Coyote Creek Trail

15.80 km
1573m gain
7.50 hours
Level 4.0/5
4.0/5
Difficulty
Hard
15.80
Distance
kilometres
1,573
Elevation Gain
metres
7.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Coyote Creek Trail is one of the most demanding routes in the Seven Sisters Provincial Park and Protected Area — a hard 9.8-mile (15.8km) point-to-point trail with a staggering 5,160ft (1,573m) of elevation gain, taking approximately 6.5–7.5 hours. The trail begins outside the park boundary on Coyote Creek Road, where OHVs may travel, but motorized vehicles are prohibited beyond the park boundary sign. Inside the park, the route climbs through diverse forest and sub-alpine terrain into the spectacular high alpine, where it connects to the Oliver Creek Trail for a multi-day through-hike adventure. Two old trapper cabins from the area's mining exploration history (1920s–1983) are located along the Oliver Creek Trail junction area. The park preserves remnants of historic mineral exploration including the abandoned Magnetron site near Coyote Creek. Mountaineers use Coyote Creek Road and this trail as the primary access route to Weeskinisht Peak. Located on the traditional territory of the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en First Nations.

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

Access is via Coyote Creek Road off Highway 16. From the Kitwanga Junction (Petro-Canada at Hwy 16 and Hwy 37): drive west on Highway 16. From Terrace: drive east on Highway 16 approximately 50.5km from the four-way stop at the Hwy 16/37 junction, or 40.2km from the Kitwanga Junction. The trailhead is located at a gravel pit on Highway 16 approximately 6km north of Oliver Creek. This is a point-to-point trail — a vehicle shuttle or pre-arranged pickup at the other end (Oliver Creek Trail) is required for a through-hike, or retrace your steps for an out-and-back.

Parking

Informal parking at the gravel pit trailhead on Highway 16. No fees, no formal facilities. The OHV-accessible portion of Coyote Creek Road outside the park boundary can also be driven to reduce hiking distance, but a high-clearance vehicle is required. Backcountry wilderness camping is permitted within the park with no designated sites — two old trapper cabins exist along the Oliver Creek Trail section. Carry all supplies including sufficient water — no reliable water sources exist in the last 8km of the trail toward the Coyote Creek exit. Nearest services at Kitwanga Junction or Terrace.

Safety & Preparation

This is an extremely demanding trail — only experienced, well-equipped hikers in excellent physical condition should attempt it. The trail is rocky and brushy in sections. No water sources exist in the final 8km — carry a minimum of 3–4 litres. Horseflies and blackflies can be present in the hundreds in summer; insect repellent is essential and breaks on trail are difficult during peak bug season. Don't bring dogs into the upper alpine section — shale rock terrain is hard on paws. Bears (black bear and grizzly) and other large wildlife are active throughout. Carry bear spray and a bear cache for overnight trips. Mountain bikes are not permitted beyond the park boundary. This is a remote wilderness area with zero cell service — inform someone of your complete itinerary and expected return time and carry a satellite communicator. Best visited July through September; snow can persist on upper terrain into late July.

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