Hale Bop Trail to McDowell Lake

4.80 km
87m gain
1.50 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
4.80
Distance
kilometres
87
Elevation Gain
metres
1.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Experience the beauty of the British Columbia wilderness on this 4.8 km out-and-back trail near Bulkley-Nechako A. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, the hike takes an average of 1 hour and 9 minutes to complete, making it an excellent option for those seeking a rewarding outdoor adventure without committing to a full-day trek.


The trail winds through peaceful forests and varied natural terrain, featuring gentle climbs and scenic sections that showcase the region's rugged beauty. As you make your way along the route, you'll enjoy a quiet backcountry atmosphere with opportunities to appreciate the surrounding landscape, local wildlife, and fresh mountain air.


Popular among hikers, this trail offers a satisfying balance of challenge and accessibility. Despite its popularity, you're unlikely to encounter many other visitors, allowing for a more tranquil and immersive experience in nature.


Whether you're looking for a moderate hike, a chance to reconnect with the outdoors, or simply a scenic escape into the wilderness, this trail provides a memorable journey through one of British Columbia's beautiful natural landscapes.

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 Highway 16 just east of Telkwa (or approximately 10km west of Smithers), turn onto Tyhee Lake Road then turn right onto Hislop Road. Drive to the top of Hislop Road — there is a trailhead and parking lot here with trail information posted on-site. This is approximately 8km from Telkwa and 20km from Smithers. A second access option is from Babine Lake Road: turn off at the Banner Mountain Lodge sign and park at the first fork in the road — from here you can access the network via the Trapline East or Trapline West trails. For current access road conditions and trailhead info, call the Tyee Mountain Trails Society at (250) 877-3495 or visit tyeemountaintrails.wordpress.com.

Parking

There are several parking options within the Tyee Mountain Trails network. At the Hislop Road access, a free parking lot is located at the top of Hislop Road at the first trailhead. A voluntary donation pay box is located approximately 300m further up Hislop — contributions go directly toward trail grooming and maintenance. From the upper access road (4WD recommended, seasonally gated in spring), additional parking pullouts are available at approximately 1.5km in near the Victor Lake trailhead, at the Sawmill trailhead, and at the Moose Trailhead. At the Babine Lake Road access, parking is available at the Banner Mountain Lodge junction. A small shelter, fire pit, and outhouse are located at the Sawmill Trail / McDowell Lake area. No formal fee required but donations are appreciated.

Safety & Preparation

Hale Bop Trail is a narrow singletrack not groomed by machine — it can be overgrown in summer and uneven underfoot; sturdy footwear is recommended. The Trapline East and West trails pass through a historically active trapline — watch for trap signage and keep dogs leashed and under control throughout the entire network. The upper access road requires 4WD and is closed in spring due to soft and wet conditions — check tyeemountaintrails.wordpress.com before visiting. Some trail sections, including around Beaver Swamp, can be very wet in spring and early summer. Bears (black bear and grizzly) and moose are active in this area — make noise, carry bear spray, and keep dogs leashed at all times. In winter, the lake perimeter and some low-lying sections can have water pooling beneath the ice or snow — use caution near lake edges. For the most current trail conditions contact the Tyee Mountain Trails Society at (250) 877-3495.

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