Simpson's Gulch Trail : Hudson Bay Mtn.
Smithers, British Columbia, Canada

Simpson's Gulch Trail is part of a network of four hiking and walking trails exploring the northeast slope of Hudson Bay Mountain in the community of Smithers, BC, Canada. The trail system is one of the more popular hiking destinations in the Bulkley Valley region providing a good opportunity to view small wildlife, birds and the community of Smithers from alpine mountain slopes.

Simpson's Gulch Trail is really more of an access road type route connecting to, either, the Ski Smithers downhill ski and snowboard resort or to the Hudson Bay Mountain south peak. The route involves navigating some very steep sections and requires some level of fitness. But... the good news is that all is worth it because from the peak there are views of the valley below and the Smithers townsite.

The trail leads up to the "the prairie" (an alpine meadow at the tree line) and then continues for another 4-5 hours to the south peak on Hudson Bay Mountain. This is no easy hike and all hikers should be well prepared with adequate water, footwear, a good trail map (pick up at local information centre) and use plenty of common sense.

The northeast slope of Hudson Bay Mountain is filled with many trails exploring the region. When it comes to the Simpson's Gulch Trail, it merges with other trails, as well, including the Bluff Trail (45 minute walk) which leads to a viewpoint and to the Duthie Trail... plus the gulch trail connects to the Dahlie Creek Trail (2 hour hike) which leads to the Smithers Community Forest and on and on.

Many of the hikes connect, so do make sure your routes are clear and you have a car waiting for you at the proper exit point on the mountain and in the right parking lot location. Exploring the whole region can take days. Plan accordingly based on weather and available daylight hours.

How to get to the Simpson's Gulch Trail: From Highway 16 turn south onto Toronto Street and continue down the road taking a right onto Railway Ave. At the end of the street turn left on Zobnick Rd, cross the railway tracks and continue straight leading to the Simpson's Gulch Trailhead parking lot.(take a left after the railroad tracks would lead to the Bluff Trailhead)