There are many hiking opportunities in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park. These provide access to exceptionally remote areas that offer outstanding opportunities to view scenery and wildlife.
Trails from the Klappan Rail Grade are currently inaccessible. BC Parks strongly discourages attempting to access these unsafe trails. Stay safe and always follow responsible hiking practices when visiting Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park.
The recommended trails in this park all start at Cold Fish Lake Campground. For information on the campground, see the main Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park page. Look on the current page for information about the following trails:
Trails from the Klappan Rail Grade
In the past, some visitors hiked into Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park via the Klappan Rail Grade. This is a disused BC Rail track following the Klappan River. The McEwan and Eaglenest trails were common hiking routes branching off the track.
In recent years, both these trails have become inaccessible due to washouts. The trails are unmaintained. There are currently no scheduled dates for the repairs needed to make these trails usable.
BC Parks strongly discourages visitors from trying to access trails from the rail grade. If you do try to access the trails, you do so at your own risk.
Responsible hiking
Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park is a remote area with no facilities. None of this park’s hiking trails are frequently travelled. They are only suitable for experienced backcountry hikers who are properly equipped and in good physical condition.
The trails are not maintained by BC Parks and conditions are often challenging. At times, trails may be impassable due to weather conditions and water levels. Wet, boggy sections and blown-down trees are common.
Much of Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park is open to hunting at certain times of year. Always stay on designated hiking routes and avoid straying onto game trails. For details of hunting seasons, see the hunting and trapping regulations synopsis.
For detailed information on staying safe and protecting the environment when visiting remote areas, see our backcountry guide.
Airplane Valley
Starting at an airstrip at the north end of Cold Fish Lake, the Airplane Valley Trail crosses the creek flowing into Cold Fish Lake. The bridge over this creek has been washed out, and there is a temporary foot crossing. We do not recommend using this crossing, particularly as the following section is subject to flooding.
A secondary trailhead bypasses the creek and the flooded section of trail. You can only access this by crossing the lake in a boat or canoe. The trailhead is a few hundred metres beyond the lake inflow. Look for flagging tape and a rustic trail sign along the western shore of the lake.
Once the initial section has been passed, the trail continues on the opposite side of Cold Fish Lake from the campground. It passes through the forest, up a moderate climb, before ending at Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve. The whole hike should take around two hours one way.
Black Fox Creek
From Cold Fish Lake Campground, this moderately steep day-hike follows Black Fox Creek. It can take a whole day, depending on your fitness level. There are portions that might be wet or muddy following rain, especially if the trail has not been used recently.
Cold Fish Lake
Staring at the campground, this trail follows the shoreline of Cold Fish Lake. It is unmaintained but can be hiked to the south end of the lake. The trail continues to the guide outfitter camp at Hyland Post.
In several places, the trails become braided, and it is easy to confuse the route with game trails. Be sure to bring a good map and compass to avoid becoming disoriented. Take extra care during hunting season.
The guide outfitter camp at Hyland Post is private property. You may also notice a couple of private cabins along the trail. Please behave respectfully around all private property in this park.
At the lake’s south end, you can cross Mink Creek to take an alternative trail into Gladys Lake Ecological reserve. For more information, see the Gladys Lake Trail information, below.
Danihue Pass
Danihue Pass Trail starts along the Bug Lake Trail from the airstrip near the north end of Cold Fish Lake. After crossing a bridge, you meet the Danihue-Bug Lake junction. Danihue Pass Trail climbs up through the forest for about two hours before opening onto alpine terrain. From here, it continues climbing over the pass.
The climbs are moderate, and the trail is reasonably easy to follow. Danihue Pass Trail provides access to Ice Box Canyon Trail. It can be difficult to find the spot where the two trails intersect. The signs indicating the trail junction are not regularly maintained.
Gladys Lake
Staring at the campground, follow the Cold Fish Lake Trail along the shoreline until you reach the lake’s south end. Here you can either cross Mink Creek on foot or boat across the lake to reach a trail through Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve.
The trail loops through the Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve and back to Danihue Pass. The Gladys Lake Trail is not maintained by BC Parks and is not frequently travelled. It may be overgrown.
This trail braids in places and is crossed by game trails. Be cautious that you do not become confused or disoriented. Use a map and compass to ensure you stay on Gladys Lake Trail.
Camping, hunting, fishing, fires, and collecting are strictly forbidden on the Gladys Lake Ecological Reserve portion of this trail.
Spatsizi Plateau
This trail leads from the campground up to Spatsizi Plateau. It makes a good day-hike if you are staying at Cold Fish Lake Campground. The plateau is a great place to see wildlife and views of the surrounding area. The trail leading to the plateau is steep in some sections.