Trip
Reports
Bike
Trip - TCT Across BC:
1.Vancouver
Island
2.West Vancouver
to Coquitlam
3.Coquitlam to
Albion Ferry
4.Albion Ferry to
Cultus Lake
5.Keith Wilson
Bridge to Hope
6.Hope to Princeton
7.Princeton to
Penticton
8.Penticton to
Creston
9.Creston to Alberta
border
5.
Keith Wilson Bridge (Chilliwack) To Hope (June 23-24)
Day 1 - June 23, 2001
For this two-day bike ride to Hope, I packed quite light. There were not
fire restrictions, so I did not carry a stove, opting instead to cook
over an open fire. When I do this, however, I always take with me some
foil paper to lie on the ground to prevent scarring. It also acts a very
effective heat reflector. As I did on the Vancouver Island Section I carried
only a tarp with bug netting. This shelter system works great! It weighs
about 1.5 pounds compared to 6 pounds for the lightest tents. Plus, my
shelter is easy to dry. I just pop it out at a rest break and it dries
within minutes. You would never consider taking out your tent during the
day to dry it. Once it gets wet, it stays wet for the rest of the trip.
I also chose to filter my water using the pristine system. It is lightweight
and mimics your City municipal system in two small bottles. Unlike Iodine,
the system leaves no bad taste in your water, plus I found it far more
reliable and easier to use than a ceramic filter. The cost is also very
appealing. For two bottles the price is under $15.00.
I urge any user to go out and purchase the TCT guidebook. The combination
of their maps and trail description makes route finding along the TCT
much more enjoyable. I also want to note the weather was good and the
times I give are approximate. Times will vary depending on weather, rest
breaks, fitness level, etc.) I took very little breaks during this trip.
I am one of those crazy cyclists that enjoy a steady continuous pace.
Chilliwack
Keith Wilson Bridge to Cultus Lake: 1 hour
I made an error the previous week and rode the West side of the dike leading
from the Keith Wilson Bridge. This week, I started out correctly on the
East side and thoroughly enjoyed the Rotary Vedder River Trail. Leon Lebrun
and his dedicated crew of Trail Builders have done a fantastic job along
this section. There are interpretive signs, benches and numerous vantage
points to see wildlife living along the Vedder River.
Along the way I joined up with Tedd Butt from Sardis. He has worked on
many sections of the TCT in the Chilliwack area and is an avid biker.
We quickly made our way to Cultus Lake. Remember to turn right when you
reach the Vedder Crossing Road Bridge at the end of this trail.
Chilliwack Valley
Cultus Trail to Tamahi Trail (Section 44-46): 2
hours
For this section I also had with me the 1:50000 Canadian Topo Map (92
H/4) and a small GPS just in case. I never needed to consult the map,
as Ted was very familiar with the area. However, there are numerous places
where unnamed logging roads crisscross. Do not expect to see TCT signage
the entire route. Signage placement is ongoing as the trail is improved.
Tedd and I climbed a few hills on this section, but the views were worth
it. We enjoyed panoramic views of the valley below.
Tamihi Trail (Section 46-47 / 6.8km): 40
min.
Thurston Trail (Section 47-48 / 3km): 40 min.
This trail is flagged, but not TCT signed yet. We traveled through tall
grass along flat terrain. One short bridge was submerged but is crossable.
You have to be very observant with finding the entrances to these short
sections of TCT.
Slesse Trail (Section 48-49 / 3km): 45 min.
Larson Bench Trail (Section 49-50 / 7km): 30 min.
We checked out the future route, but at this point stay on the road as
the guidebook suggests.
Nesakwatch Valley Trail to Post Creek Suspension
Bridge (about 13km): 3 hours
Tedd Butt has worked on this section. The Nesakwatch Trail leads to the
Centre Creek Trail. In fact along the way you can see remnants of the
old Centennial Trail Signage. On one tree, Ted pointed out a Centennial
Trail marker about 7 meters up the tree that Trail Boss Bill Archibald
had nailed in at eye level back in the mid 1960's. The tree has obviously
grown! The new TCT sign is at eye level underneath it. Tedd also told
me that the trail crew found remnants of an old rail line along this section.
The TCT through this area is quiet. I picked up numerous deer prints as
we rode along. The only thing to remember is finding the entrance to this
trail. You must turn in at the Riverside Rec Site. I cannot remember seeing
a yellow gate as mentioned in the guide. Just find the dirt road from
the Rec site. It takes you south for a short distance and then turns eastward.
Soon you will see the fish channels. The river will keep you company along
this section.
The Centre Creek Tail is new. It is muddy in a few areas, so be prepared
if there has been rain recently. The steep switchbacks leading to the
bluffs over Post Creek are tough. They are passable, but barely. It took
everything I had to push my fully loaded bike up this path. I could not
believe how steep the going was. After a full day of biking, this was
not fun. If the trail had been wet, I never would have made it. Once at
the top be very careful. The trail to the Post Creek Suspension Bridge
turns sharply downward, but there is no sign to indicate this. We were
lucky as I spotted a couple of hikers below me, but I it is quite easy
to make a mistake.
Once at the suspension bridge, you simply follow the dirt road out through
a neighborhood of cabins. In fact, this area brought back memories for
me. Eight years ago, as I was trekking across BC for the TCT (still in
the idea stage), I stayed in one of these cabins after an exhausting 16-hour
slog through a miserable rainstorm. On this day, however, the sun was
shining and I still had some energy left. At this point Ted and I parted
company and he had a long 2 hour bike ride into the wind back to his car
at Vedder Crossing. I pushed on to Chilliwack Lake.
