Hixon Falls

Hixon Falls is located in the middle of British Columbia. The falls are tucked in behind the tiny town Hixon off Highway 97.
The waterfall was not hard to find but there was a lack of signage marking the way. As soon as you hit the parking area you can hear the waterfall already. The area is so breathtaking; a natural beauty for sure. The air is fresh, the creek is clear and there is music in your ear. Nice thing about this trail is you can take your shoes off and walk the creek to the waterfall or take short trail.
When I arrived I soon found out I wasn’t very prepared. I was able to walk to a certain distance along the creek because I had sandals on, but even then I had to walk the trail part ways, as it got deeper. The waterfall came in view and I realised I should have brought a swim suit because there was a pooled area for people swim in. From the trail I was disappointed to find I wasn’t able to see the full length of the waterfall unless I went straight up, hands and knees crawling up a lightly man crawled trail. And, for that I would have needed my shoes, which we at home in the boot room.
What I saw was beautiful and I would go back in a heart beat. Go back more prepared that is. Hixon falls is a nice place to stop by on your travels or visit for the day. I recommend you bring a lunch and let your feet soak in the clean clear water.



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Ancient Forest Trail

Did anyone know there is a rain forest in Northern British Columbia, Canada? You’re in luck; because you do now.
Recently I went with my friend to Ancient Forest Trail. It is located 112km East of Prince George. When walking the trail it feels like you are walking into a different world. It is so breathtaking until you breath the fresh mountain air. A clean strong air that makes you think again about returning home.

The forest contains ancient Western Redcedars (Thuja plicata). The trees are anywhere from 1000years old to 2000years old. These trees, cedars mostly, have massive trunks up to 16 metres in circumference, upper limbs that reach for the sun's rays, and lower limbs draped in moss. Researches say it is because of long, cold, and snowy winters. Snowmelt from adjacent valley slopes plays an important role in sustaining groundwater recharge.


Now, walking the trail I was shocked to read the map info because what laid in middle of the Ancient Forest Trails was a waterfall. The waterfall is called ‘Treebeard Falls’. The waterfall is accessible by a rocky trail or by the waterfall runoff creak.

Ancient Forest Trail was just recently discovered by a UNBC student. The trails are now accessible thanks to all the hard-working people at Dome Creek, UNBC and the Caledonia Ramblers among others.

Hearing about this trail from the paper, I had assumed that the trail was flat but it is a elevation gain of 300 ft to the falls. The falls are not huge, but still magical in a nice shady spot where you can enjoy the view and cool waters cascading down.

This is a must for hikers and wilderness lovers.

Twin Falls

During my trip north-west from my current location, my friends and I stopped at Twin Falls. Twin Falls is a must see natural attraction that all should make an effort to visit when in the Smithers, British Columbia, Canada area.

We went early September when the air/weather was just turning crisp. The hiking trail follows a wide foot path to a wooden lookout platform. You are walking along a tumbling creek created by the run off water from the waterfalls. The trail, although short, is uphill and can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. There are some picnic tables here where you
can rest and enjoy the surroundings. You can walk along the creek to the waterfall as well. This is what my friend and I did.

You can see both waterfalls from the viewpoint. Though my friend and I were not able to get to close the second waterfall; we were able to walk along the rocks and rough hiking trail base of the one waterfall. If you go be careful as the trail becomes more slippery and unreliable.

The two glistening waterfalls are approximately 550 feet. Five thousand feet above you can see the receding glacier. You can reach the glacier by the gulch hiking trail. It explores the mountain all the way to the top of the falls and onto the glacier. This trail is a steep 2hour hike for experience hikers. The hike is challenging and the temperatures drop on the glacier quickly.

In all this was a beautiful place that felt like we were surround by magic. Well…okay maybe just fresh air and mist from the creek. Hope you can check out Twin Falls and experience what is hard to put into words.