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We are travelling from East
to West (Burns Lake to Houston)
To travel
West to East (Houston to Burns Lake) click
here
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 Come
along as we drive the north shore of Francois Lake along
the Colleymount (or North Francois Lake) Road from Burns
Lake to Houston. We have 17 photos to show what
the route is like.
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 the 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.
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On the North Francois Lake (Colleymount) Road |
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KM 0
MILE 0
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Let's start at the intersection of Highway 16
and Highway 35 in Burns Lake.
Please set your odometer to zero.Keep right at .5 km to follow
Highway 35 south. Keep your headlights on at all times and give
right-of-way if you encounter logging trucks. |
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KM 3.6
MILE 2
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To the east is Burns Lake. The small island is
named Dead Man's island and was once the smallest Provincial
Park in BC. Coming up on the east (left) at 6 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. |
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KM 9.6
MILE 6
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We're passing Tchesinkut Lake, a very clean deep-water
lake, popular for fishing.  |
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KM 22.6
MILE 14
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Francois Lake is ahead. Turn right at the intersection
to stay on the north shore road. You'll see the Francois Lake
Ferry Terminal on your left at 23.5 km but we will carry on
past the terminal.
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KM 33.6
MILE 20.8
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McLure Pit Forest Service Campsite is on the lake shore.
This is a popular spot for fishing and launching small
boats.
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KM 34.3
MILE 21.3
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The Government Point Forest Service Campsite is
along the lake shore. |
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KM 35
MILE 22
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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. |
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KM 47
MILE 29
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This is Colleymount, one of many small communities
scattered about the Lakes District. |
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KM 54.4
MILE 33.8
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Pavement ends but the road is in good condition
to the end of Francois Lake. |
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KM 73.8
MILE 45.8
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The community of Noralee has a store and an unusual
church. |
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KM 77
MILE 47.8
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Francois Lake ends and we will next drive on a rough logging
road for 12.8 km over to the main Morice Owen Forest Service
Road, which is well maintained and wide.
Small and large farms are scattered along many side roads
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KM 78.8
MILE 49
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At the intersection, we will continue straight
ahead on the Owen East Road, but you may want to visit the Nadina
River bridge just 1 km to the left. 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. |
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KM 86.7
MILE 53.8
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This part of the road is the roughest section
but it will end after 12.8 km. Here you can see an old growth
pine forest to the south and and a replanted cut block to the
north. |
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KM 91.3
MILE 56.7
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Bear right on the Morice Owen Road. The road will
stay well-maintained all the way to Houston. |
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KM 98
MILE 60.8
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To the west is Owen Lake and Nadina Mountain behind
it. |
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KM 100
MILE 62
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There are many open meadows on the hills above
Owen Lake. They are natural and unusual in our forested region.
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KM 104.9
MILE 65.1
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To get a closer look at Owen Lake, turn west to
the Owen Lake campsite and access to the Nadina Mountain Trail.
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KM 116.9
MILE 72.6
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Morice Mountain is to the east and is visible
from Houston.
We will be passing the Morice Lake Road turnoff at 117.4 km.
After that we will be following the Morice River to Houston.
The Morice is a world famous Steelhead stream and attracts fishers
from around the world. |
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KM 123.1
MILE 76.5
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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. |
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KM 142
MILE 88.2
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Pavement at last 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. |
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KM 145.3
MILE 90.3
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The road meets Highway 16. Turn east (right) to
Houston and on to Burns Lake or turn west (left) to Telkwa and
Smithers. For more information on Highway 16, click
here. |
It is 80.5 km (50 miles) back to Burns Lake on
Highway 16 from Houston.
Enjoy the rest of your stay in our region. |
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| Local BCNorth Group members who provide automotive
parts and service include: |
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