Activities

Summer Activities

HIKING

A 10-page brochure with detailed descriptions of Chalet/Guesthouse hiking trails is at each cabin.

From the Clearwater River Chalet:

A 30 km network of trails radiates from the Chalet. Just 20 minutes away is Moul Falls which plunges 35 metres over a lava cliff. You can walk behind Moul Falls and even swim in the plunge pool below. Even closer is 10-metre high McDiarmid Falls, a pleasant stroll along the Clearwater River and up the canyon of Grouse Creek.

There are several longer hikes including an all-day loop trail through the colourful Hemp Canyonlands, first beside the creek, then along the rim with panoramic views. Another loop trail features weirdly-shaped hoodoos on Green Mountain. A shorter walk leads to an historic cabin which was once the private fishing retreat of industrialist H.R. MacMillan. The Clearwater River trail goes downstream from the Chalet and ends at the spectacular Sabre Tooth Rapids where in mid-day you can watch the rafts of Interior Whitewater Expeditions.

Other hikes lead to the Flatiron Mesa, Hemp Falls, White Horse Bluff, Birch Bluffs Rim and Bogart Meadows. An interpretive nature trail starts near the Chalet and is a one-km loop through the forest near the Clearwater River and Grouse Creek. Signposts are keyed to a brochure which describes points of interest along the route. The trail route was planned and the text written by two biologists from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.

From the Gateway Guesthouse:

There are dozens of hiking trails nearby, some on the property and many more that start from the Wells Gray Park road. The trails range in length from 30 minutes to all day. You can hike to Moul Falls which plunges 35 metres over a lava cliff. Walk behind the falls and even swim in the plunge pool below. Try the all-day loop trail through the colourful Hemp Canyonlands. If you like altitude, then the Trophy Mountain alpine meadows is a favourite destination. Other hikes include Battle Mountain, Table Mountain, the Flatiron, the brink and bottom of Helmcken Falls, Majerus Falls and Easter Bluffs. Many trails transverse the 300 acre Clearwater River Chalet/Gateway Guesthouse private property and some connect with the extensive network of trails in Wells Gray Park.

Fishing

Fishing is good close to the Chalet because of the inflows of Hemp Creek upstream and Grouse Creek downstream. The Chalet and Guesthouse property have considerable frontage on the Clearwater River, so guests can enjoy lots of private shoreline for fishing. The river's deep calm pools are home to Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. The Clearwater is a catch and release river with a bait ban and barbless hooks. The fishing season opens July 15. A British Columbia fishing licence must be purchased in advance. Chinook Salmon can be caught in August with a special licence. For more information contact the Fish & Wildlife regional office at 250-371-6200.

River Rafting

Rafting on the Clearwater River is a fun and exhilarating way to see its canyons and rapids. For river rafting excursions contact Interior Whitewater Expeditions at 1-800-661-RAFT (7238). Link to http://www.interiorwhitewater.bc.ca

Winter
Winter activities are available from the Gateway Guesthouse only

Skiing

There is a variety of cross country ski trails, at your doorstep or within easy driving distance. We have designed several loops on the property which range from 20 minutes to three hours and cater to various skill levels. These trails are signed, but not groomed. Nearby in the Clearwater Valley, there are two networks of groomed trails maintained by Murtle River Nordics and Wells Gray Outdoor Club. One near Dawson Falls has a 24-km loop over McLeod Hill and the other near Candle Creek has several shorter loops. A modest fee is charged for use of these trails if you are not a member of the club.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is not permitted on the Guesthouse property, however an extensive network of snowmobile trails can be found on nearby Raft Mountain. There is a marked starting point about 15km south towards Clearwater on the main road.

Helmcken Falls

A winter visit to Helmcken Falls is a spectacular sight as it often builds an ice cone halfway up the falls. You can drive on a paved and ploughed road right to the falls. Helmcken is the 4th highest waterfall in Canada, plunging 141 metres. Moul Falls, a 30-minute ski from the Gateway Guesthouse, also builds an impressive ice cone at its base. Some great views can be enjoyed from the Birch Bluffs Rim Trail high above the Clearwater River. Wildlife watching is great in winter. About 10 moose spend the winter on the property and are often seen if you quietly ski or snowshoe. Conservation officers have reported seeing over 50 wolves in the area. A salt lick is near the Guesthouse and other animals such as deer may be seen there.