  Please be aware of sudden weather changes, such as fog and low cloud, if this occurs, turn back IMMEDIATELY.

Mount Elizabeth

(9 to 12 hours return Elevation 1850m)
Mount Elizabeth at 1850m elevation is the highest mountain in this area providing one of the best views of the Kitimat Valley and the Douglas Channel.  This trail is classified as a difficult hike and not recommended for children under 10 yrs or novice hikers.  It is a 9 to 12 hour hike to the highest peak and back.

The Lookout

(1.5 to 2.5 hours on the Mount Elizabeth Trail)
The Lookout is approx. 1.5 to 2.5 hours up the trail and provides a great view of Kitimat for those once in a lifetime photographs.

Mount Elizabeth Summit

(5 to 6 hours one way - Elivation 1850m)
From the peak of Little Elizabeth, expect another 1 to 1.5 hours of additional hiking time.  Follow the trail due north, down a small hill and then up to the summit of Mount Elizabeth.  This is a very difficult trail of loose rocks.  The area is very slippery due to snow and ice.

North Cove

(1 to 1.5 hours)
This trail takes 1 to 1.5 hours, return trip.  4wd is recommended past Moon Bay Marina.  The trail is approx. 850m in length and drops approx. 100m vertical distance to the beach.  It is an easy walk down, howerver a little more difficult coming back up.  Upon reaching the beach, there are 3 picnic benches available.

Pine Creek Trail

(45 min to 1 hour return)
It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour return trip.  This is a great hike for all ages; you are quickly nestled in big cedars (old growth forest) and following babbling brooks teaming with small fry.  Keep a watchful eye out for the beaver that has been busy this summer.

Robinson Lake Route 1

(5 to 7 Hours return)
The “Wathl Main” sign in the trees marks the start of the road.  Approx. 1km from the start of the Wathl Main Road, there is a view of Kitimat.  Drive along Wathl Main for approx. 3.5km to reach the Robinson Lake trailhead.  There are colored ribbons along the side of the road.  This trail is well marked.

Robinson Lake Route 2

(4 k )
This trail is 4km long and takes you past a series of small lakes before reaching Robinson Lake.  This route can be very muddy and wet, therefore appropriate footwear is recommended.

Robinson Ridge

(5 to 7 hours return - Elivation 1100 m)
Depending upon weather and conditions, this hike can be done year round. Whether it is hiking boots in the summer and fall or snowshoes in the spring and winter, there are some spectacular views to be seen.
Well used by snowmobilers in the winter, the Robinson Ridge trail leads to a rustic cabin maintained by the Kitimat Snowmobile Club. There is no shortage of new friends you may make along the way.

Hiking Booklet & Guide

The Kitimat Chamber of Commerce produces a Hiking Trail Booklet available at the Visitor Information Centre, it includes level of ability required for both hiking/bikeing and snowmobiling, plus indepth discriptions of the Trails.

Please chek out the Trail Report for the latestTrails Report