Outdoor recreation is an important element that is promoted on the Community Forest.
There are several well maintained hiking trails in the Bella Coola Valley that range from easy strolls to moderately difficult trails that wind their way partially up the mountainsides to some spectacular views. This network of trails provide opportunity to see most of the different types and ages of forests in the Bella Coola valley, including old growth Douglas-fir on the drier slopes, ancient cedars on the river flood plain, and immature forests regenerated after natural fires and logging.
The trail system is maintained by the Bella Coola Trails Alliance, which is a collection of dedicated volunteers, working in partnership with the Recreation Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. The Bella Coola Community Forest is one of the supporting sponsors for the Trails Alliance.
Trails are an important part of the history and heritage of the Bella Coola Valley. The Nuxalk people first developed the grease trail routes leading from the main valley to the Chilcotin Plateau for trading eulachon grease and other products with interior First nations. These trails were later used by European explorers, like Sir Alexander Mackenzie in 1793, gold seekers heading to the interior and pioneers settling the province in the 1800’s. In addition, over the years, trails were cut into the side valleys by hunters and trappers. Logging in the valley started in the earley 1900’s and some of the trails are actually former logging skid roads that have regenerated naturally.
Click on a trail system below for more information.
- Saloompt Forest Trail
- Clayton Falls Recreational Site
- Lost Lake Trail
- Snooka Trail System
- Schoolhouse Mountain Falls
- Hagensborg Loop Trail
- Snootli Creek Regional Park
- M Gurr Lake
- Grey Jay and Blue Jay Lakes
- Odegaard Falls, the Nusatsum River Trail and Falls Viewpoint Trail
- Hammer Lake and Ape Lake Trail
- Purgatory Lookout and Noeick River Forest Road
- Medby Rock Lookout Trail
- Capoose Summer Trail lower Lookout
- Burnt Bridge Loop Trail and Valley View Lookout
Download the Bella Coola Valley Tourism Trail Map PDF
Safety and Trail Etiquette
Please take care to be safe on the trails and show respect for the environment and fellow hikers by honouring proper trail etiqutte.
- Always let someone responsible know where you are going and when you plan to return. Remember to also check in with that person when you come back.
- Go with a friend, avoid hiking alone.
- Use footwear with good ankle support.
- Be prepared. Carry extra clothing, first aid kit, water, insect repellent, etc.
- Logging roads may be active with heavy equipment traffic so drive carefully.
- Park well off the roads, do not constrain traffic or block access to boat launches.
- Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
- Fires are only allowed at designated camping or picnic sites. Check with BC Forest Service in Hagensborg for any campfire bans.
- Follow bear safety precautions (see below).
- Trails are maintained by volunteers so please do your part by picking up any litter and removing branches or debris.
- It is illegal to damage, destroy, or remove any natural resource or property from Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
