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Hiking Trails

Easy Trails

Moderate Trails

Hiking Trails

Explore the many hiking trails around McBride, where adventure meets natural beauty. Hike through ancient rain forests, discover alpine meadows, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Robson Valley and mountain peaks. Whether your seeking a peaceful stroll or a challenging trek, McBride offers something for everyone.

Be Prepared! Carry with you:

Topographic map and magnetic compass – and learn how to use them.
Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
Extra clothing (including mittens, hat, jacket and rain gear)
Sunglasses
Extra food and water
Waterproof matches in waterproof container
Candle/Fire starter
Pocket knife
First aid kit
Space blanket or two large heavy-duty trash bags – These items can help provide shelter in an emergency situation and can be used as a raincoat or a windbreak.

Educate yourself about the particular hazards of the area, i.e. wildlife, steep terrain, sudden weather changes etc – and be prepared.

Plan your trip and let other know where you are going and when you are likely to be back.
Know your limitations and stay safe!

Visit Hiking in BC

There is an excellent selection of nature, safety and map books as well stories and histories for reading in the tent available for sale at the McBride Visitor Centre. Also available is Rob Bryce’s comprehensive guide – Hiking North Central BC (with interactive CD) as well as a good selection of other hiking guides.

Easy Trails

Most trails are fairly flat and level. Suitable for families with small children.

Horseshoe Lake

An easy walk from downtown McBride, this birdwatching area is located on an old oxbow of the Fraser River and is a popular stopping point for migrating birds. Locals will cross country ski or ice skate on the oxbow when weather permits.
Bluff Trail, Connector and Outrun Loop - McBride Mountain Trails

An easy 5km loop that can be extended via Connector and Outrun with stunning viewpoints of McBride and the Cariboo Mountains. 2km east of McBride on Highway 16 to Mountainview Road, 1km to McBride Peak FSR, 1km to parking lot (2WD access). Watch for horseback riders and visitors on mountain bikes. More information and a map – McBride Trails

Beaver/Holmes River Falls Trail

An easy 2km out and back walk alongside the west side of Beaver/Holmes River with opportunities to view a small waterfall and, in August, migrating salmon. Look for 10 species of trees along the trail. 11km east of McBride on the north side of the Beaver/Holmes River.
West Twin Old Growth Trail

This short 1.2km look trail through an old growth cedar and hemlock forest with interpretive signage. Drive 29km west of McBride and look for a small gravel parking area just before a curve in the road, 800m before the West Twin Bridge. The trail sign is prominent and the path leads into the forest immediately.

Rearguard Falls Trail

Located at Rearguard Falls Provincial Park, the 15 minute walk takes to you fenced viewpoints with excellent and impressive views of the Fraser River cascading over a rock ledge. Located 71km east of McBride on Highway 16, 5 km east of the Tete Jaune junction of Highways 5 and 16. More information at Rearguard Falls Trail
Kinney Lake at Mount Robson

A family friendly 9km out and back loop along the iconic Berg Lake Trail to a gorgeous, glacier fed lake. Bring a picnic and enjoy views of the lake, glaciers and peaks in Mount Robson Provincial Park.

Overnight tenting is possible and must be reserved – Berg Lake Trail

Trail head is at Mount Robson Provincial Park, 80km east of McBride on Highway 16.
Ancient Forest/Chun Toh Whudujut Provincial Park Trails

This unique park, located in the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, boasts a 450m Universal Access Trail along with an easy 2.3km boardwalk trail that provides hikers with a close look at one of the most northerly inland temperate rainforests in British Columbia. Western redcedar up to 5 metres in diameter and 2000 years old can be seen from the boardwalk. 103km west of McBride on Highway 16.

More information – Whudujut Park

Moderate Trails

More strenuous. Trails may be uneven with steep sections.

Fold ‘Em, Hold ‘Em, River Run, Gut Shot and more at McBride Mountain Trails

There are over 10 km of moderate trails only a few kilometres east of McBride. Drive 2km east of McBride on Highway 16 to Mountainview Road, 1km to McBride Peak FSR, 1km to parking lot (2WD access). Watch for horseback riders and mountain bikes. Take a few moments to hike or drive to the Halfway Lookout at 6km on the McBride Peak FSR and be rewarded with incredible vistas of the Fraser River winding its way through the Robson Valley.

