| 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.
Contact information for
the local Smithers, BC accommodations, tours, guides, golf
courses, attractions, eco activities, artists, transportation
companies, realtors, etc. are posted under the links listed
to your right. =) |
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)
|
Simpson's
Gulch
Smithers