| McMillan
Park is a network of three
short trails leading to a grassy knoll lookout over looking the
community of Prince George, BC, Canada and the mighty Nechako
River. The earthy trail is an easy grade route. But be prepared
to experience some elevation gain while meandering through a forest
of Douglas Fir trees to the lookout on the north side of the Nechako
River.
The trailhead from the parking lot leads to the
viewpoint. From the parking lot walk a short distance to where
the trail bumps into the road. Follow the road 150 metres to the
connecting trailhead and continue to the lookout. It is a short
one kilometre trail along a well marked route.
There is also a longer 2.5 kilometre trail that
explores various different landscapes that also leads to the viewpoint.
From the viewpoint there are trails leading deeper into the forest
along the river bank of the Nechako.
When hiking the nature trail use caution and be
aware of loose rocks, fallen trees, exposed boulders, tree roots
and stumps. The trail is well marked with directional signs and
notice boards. The route is designated for hiking only. There
is no horseback riding, motorized vehicles or mountain biking
permitted on the trail.
The lookout at the end of the trail is a big grassy
knoll on the edge of the cutbanks of the Nechako River. At the
viewpoint is one picnic table providing a seat and a lunch area
so to enjoy the scenery. Along the fencing there is some interpretive
signs detailing some of the geographical history of the area.
The creek in McMillan Park flows at the bottom
of a deep ravine. The main channel of the river is 15 kilometres
long and drains a watershed of 57 kilometres. The park plays a
big part in preserving the McMillan Creek Watershed and in protecting
the wildlife that visit the region regularly.
The McMillan waterway is the largest stream in
the community and is home to Rainbow Trout. But it is better known
for the spawning beds which play a vital role in the fish stocks
of Chinook Salmon. The wetlands of McMillan Creek also attracts
other wildlife to the area including moose, bears and birds.
McMillan Creek and the trail viewpoint provide
an opportunity for birdwatchers to view birds like Bald Eagles,
Three-toed Woodpeckers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Warbling Vireos,
Goldencrowned Kinglets, Ospreys and more.
Contact information for
the local Prince George, BC accommodations, tours, guides,
golf courses and attractions, realtors, etc. are posted
under the links listed to your right. =) |
How to get to McMillan Park:
Travel north of Prince George BC along Hwy 97 (John
Hart Highway) to Hoferkamp Road.The parking lot is 0.4 km from the
highway on the right. There is an outhouse in the parking lot. |