More information and a map – McBride trails
McBride Peak and Teare Mountain

Your gateway into the Rocky Mountains! 2km east of McBride on Highway 16 to Mountainview Road, 1km to McBride Peak FSR and then 12km on the FSR to a parking area in the sub-alpine (4WD required above 6km or hike from this location). No motorized vehicles beyond the 12km parking area. Short hike to old fire lookout and another 1.5km to McBride Peak summit.

Stunning views of McBride, the Robson Valley, the Rocky Mountain Trench and the Rocky Mountains. Some camp overnight and do longer backpacking trips in this area. McBride Peak 7446ft/ 2267m, Mount Teare 7120ft / 2168m.

Lucille Mountain

Open alpine hiking offering splendid viewing, lakes, wildflowers and wild berries. 4WD access to subalpine meadows where a beautiful, moderate day hike takes you past a winter snowmobiling cabin and 2.7km further to the peak. Here hikers will be rewarded with stunning views of the Robson Valley, Rocky Mountains and even Mt. Robson.

From the McBride Visitor Centre turn east on 1st Ave. for 650m and turn right onto Sansom Road. Continue for another 2.2km. and turn left onto Lucille Mountain Forest Rd. Drive 650m to lower parking lot. At the 4.5km junction take the right fork. Park at meadow with small kiosk.
Bell Mountain

In addition to the new horseback riding trails on Bell Mountain that are accessible to hikers from the 4.5km parking lot, the top of “little” Bell Mountain is a moderate hike from 17km up the Bell Mountain FSR (4WD recommended past the 4.5km parking lot), accessed from Highway 16, 8.5km east of McBride.

Adventurous folks can add a few hours to their day and hike up to “big” Bell and be rewarded with excellent view of McBride and the Fraser River, and, if skies are clear, a glimpse of Mt. Robson.
Ozalenka Valley Trail and Cabin

This popular and well maintained trail follows Ozalenka Creek for 7km from the trailhead to the cabin. A new two story cabin was finished in the fall of 2022 to replace the original structure. The alpine cabin is situated close to gorgeous flower strewn alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and majestic peaks makes ideal home base for summer and winter adventures. The cabin is well stocked with useful amenities and can be booked by contacting the Ozalenka Alpine Club. Drive 5km west of McBride to Dore River Road.

Take the Dore River Forest Service Road and travel for ~6km to the junction. Take the right fork with signs for Ozalenka. Follow the road for about another 8km and then take the right fork for Ozalenka and follow and other 4km until reaching the trailhead. From there the trail starts by crossing the river and then follows the creek up the valley until reaching the cabin about 7km from the trailhead. There is a new porcupine enclosure at the trailhead for parking.

Eagle Valley Trail and Cabin

The Eagle Valley cabin is located at the toe of an ancient glacier approximately 9km from the trailhead. The trail difficulty is moderate and certain sections can be slippery when wet or icy. Depending on the year the remains of large avalanches may need to be traversed to reach the cabin. Drive 5km west of McBride to Dore River Road.

Take the Dore River Forest Service Road and travel for ~6km to the junction. Take the left fork (South Dore) with signs for Eagle Valley. Follow another 13km to a porky enclosure at the trailhead. From there the Eagle Valley hiking trail starts by following a deactivated logging road for the first 3km and then more or less follows the creek for another 6km to the cabin. To book this cabin, contact the Ozalenka Alpine Club
Kristi Glacier Trail

This is an 8km trail to the alpine with expansive views of Cariboo Pass. The first 3km of the trail follows old logging roads (getting very brushy). The trail then proceeds up the valley to the “headwall,” where it turns south and gains elevation to the pass while passing through open terrain and meadows.

Drive 5km west of McBride to Dore River Road. Follow Dore River Forest Service Road to the first junction at 6.5 km, go right (Centre Dore) and continue to the next junction at 14 km. Stay left (Centre Dore) and proceed another 7-8 km to a parking area just before a stream (foot bridge only). (note: marmots in area so wire mesh is recommended around parked vehicles).
Little Lost Lake

One of the Robson Valley’s most popular hikes! This family-friendly out and back trail rewards hikers with picnic spots at the lake after only 1.7km. Many take a dip in the warm water or try their hand at fishing. Adventurous hikers can add a few extra kilometers and some steep climbs for views of a small waterfall.

