Showing posts with label rivers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rivers. Show all posts

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Teapot Mountain


Okay, it could be because I am out of shape but late September I went straight up an old volcanic plug and PHEW'. This volcanic plug is none other than Teapot Mountain, located 50km North of Prince George, BC, Canada.

The hike is only 1.4km long. The 1.4 kilometer hike is deceiving though. It has a steady incline on a slightly switchback trail. It is a trail for people that are in healthy shape. Though I was extremely unprepared for the hike, I found it rewarding. I love seeing the beauty of the earth around me and Teapot Mountain didn’t disappoint.

Once at the top of the mountain there is a 360degree trail with many view points. I recommend you go in the fall season because you are blessed with brilliant colors that the surrounding lakes, rivers, forests and wetlands hold.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Cottonwood Island Park


Ever have a place you love to go on an evening off or a place you feel like getting away to? I have a place, I visit this wondrous nature park at least once a week, if not more. Cottonwood Island Park or it’s official name Cottonwood Island Nature Park.

There are many beginnings to this park. The main entrance to the parking lot is located off of River Road. Where there is a nice grassy area with a gazebo, picnic tables and a trail map. The map outlines the trails including the Willow, Grove, Cottonwood, Limestone, Hazelnut and Dogwood Trails.

Some are probably wondering what ‘river road’. I guess I should tell you where it is. It is located where the Nechako and Fraser River meet in the community of Prince George, B.C., Canada. The park is 88acres and has many 300 year old Black Cottonwood Trees. (If anyone is allergic to pollen, it is widely suggested to bring allergy relievers. In my case I am allergic to ONLY cottonwood and pay for it every time.)


Summer/Autumn is one of the best times to visit the park. The river is low enough that you are able to walk over the river rock beds. Sometimes getting half way over the river. There is nothing better that taking a journey over rock beds with some friends. That isn’t the only reason Summer/Autumn is a great time to visit. You have many wild berries along the trails and the leaves are just changing color so you really experience that warm happy feeling.

The tails are both dirt and paved. It is a multi-use trail that lets joggers, bikers, runners, walkers and in-line skaters use. Some people use the trail to cross-country ski during the winter.

People can fish from the river, there is a boat launch for boaters, and many events are held at Cottonwood Island park. There is one event closing in on September 11th, 2011. It is an annual event called “Paws for Cause”. Many communities throughout the province will par take to raise funds for local animal shelters. It will begin at 11am and the funds raised in Prince George will go to the Caribou Branch of the SPCA.

Please if you have an hour or two, take the time to visit Cottonwood Island Park.
P.S - Don't try and find the sign. :-D PEACE OUT

Monday, August 1, 2011

Hazelton, BC, CANADA


Hello there. I guess I should start out this blog. I recently visited my hometown with a couple of friends. So why not start with my hometown. Most people drive by this little spread out town but it is really beautiful. If you haven’t guess by the title already; the name of the town is “Hazelton”. Sorry let me correct myself. “Hazelton” is the cluster name.The Hazelton area is comprised of the Village of Hazelton, District of New Hazelton, South Hazelton, Two Mile and the Kispiox Valley. Also the four First Nations’ Villages Gitanmaax, Hagwilget, Glen Vowell and Kispiox.

Named after the hazel bushes that paint river-carved terraces, the Hazeltons are situated in a majestic setting dominated by the 3000’ walls of the rugged Roche de Boule Range. A ‘must see’ for those traveling Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The two main rivers in the area are Bulkley and Skeena River.


Hazelton is one of the oldest settlements in Northern British Columbia, its European settlement dates back to 1866 when the Collins Overland telegraph went through. The Hazeltons boast a diverse compact landscape of culture, scenery, lifestyles and local amenities. The are approximatly 6000 living in the area.

There is so much to see and do(listed below. I spent half my life living in the Hazelton Cluster. At the bottem are many photographs taken on my last trip. Also 5 years new is this cute little giftshop in old town and a human size chess board.

Places to see:
Hagwilget Suspension Bridge(My Favorite): Head down the road from the Visitor Info Centre in New Hazelton to drive or walk over the Hagwilget suspension bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in North America. The bridge looms 81 metres (265 feet) over the scenic waters of the Bulkley River. You can also hike down to the river's edge for a closer look at the water.

Ksan Indian Village and Museum:The 'Ksan village illustrates many features of a Gitxsan village from the distant past. For example, like its predecessors, 'Ksan's houses form a single line with each building facing the river. From this position, the large decorated house fronts and totem poles of the village are visible from the water.'Ksan's museum collection consists of approximately 600 items.Items include bent boxes, ceremonial masks, button blankets, shaman's regalia, fishing gear, hunting utensils, and assorted lithic artifacts housed in a proper museum facility with environmental controls.

Things to do:
View Totem Poles: The Hazelton area contains over 50 standing totem poles located in eight scenic Native villages.


Fishing: Designated a trophy river by the province, the Kispiox River is known for its world-class steelhead trout. The river also contains an abundance of coho salmon, dolly varden, and cutthroat and rainbow trout.
Just 30 minutes away are the Babine, Bear, Bulkley, and Sceena Rivers.

Hiking: The Hazeltons appeal to hikers of all experience levels. Trails range from easy family hikes to high alpine adventures for more experienced hikers.
Stroll the boardwalk in New Hazelton. Blue Mountain Trail and Sidina Mountain Trail are longer stretches, reaching into alpine terrain. For a long day's trek, or overnight backpacking, set out for Moonlit Trail (also called the Kispiox Mountain Trail) on a steady climb through old-growth forest leading to an alpine ridge. A small campsite is set near the top of the ridge