Post Creek Suspension Bridge to Camp (Paleface
Creek area): 2 hours
At this time, you stay on the road as it climbs toward the Chilliwack
Lake. Once at the lake you can opt for the Provincial Campground, but
I just filled up some water and kept on going. I wanted solitude and a
provincial campground is not the place to find it.
Just before Paleface Creek I spotted numerous campsites occupied by weekend
warrior types. In fact, one young dirt biker offered a spot next to his
camp where I was welcome to "chill" with them. I thanked him
and told him I need to give that some thought.
Once at Paleface Creek I rode up to the wilderness camp indicated on the
guide map. It is near a bridge where the road crosses Paleface River.
The camp was fully occupied, so I pushed onward and upward Paleface Creek
road. I was determined to find solitude, even if I had to dry camp somewhere.
After about 30 minutes of grunt work I came to a fork in the road. The
TCT takes the left fork, but I decided to take a chance and headed to
the right in hopes of finding water. I was out of water at this point
and very thirsty. I knew I should have filled up at the lake, but I was
too tired and annoyed by all the other outdoor enthusiasts who chose the
same weekend as I to enjoy the Chilliwack.
About 100 meters down this side branch, the sound of a roaring creek filled
my ears. I was not sure if it was Paleface, or just an unnamed stream,
but I didn't care. As I turned the corner, this beautiful river filled
my view. It cascaded down the mountain and underneath the bridge. I was
saved. I chose a flat area near the stream and set up my tarp. I soon
had a nice fire going and was boiling some water for my supper. The creek
was delightful. It was cold, clear and all mine! I bathed, splashing water
over me to remove some of the grime from the day's cycling. I am quite
a fussy camper and I hate to climb into my sleeping bag covered in sweat
and dirt.
The evening just melted away under a canopy of stars. A few mosquitoes
came around as the evening cooled, so I crawled into my sleeping bag protected
by my bug netting.
Day 2 - June 23, 2001
Camp (Paleface Creek area) to Paleface Pass (54)
about 2 hours
I had as backup the Canadian Topo 1:50000 (92/H3) Skagit River map. The
map is about 25 years old so will not show any of the new logging activities
on the other side of Paleface.
I have to say the trek to the summit was not as bad as the grunt by Post
Creek. The road meanders up the valley. I started early and enjoyed the
coolness of the morning. Clouds spilled over the adjacent mountains until
I was blanketed completely. The air was pleasantly cool.
Last fall when I was here building trail, the area was dry. This time,
however, there were many streams flowing along the road. I still brought
about 3 liters of water for this section, though just to be safe. There
is a sharp fork in the road to the left, with a cairn (balancing rock)
and some TCT signage. The trail begins up this short cart trail.
The Paleface Pass trail is wonderful. I was in the trees once again and
it felt great. I passed through stands of Yellow Cedar, Mountain Hemlock.
There is also some very rare Western White Pine. In the early 1900's a
fungus known as white pine blister rust was imported by accident on a
shipment of nursery trees to Vancouver. The fungus spread, wiping out
nearly all of these ancient trees. Keep your eyes peeled for the long
curved pinecones. I pushed my bike most of the way, eventually reaching
the Interfor Logging Road at the top of Paleface Pass.
Silverhope Valley
Upper Silverhope Trail (Section 54-55 / 9km): 1hour
15 min.
At the logging road turn right and hang on tight. It is a downhill glide
all the way to Hope. Interfor is starting logging very soon, so I knew
I would be one of the last to see this valley intact before it fell under
the chainsaws.
Silverhope-Hicks Trail & Silver Skagit
Trail (Section 55-57 / 17km): 1hour
I stayed on the main road, as the Future route along the West side of
Silverhope Creek was not quite ready. As of July, 2003 it can be biked.
At this point I was traveling on a major gravel road and made very good
time.
Silver Lake Trail (Section 57-58 / 6.2km):
40 min.
This road affords expansive views of the Coastal range. You really get
a sense of the size of these surrounding mountains. I took a break at
Silver Lake Provincial Park. Picnic tables, etc. are on the West side
of the lake, though I remained along the East side. Towards the end of
this section I came back into civilization and houses.
Hope Heritage Trail (Section 58-59 / 7.5km):
1 hour
This section is along paved road, so I made really good time. It is all
downhill to Hope following the Silverhope River. You can hear the roar
of this wild river for most of the way. Near the City limits of Hope the
TCT signage begins and takes you right through town centre. I ended my
trip at the start of the Othello Canyon Trail. Hope was sunny and of course
windy. It is always windy in hope with the Fraser and Coquihalla Canyons
converging. The tourist info centre is a great place to get local info
and dry any wet gear. The best part was just dozing in the sun waiting
for Christine to come and pick me up. Just by luck I ran into two cycling
groups heading east to travel right across the country. Their bikes and
gear were still looking very clean and tidy. Two days on the TCT and my
own bike looked like it had just come through a dust storm. Dry mud, leaves,
etc. hung off the brake pads. I felt a little sorry for one of the couples
as they were going to take the #3 Highway across the province because
they had been told it was the flattest route. Yikes!
PICS
Tedd
Butt crossing a creek just east of Thurston Meadows Recreation site.
Finally
reaching Post Creek Suspension Bridge after
the most gruelling uphill climb on the trip so far.
Balancing
Rock at the Paleface Pass Trailhead.
Blowdown
across Paleface Pass trail.