The trailhead is located 64km east of McBride on Highway 16. Park at the (second) rest area on the right (south), about 1km east of the weigh scales. Cross the highway at the west end of the rest area and you will find a sign at the trailhead. with parking 1km east of the weigh scales. Cross the highway at the west end of the rest area and you will find a sign at the trailhead.

Challenging Trails

Strenuous. Longer trails may be uneven and/or narrow, with steep or slippery sections. Suitable for more experienced hikers.

Paradise Trail

This challenging 7.9km trail takes hikers from near valley bottom, up steep switchbacks, to Paradise Ridge in the Rocky Mountains. Hike an additional 2.3 km to the summit of Mt. Monroe. Hikers are rewarded with incredible views of McBride, the Robson Valley and the Cariboo Mountains.

Elevation gains of 1,258m and 1,519m (to the peak) means hikers should give themselves a full-day to explore the area. Trail head is located 12.6km down Mountainview Rd, accessed from Highway 16, 2km east of McBride.
Avalanche Valley and Caribou Lake Trail

This is a 13.5 km trail to Cariboo Lake and a small campsite at the headwaters of the Cariboo River. From here there is extensive hiking potential with spectacular scenery, and geologically significant rock formations near the toe of the glacier. This is a challenging trail with significant elevation changes (900+ metres up to Avalanche Pass and 500 m down the other side to the lake).

The route is poorly marked through the alpine areas above tree line. Route finding skills are required. A backcountry campsite can be found on the edge of Cariboo Lake just below Roberts Glacier. Drive 5km west of McBride to Dore River Road. Follow the Dore River Forest Service Road to the first junction at 6.5 km, go left (South Dore) up to 14 km to next junction. Stay right and proceed another 5 km to the trailhead at the end of the road. (note: marmots in area so wire mesh is recommended around parked vehicles).

More information about the trail at: ozalenkaalpineclub.ca

Boulder Mountain Trail

A strenuous 15km out and back trail with excellent views of the Goat River Valley, the Cariboo Range to the west and south, and the Rocky Mountain Trench and peaks, including Mt. Sir Alexander. This trail begins 1.2km along the Goat River Forest Service Road, 34km west of McBride on Highway 16.
Historic Goat River Trail – part of the National Hiking Trail

The 95km Goat River hiking trail follows a historic gold mining route between Barkerville and the upper Fraser River. The trail extends in the east-west direction along the Goat River and forms a section of the National Hiking Trail of Canada.

Hikers can access a portion of the Trail from Crescent Spur and off of the Goat River Forest Service Road. Check out Goat River Trail for more information.
Dunster Trail (Tom’s Cabin)

A strenuous 14km out and back trail that climbs steeply to a small cabin next to Bob/Dunster Lake in an open meadow. Stunning views of the Robson Valley and the Rocky Mountains reward hikers. Access is from Pepper Gravel Pit in Dunster, 30km east of McBride.

Check in at the Dunster General Store to use the cabin: 250-968-4488

McBride Mountain Trails

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More Summer Activities

Boating

McBride’s Fraser River boat launch is located at Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Park, just 1km east of McBride on Highway 16. Turn onto Raven Road, which leads to the free boat launch.

Experienced whitewater paddlers will run the Fraser River, Beaver/Holmes River, McKale Creek, the Dore River and others in the Robson Valley when conditions are right. Independent paddlers will find out more information about local conditions at Robson Valley Whitewater

One immediate concern is the lower number of boaters currently on the water, which could mean reduced nearby assistance if you encounter problems. Additionally, any incidents may disproportionately strain rescue operations.

