Hiking Trails Access Routes:
Several overland routes can be used to gain access to the park. The most common access points originate at the BC Railgrade (Klappan Railgrade) that intersects with the Ealue Lake Forest Service Rd, near Iskut.
McEwan Trail:
This trail leads off the railgrade at the 28km marker. It leads through Stikine River Provincial park and into Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park near the north boundary of the park. It then crosses Cullivan Creek and heads south toward Bug Lake and then on to Cold Fish Lake camp. The trail is approximately 54 km long, and takes 4-5 days to hike to Cold Fish Lake camp. This trail can have muddy and boggy sections that can be difficult, especially in wet weather. It is recommended that persons bringing horses into the park use this trail rather than the Eaglenest trail.
Eaglenest Trail:
This trail leads off the railgrade at the 50km marker. It meets Eaglenest Creek and follows it to Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve and proceeds through Danihue Pass to Black Fox Lake, where it meets the McEwan trail heading to Cold Fish Lake camp. A couple of unmaintained routes lead off this trail. However, these are unmarked and unmaintained. The Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve is closed to camping, hunting, fishing, fires or collecting. Please refrain from any of these activities while traversing this portion of the trail. This trail is similar in length to the McEwan trail and hikers should allow 4-5 days to hike this trail depending on their experience and current weather and trail conditions. This trail has muddy and boggy sections that can be difficult. There are also portions that proceed through willow flats and can be overgrown in places. Persons bringing horses into the park should consider utilizing the McEwan trail instead.
Cold Fish Lake camp hiking trails:
There are several hiking trails in the vicinity of Cold Fish Lake camp that can provide day hiking or overnight opportunities.
Airplane Valley Trail:
This trail commences at the airstrip on the north end of Cold Fish Lake and crosses the stream flowing into Cold Fish Lake. It then climbs up through the forest on the opposite side of Cold Fish Lake from the camp, to near treeline. This trail enters Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve. It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to hike to the entrance to Airplane Valley from Cold Fish Lake camp and is a moderate climb. The trail ends at Gladys Ecological Reserve. The bridge beyond the trailhead has been washed out, flagging tape leads the way to a temporary foot crossing (not recommended or maintained) beyond this creek the trail is subject to flooding for a few hundred metres. A secondary trailhead to by-pass the creek and flooded section can be reached by canoe or boat on Cold Fish Lake. Look for flagging tape and a rustic trail sign along the western shore of the lake a few hundred metres beyond the lake outflow.
Danihue Pass Trail:
From Cold Fish Lake this trail commences beyond the airstrip along the Bug Lake Trail; after crossing the bridge you will reach the Danihue/Bug Lake junction. Danihue Pass Trail climbs steadily through the forest and opens up into alpine approximately 1-2 hours from Cold Fish Lake and from there continues to climb moderately through rolling hills and meadows over the pass. The trail is fairly easy to follow and provides access to both the Eagles Nest Trail and Ice Box Canyon Trail, though signage is not regularly maintained and junctions may not be well marked.
Cold Fish Lake Trail:
This trail follows the shoreline of Cold Fish Lake and can be hiked to the south end of Cold Fish Lake to where Mink Creek flows out. The trail continues on to the Guide Outfitter camp at Hyland Post (private property), or if you cross Mink Creek can lead into Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve and eventually lead back to the Eaglenest Trail at Danihue Pass. There are a couple of private cabins along the trail. Please respect these facilities. In several places the trails become braided, and it is easy to confuse the route with other game trails. Be sure to bring a good map and compass to avoid becoming disoriented.
Black Fox Creek Trail:
This trail commences at Cold Fish Lake camp and follows Black Fox Creek. This a moderately steep day hike. Plan an entire day to hike this trail depending on your fitness level. There are portions that can be wet or muddy depending on the amount of rain and use of the trail.
Spatsizi Plateau trail:
This trail also commences at Cold Fish Lake camp and leads up to the Plateau above the camp. This hike makes a good day hike from Cold Fish Lake camp, and provides the opportunity to observe wildlife on the Plateau and offers good views of the surrounding area.
Gladys Lake Trail:
This trail commences at the south end of Cold Fish Lake and leads through the Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve. The trail can be accessed from the Cold Fish Lake trail by crossing Mink Creek (No bridge), or from the shore of Cold Fish Lake, which can be reached by canoe or boat (Look for flagging tape along the south-east shore beside a stream). This trail braids in places and is crossed by game trails. Caution should be exercised to ensure that hikers do not become confused and disoriented. A map and compass should be used to ensure the correct heading. This trail loops through the Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve and back to the Eaglenest Trail at Danihue Pass but this section of trail is not frequently maintained or travelled and may be overgrown. Please plan your trip carefully; there is no camping, fires, fishing or hunting permitted within the Ecological Reserve.
Please be advised that all of these trails are wilderness trails. These trails are not frequently travelled or maintained by BC Parks staff. The trail conditions are often challenging, wet or boggy sections and blown down trees are common, and at times the trails may be impassable due to weather or stream conditions. Visitors and hikers that intend to use these trails should be well equipped, and experienced in hiking and backcountry camping.
Return to Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park