WHAT TO SEE AND DO
FUN FACT
Stewart, BC borders Hyder, Alaska, which has a population of less than one hundred people. Stewart and Hyder may be in two different countries, but they work together as one community.
Hiking
Credit: Camus Photography
The Rainey Creek Trail
Credit: Camus Photography
The Rainey Creek Trail goes around the town of Stewart, just above the marsh, and ends up by the ski hill. You can continue across the highway and along the Bear River, or return back through the town.
The trail has a beautiful view of the pond and surrounding mountains. No elevation. Some places are rough and it can be quite wet, so be prepared to go through the water and get your feet wet. Beware of bears as they frequent this trail. For more information on wildlife awareness and safety, click here.
Keep your camera handy, as this enchanted area is home to a variety of wildlife and waterfowl – even Salmon!
Directions: From the highway 37A turn right on the 8th Avenue and go all the way to the Rainey Creek campground. The trail starts on the right by the tennis courts. The first fork turn left, after that there is only one trail.
Click here to download the map.
The Ore Mountain Trail
This trail starts from the Clements Lake Forest Service Recreation Site on Hwy 37A, and climbs steeply up Ore Mountain to alpine viewpoints overlooking the Bear River Valley. The trail is only 11 km (6.8 miles) return, but with difficult sections where a great deal of elevation is gained. The first 4 km (2.4 miles) trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Bear River Valley. A rough, unmarked route continues past the tree line to the alpine where the trail terminates at an alpine lake.
Directions: Drive North from Stewart (out of town direction) along Highway 37A for approximately 13 km (8 miles). After crossing the Bitter Creek bridge take the first right. Turn left at the first junction and follow the road, keeping to the right for another kilometer. Park at the Clements Lake Recreation Site (great place to camp here) and follow the old road for 300 m to the trailhead.
The Sluice Box Trail
This is a moderate trail with some difficult parts (steep climbing). The elevation is about 400 meters. On the top it has two branches. The right one will lead you to the picnic area with a beautiful view of the valley and the Portland Canal. The left one will take you to the amazing waterfall and a little bench.
Directions: From highway 37A heading into Stewart turn left just before the bridge over the Bear River. If travelling from town, turn right after crossing Bear River Bridge (travel on same road that leads to landfill). Park on the left before the other bridge over the creek. Cross the creek and turn left onto the pass. The trail head will be just around the corner.
The United Empire Trail
Credit: Dan Schultz
A steep trail that follows along the Bear River then climbs to a viewpoint (1 km) overlooking the Bear River Valley and Stewart. The steep rough trail continues beyond the viewpoint, climbing to the site of the old United Empire mine at 4.3 km, then onto the Bear River ridge and alpine (7.3 km).
Caution: the trail beyond the viewpoint is recommended for experience hikers only and should not be attempted until at least late June. Check locally regarding trail and high elevation snow conditions.
The Salmon Glacier Viewpoint
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Credit: Camus Photography
The Granduc Mine road to the glacier starts in Hyder, Alaska at sea level and follows the Salmon River to the Salmon Glacier at 4,300 ft. up in the alpine. The road goes by several old gold mines which have been operating since the 1920s. Five km (3 miles) past Hyder is Fish Creek, where from July to September, the salmon run provides an extensive food supply for bears, gulls and bald eagles. The observation deck provides a unique opportunity to view and photograph grizzlies and black bears.
The parking lot is high above the glacier. The trail is across the road and winds through meadows to rocks and another glacier. You will have spectacular views of mountains, alpine meadows, wildflowers, and the large T-shaped glacier which forms the headwaters of the Salmon River.
The small glacier on top of the ridge is fairly safe to cross, as long as you stay to the left side, avoiding the crevassed area on the steeper slope. The next valley has more lakes and views to several more glaciers on the next mountain range.
Directions: Drive from Stewart and cross the Alaska border into Hyder (no US customs, but there is Canadian customs on your way back). Continue past Fish Creek Observation deck on the mine road climbing up to the parking area overlooking Salmon Glacier. About 22 km (13 miles) from Stewart. Cross the road and follow the paths heading uphill. Several paths can be seen at first, but they eventually join up to form one path heading to the top of the rocks for a great view.
For more information and trails in the area, download the map and brochure. You can also pick up a copy at the Visitor Centre.