The CSBC has outlined the following key messages for this season’s Safe Boating Awareness Week:

Wear Your Lifejacket – Sadly, over 80% of drowning victims in Canada were not wearing their lifejackets, or wore them incorrectly. The market now offers a wide variety of lifejackets and personal flotation devices, making it easier to find one that fits your boating style and is comfortable to wear throughout your time on the water.
Boat Sober – Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or prescription drugs is not only dangerous but also illegal. In some provinces, a conviction for impaired boating can affect your car driving privileges.
Take a Boating Course – Operators of powered recreational vessels are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or equivalent proof of competency. However, just obtaining the card is the beginning. We recommend pursuing further specialized training. For enthusiasts of paddle sports, now is an ideal time for on-water training. Beginners should consider starting with online resources to learn about responsible paddle craft boating, though these are not substitutes for practical training.
Be Prepared, You and Your Vessel – Ensure both you and your vessel are ready for your planned activities. This includes being informed about your trip, ensuring your boat is equipped with necessary and additional recommended safety gear, checking that weather conditions are favorable, ensuring adequate fuel supplies, and filing a trip plan. Remember, staying out of trouble not only keeps you safe but also eases the load on rescue services.
Be Cold Water Safe – Cold water can drastically reduce your ability to swim or stay afloat. Even experienced swimmers are vulnerable to the effects of sudden immersion in cold water. Wearing a lifejacket is your best defense against cold-water immersion risks.

These initiatives are designed to ensure a safer boating experience for everyone involved.

BE A GOOD BOATER!

We share our waterways with large boats and small, and not just pleasure craft, but commercial and industrial vessels, and even cruise ships, ferries and SeaBus. And while our waters are open to everyone, that doesn’t mean it’s open season to operate without consideration for others, and the environment.

Before you head out, familiarize yourself with the finer points of boating etiquette, as well as best practices for environmentally responsible ‘green boating’ as well as protecting our marine mammals by staying the minimum distance away from endangered whales and other species. And most of all, we believe that an informed, confident boater is a safe boater, so we recommend a range of training courses all year round.

Mountain Biking

Located only 2km East of McBride, the McBride Mountain Trails network features 25km of volunteer-managed multi-use trails with a mountain biking focus. Built by mountain bikers; this non-motorized trail network on the lower flank of Teare Mountain is enjoyed year-round by mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, horseback riders, snowshoers and Nordic skiers.

This small, but varied trail network has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re new to trail adventures or are a seasoned athlete. Heart-pumping ascents and thrilling downhill trails combined with stunning vistas everywhere you turn are just a few of the things that will keep you coming back again and again.

11 mountain bike focussed mutli-use trails 2km from McBride at McBride Peak

Phone: 250-569-0046
Email: ingridstengler@gmail.com
Website: www.mcbridetrails.ca

Fishing

The Robson Valley provides varied fishing opportunities. Many beautiful streams and creeks feed the Fraser River from both the Cariboo and Rocky Mtn sides of the valley. There are many clear, deep pools, as well as numerous log jams that act as ideal homes for rainbow trout, Rocky Mtn whitefish and dolly varden. These fish are attracted to any number of lure or fly patterns, especially red and white.

Dolly varden are catch and release only – please be careful to revive and release them to their stream home. Salmon are off-limits in the Robson Valley. Be sure to consult the fishing regulations and get your license.

The Fraser River is 1375 km (854 miles) long fifth largest river in Canada, by volume and drains an area of 220,000 km2 (almost the area of Britain).

Horseback Riding

Free Equine Camping in and around McBride:

McIntosh Equestrian Recreation Site – Buit and Maintained by Back Country Horsemen of BC Robson Valley Chapter. Free camping, 16 non-serviced sites, 28 corrals, piped non-potable water available for horses, kitchen shelter with wood stove and manure pits. Campers must arrive self sufficient with their own domestic/drinking water, horse feed, buckets etc. There is a Forty-two km equine trail network on Belle Mountain adjacent to the campground (see Day use trails below for details). This camp is Located at km 3 on Mcintosh Road – turn off highway 16 twelve km west of McBride if arriving from the East, or two km east of Clyde creek if arriving from the west – look for the green recreation highway signs.
Koeneman Park staging area – Located 2km east of the Village of McBride -turn left at first road east of Fraser River Bridge. Staging area for the scenic McBride Mountain Multiuse trial Network (see Day rides section below). Also has 2 corrals and Room for up to two rigs to stay overnight at this site (ideal for people to overnight when travelling through). No piped horse water – must walk the horses to water at the Fraser River Bridge.

Day Rides within 40 minute drive from McBride

Contact Robson Valley Chapter of Back Country Horsemen for information robsonchapter1@gmail.com. We may also have members available who can show you some trails.

