|
|
| |
|
We are travelling from
West to East (Houston to Burns Lake)
To travel
East to West(Burns Lake to Houston) click
here
|
|
 Come
along as we drive the north shore of Francois Lake along
the Colleymount (or North Francois Lake) Road from Houston
to Burns Lake.
We have 17 photos to show the route.
We'll see miles of lakeshore, farms,
aspen, spruce and pine forest and hopefully some wildlife.
You can stop to fish or hike or stay at one of many
guest houses. It will take over 3 hours to drive the
route but allow extra time to stop and explore. The
road and logging traffic make this route unsuitable
for very large RV vehicles.
|
|
On the North Francois Lake (Colleymount) Road |
|
|
KM 0
MILE 0
|
Let's start at the intersection of Highway 16
and the Morice River Forest Service Road, a few kilometres west
of Houston on Highway 16, near Finning Tractor. Please set your
odometer to zero. Keep your headlights on at all times and give
right-of-way if you encounter logging trucks. |
| |
|
KM 3.3
MILE 2.1
|
End of pavement and you are passing two large
sawmill complexes, Canfor and Houston Forest Products. The larger
mill was the largest sawmill complex under one roof in Canada,
when built in 1971. |
| |
|
KM 22.2
MILE 13.8
|
You will notice the dead trees on hills close
by, the result of the Swiss
Fire in 1983. A display at the turnout explains the story
of the fire and how it threatened Houston before a shift in
the winds saved the town. We are following the Morice River
from Houston. The Morice is a world famous Steelhead stream
and attracts fishers from around the world. We will pass the
Morice Lake Road turnoff at 27.9 km. |
| |
|
KM 28.4
MILE 17.7
|
Morice Mountain is to the east and is also visible
from Houston.  |
| |
|
KM 40.4
MILE 25.2
|
To visit a picturesque lake close to the road,
turn off west to the Owen Lake campsite and access to the Nadina
Mountain Trail. |
| |
|
KM 45.3
MILE 28.3
|
There are many open meadows on the hills above
Owen Lake. They are natural and unusual in our forested region.
|
| |
|
KM 47.3
MILE 29.5
|
To the west is Owen Lake and Nadina Mountain behind
it. |
| |
|
KM 54
MILE 33.6
|
Turn east (left) on the Owen East Road. This part
of the road is the roughest section but it will end after 12.8
km. |
| |
|
KM 58.6
MILE 36.5
|
Here you can see an old growth pine forest to
the south and and a replanted cut block to the north (left).
|
| |
|
KM 66.5
MILE 41.3
|
At the intersection, we will continue straight
ahead on the Colleymount Road (also known as the North Francois
Lake Road) , but you may want to visit the Nadina River bridge
just 1 km to the south (right). There is a Moose Habitat site
along the river and a view of Nadina Mountain in the distance.
There is a sign to point out all the nearby locations
from our road. |
| |
|
KM 68.3
MILE 42.5
|
Francois Lake begins.
The gravel road is better now
|
| |
|
KM 71.5
MILE 44.5
|
The community of Noralee has a store and an unusual
church. |
| |
|
KM 90.9
MILE 56.5
|
Small and large farms are scattered along many
side roads Pavement
begins and will continue all the way to Burns Lake. |
| |
|
KM 98.3
MILE 61.3
|
This is Colleymount, one of many small communities
scattered about the Lakes District. |
| |
|
KM 110.3
MILE 68.3
|
Swans and geese stay in the open waters along
this shore during winter. You will often see moose along the
road. There is plentiful feed for them in nearby forests and
swamps. |
| |
|
KM 111
MILE 69
|
The Government Point Forest Service Campsite is
along the lake shore. |
| |
|
KM 111.7
MILE 20.8
|
McLure Pit Forest Service Campsite is on the lake shore.
This is a popular spot for fishing and launching small
boats.
You'll see the Francois Lake Ferry Terminal on your right
at 121.8 km but we will carry on past the terminal.
|
| |
|
KM 122.7
MILE 76.3
|
Turn north (left) at the intersection to stay
on Highway 35 to Burns Lake..
|
| |
|
KM 135.7
MILE 84.3
|
We're passing Tchesinkut Lake, a very clean deep-water
lake, popular for fishing.
Coming up to the east at 139.3 km is the turnoff to the trails
of the Omineca Ski Club, one of the oldest cross-country ski
clubs in BC and home to many national champions. |
| |
|
KM 141.7
MILE 88.3
|
To the east is Burns Lake. The small island is
named Dead Man's island and was once the smallest Provincial
Park in BC. |
| |
|
KM 143.5
MILE 90.3
|
The road meets Highway 16 at Burns Lake . Turn
west (left) to Houston. For more information on Highway 16,
click here. |
| It is 80.5 km (50 miles) back to Houston on Highway
16. Enjoy the rest of your stay in our region. |
|
| Local BCNorth Group members who provide automotive
parts and service include: |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
.gif){kind=spacer}
Circle Tours
