Return to Home page
Contact Us
Caribou Loop Trail
 
 
Home
Trails
Trail Hazards
Hiking Hints
In Your Pack
To meet BCNorth members who provide
trail guiding services and hiking equipment,
click here
Description: A two-day loop hike across a scenic mountain west of Smithers. Combines the North Caribou Trail and the South Caribou Trail and an extra 6 km between. Suitable for experienced hikers only. Excellent views of the Howson range to the west and other mountains.
Near: Smithers

Difficulty: Moderate

Click for a photo of the start of the second day, at the top of the basin, ready to cross an old prospecting trail to the main peak.

Click for a photo of one of the three lakes

Click for a photo of the first basin at the top of the South Trail. Exit to the ridge at the right

Click for the map of the route

Click for a photo of the Howson range to the southwest

 

 
antler
Location: Map NW
Rating: rating
Road Conditions: Logging roads, not suitable for large RV vehicles. Use on weekends and holidays to avoid logging traffic.   Trail Length: 24 km. About 7 hours on the first day and 6 hours the second day.

Directions: Follow the driving instructions for the North Caribou Trail to park one vehicle (GPS 583689 6068949 UTM) and the South Caribou Trail for the second vehicle (GPS 584437 6068183 UTM). The South Caribou Trail turns off west at (GPS 585507 6064256 UTM)

Since most hikers will be familiar with the top of the North Trail, it is best to go in on the South Trail. At the top of the South Trail, there is a lack of good flagging from an old camp site to the open alpine. Take a compass bearing to the southwest to negotiate the confusing tree islands until you can see the open alpine basin ahead. Print out the map to guide you.

 

Features: Easy walking and spectacular views. Caribou used to roam this mountain decades ago - you may find old antlers. There has been work on mining claims years ago but little remains. This trail is an easy cross-over for experienced hikers. This is a dry mountain so make sure that you carry enough water across the top.

You should be familiar with how to reach the top of the North Caribou Trail before attempting this cross-over. If not, do the North Caribou Trail first. This is a relatively easy cross-over except for the lack of trail marking at the top of the South trail. There is an excellent basin for camping with plenty of water marked on the map. We recommend camping there. Say hi to the marmots for us.

View of Mount Sir Robert to the northwest

vista

 

Camp Basin with Camp Peak in background arrow

camp

 

Local BCNorth Group members that supply trail guiding services or hiking equipment include:
BC North Member Back 40 Canoe
Houston
We supply canoe tripping equipment including packs, barrels, paddles, harnesses, yokes and mattresses.
BC North Member Bear Mountaineering
Smithers
Your professional guide to mountain adventures in northwest BC. Stay in our remote Burnie Glacier chalet.
 
 

 

       
Visit our Community web sites for North-Central BC at www.hiway16.com
       
Created by
copyright © 2002, Northwest Design, Smithers, BC, Canada