Belle Mtn Equine trail network (options for all levels of riders). Multiple staging areas located at 1) the Dore River Staging area, 2) km 3 and km 4.5 on the Belle Mountain Forest Service road, and 3) from McIntosh Equestrian Recreation Site at 3km on McIntosh Road. Trail network Includes option for many loop trails at Lower (Dore River), Mid, and upper levels on the mountain including riding to Belle Mtn Alpine. www.hcbc.ca trails database to download maps and trail descriptions.
McBride Mountain multi-use trails (uphill sections but suitable for all levels of riders –– Access from Koeneman Park staging area 2km east of the Village of McBride. Very scenic with option to ride to a half way lookout overlooking the Village of McBride and the Fraser River Valley.
Renshaw sort yard trails: flat and scenic trails through open bush for all levels of riders. Turn onto Mountainview road 2km east of McBride. Trails located 18 km up Mountainview on the left up ½ km past the community pasture corals. No signage – park in meadow across the road from the gravel pit.

Teare Mountain Trails – Options for all levels of riders. Access from Little Falls Parking Lot approx. 12 km East of McBride. Short loop trails around the falls and back or longer ride options to the upper mountain along a steep trail or the Teare Mountain Forest Service with scenic views along the way.
Swift Current Creek Route – Scenic Mountain valley – No loop option (for experienced riders who must be comfortable with initial steep uphill section, route finding and assessing creek crossings. Water may be deep depending on the glacier snow melt and/or recent rainfalls. Not suitable for spring rides. Day ride from the staging area at the end of Howard Road approximately 13 km East of Tete Jeune at the western border of Mount Robson Park (see trail map and description on Horse Council BC trail database). Ride has variety with steep uphill climb, forested trail, long boardwalk over muskeg which maybe slippery in rain or frost, then travels along braided gravel bars on Swift Current Creek with trail options on the right-hand side further up the valley.
Jackman Flats – Ride the ancient sand dune area located off highway 5 south 10 minutes of Tete Jeune – to access turn right off highway 5 at Blackman Road and park at a yellow gate on right-hand side 4.1km down Blackman Road. Room for two rigs. Suitable for all levels of rider, but good navigation skills are required. After a while riding, everything looks the same, so keep an eye on your route, remain on the trail to avoid trampling the delicate moss/lichen.

McBride is uniquely situated, with expansive and scenic backcountry routes along the Continental Divide at its doorstep. Local staging areas provide backdoor access into the backcountry of Jasper National Park, Mount Robson Provincial Park, the Wilmore Wilderness, and Kakwa Provincial Park. Back Country Horsemen of BC maintains staging areas to this vast wilderness at Blueberry Creek km42 on the Holmes River Forest Service Road North East of McBride and at the Moose River trailheadapproximately 2km East of Moose Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park.

Contact The Robson Valley Chapter for details: robsonvalley1@gmail.com

This organization provides equestrians who are interested in trail riding and the back country with a safe and social learning atmosphere where people of all ages can enjoy trail riding and the wilderness experience. They strive to preserve and enhance the use of public lands for all equestrians.

The Robson Valley Chapter, founded in 2010, hosts trail rides, workshops, work bees, potluck get-togethers, including an annual poker ride in late September, which is always well attended by both locals and out-of-towners.

Email: robsonchapter1@gmail.com Website: Robson Valley Backcountry Horsemen

Guided Horseback Riding/Horse packing:

Cowgirl Up Adventures offers trail rides, pack trips, riding lessons and retreats near historic Tete Jaune Cache, only 40 minutes from McBride.

Phone: 250-566-5099 Email: info@cowgirlupadventures.com Website: Cowgirl Up Adventures

Salmon Spawning

There are several spots along the Fraser and its tributaries to watch the large Chinook salmon on their 1300 km journey from ocean to spawning grounds in August. Be alert for bears and keep well away from them.

Canoeing & Kayaking

The Fraser River and its numerous tributaries offer opportunities for novice to experienced paddlers. Care should be taken as these can be risky, especially in high water. Reading guides detailing your chosen sections of streams is recommended.

The Fraser offers flat water paddling, while side rivers such as the Beaver, Morkill and Raush have more challenging sections for the more experienced boater and kayaker. LaSalle Lake offers pleasant lake paddling (no motors) with access from the campsite.