Hell's Bells Trail via Flint Creek Road

25.40 km
792m gain
8.00 hours
Level 4.0/5
4.0/5
Difficulty
Hard
25.40
Distance
kilometres
792
Elevation Gain
metres
8.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Hell's Bells Trail is a hard, 15.7-mile (25.3km) out-and-back route located within the Seven Sisters Protected Area, a dramatic wilderness area between Smithers and Terrace along Highway 16. With 2,500ft (762m) of elevation gain and taking approximately 7.5–8 hours to complete, this is a serious full-day adventure. The trail travels via Flint Creek Road and provides alternate access into the middle of the Oliver Creek Trail system, bypassing the steep lower elevation gain of the Oliver Creek approach. The route passes through dense boreal forest, marshy and overgrown sections, and opens up into a spectacular alpine landscape with stunning views of the Seven Sisters peaks, Mt. Quinlan, Paleo Peak, and the surrounding Coast Mountain ranges. Wildflowers are abundant in summer and wildlife sightings — including bears — are common. The Seven Sisters Protected Area sits on the traditional territory of the Gitxsan and Tsimshian peoples.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

From Smithers, drive west on Highway 16 toward Terrace for approximately 200km. From Terrace, drive east on Highway 16 toward Smithers. The Flint Creek Road turnoff is marked with a signed junction off Highway 16 — look for the marked Flint Creek Road sign. Turn onto Flint Creek Road and follow it into the protected area. With a higher-clearance vehicle, you can drive approximately 5.5km up Flint Creek Road to a large right-hand bend where most hikers park and begin on foot. The Hell's Bells Trail branches off from Flint Creek Road and connects to the Oliver Creek Trail system within the protected area.

Parking

No formal parking facility exists at the trailhead. Most visitors park at the wide pullout at the large right-hand bend approximately 5.5km up Flint Creek Road — a standard all-wheel drive or higher-clearance vehicle is recommended for the road. Lower-clearance vehicles can park earlier along the road and add walking distance. No fees, no toilets, and no facilities on site. The nearest services are in Terrace to the west or Smithers to the east.

Safety & Preparation

This is a hard, remote backcountry trail — only experienced hikers with proper gear should attempt it. The trail is overgrown at the start, with marshy, muddy, and wet sections throughout — waterproof boots and gaiters are strongly recommended. Bring a minimum of 4–5 litres of water and ample food for the full day. Hiking poles are highly recommended for the steep and uneven terrain. Bears (black bear and grizzly) are frequently spotted along this trail — carry bear spray, make noise, and never hike alone if possible. Bugs (mosquitoes and blackflies) can be severe, especially in early summer — carry insect repellent. Weather in the Seven Sisters area changes rapidly and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; plan to be off exposed alpine terrain by early afternoon. Mountain bikes are not permitted beyond the junction with the Hell's Bells Trail as per BC Parks regulations. Cell service is non-existent in this area — inform someone of your detailed plans and expected return time before departing.

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