A camp and hike event in Valemount, B.C. over the long weekend

• Travel day – July 30
• Campground reservations will be needed; there are a number of campgrounds in the area (link)
• Note – The Canoe Creek RV is the home of the Mud Bog event during that time so will be a noisy spot.
• We will book into the Yellowhead Campground (camping@yellowheadcampground.com)(1 2505661111), but participants can stay wherever they choose to.
• More details to be added on the camping arrangements (but participants will be responsible for their own bookings (RV, tent, hotel, etc.))
• We will have a meet-up spot each day for carpooling, to be organized over the summer
• 4 days of hiking (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Monday), with adjustments for weather and conditions
• Potential hikes include McKirdy Meadows, Mt. Pierre Elliot Trudeau, and the Mica Mine Trail (all harder hikes), but a small group may wish to do a more moderate route on their own (link to Valemount Trails)
• there are lower level, more moderate alternatives if the weather is iffy
• Aug. 4 – some participants may drive home and some will be going on to Jasper National Park

Road Access Summaries:

1. McKirdy Meadows

• “You can access this trail from the top of 5-Mile Road (this road appears on Google Earth but not on Google Maps).  When dry, this road is usually fine for all types of vehicles, though the way down can sometimes be hard on automatic brakes. The maximum grade of this road is approx. 15%.”
• should be suitable for all vehicles but gear down on the way back
• see this link –  5 Mile Road

2. Mt. Pierre Elliot Trudeau

• High clearance access
• “From the Visitor Info Centre, head south on Hwy 5 (towards Kamloops). Approx. 3.5 km south, take a right at the intersection and Click here for Google Map directions. The access road was fixed up in summer 2015 and is now good for most vehicle types.”
• This is the start of the new ski development in the area.

3. Mica Mountain

• “From Valemount, travel north on Hwy 5 to Blackman Rd. >Turn left and follow Blackman for 9.7km. Turn left onto Old Tete Jaune Rd. About 2km down, turn left on Sand Creek Forest Road (watch for the sign). Use the forestry km markers to gauge your distance – go approx. 8 km down the road (8km marker) and park on the side so cars can continue to pass. The trailhead will be on your right just up the road from the 8 km marker. Click here for Google Map directions”
• regular vehicle access

4. Lily Meadows

• “You’ll need a high clearance vehicle for the access road. From Valemount, travel south on Whiskey Fill Rd to Canoe Forest Service Rd. Turn left onto that road and travel approx. 20 km (there are km markers along the way). Head towards the marina and campgrounds (stay to the right at any forks). You’ll pass the marina and hit two forks in the road – keep left at both of these. Follow the logging road approx. 8 km until you hit a bridge over a small creek. Park just before or just after the bridge, parking to the side so other traffic can still pass. WARNING: there is active logging on this road. Proceed with caution. Click here for Google Map directions to the base of the logging road (no google directions to trailhead)”
• This one is not planned at this time, but is an alternative hike.

5. Swift Mountain

• 4WD access – “From the Valemount Visitor Centre, head north on Hwy 5. Take the first right turn onto Loseth Road (Irvin’s RV turn-off). Follow the road as it veers to the left, then take the first right across the train tracks. Follow this road 11.5 km until you see the trailhead and parking sign. At forks watch for yellow and orange flagging tape.  Click here to see a map of the access route (road does not appear on Google Maps)”
• not planned for this camp

6. Swift Creek Loop – 10 km loop at lower elevations – good road access close to town – a good poor weather option

7. Kinney Lake – good access – 10 km

• a day pass is needed for this hike – http://bcparks.ca/explore/parkpgs/mt_robson/