Omineca. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- It is recommended that rockclimbers familiarize themselves with their intended climbing routes, the potential hazards associated with the climb, and any safety precautions required prior to setting out. One source of information about the climbs at Mount Pope is the “Central BC Rock - Rockclimbers Guide to Central British Columbia.” (Lyle Knight 1996)
- Hikers should carry a supply of drinking water as there is no potable water available on the hiking trail.
- There are no facilities available in this park.
- Overnight camping is prohibited in this park.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
Mount Pope is located about 7 km northwest of Fort St. James on the northeast side of Stuart Lake. Proceed through Fort St. James on Stuart Drive W and turn left (west) on Stones Bay Road. The trailhead parking lot is 4 km down Stones Bay Road on the right. Map reference: 93K/8 & 93K/9
Things to do
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
A 6.5 km hiking trail to the peak provides a panoramic view of Stuart Lake and the mountains to the north. The elevation gain is about 790 metres (2400 feet). Allow four to six hours for the return hike.
Hikers should carry a supply of drinking water as there is no potable water available on the trail. A gazebo is available at the peak of Mount Pope. This is an ideal spot to have a snack and enjoy the 360 degree view.
There is a gazebo at the top of the mountain offering a 360 degree view. Natural values of Mount Pope park include rare plants and animal species associated with limestone rock formations and caves. It is also a valuable winter range for mule deer.
Mountain biking is permitted only on the trail. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
For details on e-biking within Mount Pope Park, see the e-biking section.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Mount Pope Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
One source of information about the climbs at Mt. Pope is the “Central BC Rockclimbers Guide to Central BC,” (Lyle Knight 1996).
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.
Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
About this park
The Carrier name for the mountain is Nak’al. One Carrier legend tells of “little people” that once lived inside the mountain. These people were all killed in a war with the Nak’azdli from the village adjacent to what is now the town of Fort St. James. Nak’azdli means “when arrows were flying.” According to the legend, a yearly gift of salmon must be made to the ghosts of the “little people” to ensure the abundant Stuart River run will continue.
In addition to Mount Pope serving as a prominent landmark and signpost (pictographs have been documented on the sheer rock faces along Stuart Lake) the abundant wildlife around Nak’al also made it an important hunting area to First Nations people. Deer are plentiful in the valuable winter range on the steep south facing hillsides.
Please remember that all natural and cultural resources are protected in the park. Damage to, collection or removal of any natural resource or cultural artifact is prohibited.
The Carrier Native Indians established the first trails up Mount Pope. From the vantage point at the peak they could see far to the north and had advanced warning of any hostile parties coming down Stuart Lake.
In 1865 Major Franklin L. Pope was surveying a route for the Overland Telegraph Line. He was separated from his party and had to spend the night alone on the mountain, which became known as Mount Pope thereafter.
In the 1920s a telegraph line was put in when once again the peak was in use as a lookout point, this time as a Forest Service fire lookout. The lookout was removed in 1972 and the trail to the peak was designated as recreational trail in 1983. Mount Pope Park was established in January of 2001.
Mount Pope Provincial Park is characterized by steep limestone-based rocky terrain covered with Douglas fir and smaller pockets of mixed forests. Over time the porous limestone has eroded, creating rock formations and caves that provide habitat for unusual plant and animal species such as the brown bat.
Mount Pope Provincial Park is home to a variety of wildlife and is particularly significant as winter range for mule deer. Other species found in the area include white-tailed deer, black bear, moose, lynx, and cougar, as well as a wide range of birds including jays, the blue grouse, and Clark’s nutcracker.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.
Contact
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
|---|
