Story Lookout Trail

7.90 km
492m gain
3.50 hours
Level 4.0/5
4.0/5
Difficulty
Hard
7.90
Distance
kilometres
492
Elevation Gain
metres
3.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Story Lookout Trail is a hard 4.8-mile (7.7km) out-and-back hike in the hills southwest of Houston, rated 3.4 stars and taking approximately 3–3.5 hours. The trail was first ribboned out in summer 2010, leading to a fire lookout cabin built in 1988, set in a natural clearing atop a ridge extending north from Morice Mountain. The lookout offers a commanding 360° panorama taking in the Upper Bulkley Valley to the northeast and the Morice River valley to the southwest, with sweeping views of the Telkwa Range, Morice Mountain, and the burn area of the 2023 Peacock Fire. The trail begins in an old tree plantation, then enters mature spruce and fir forest with devil's club in the understory (none blocking the trail — it is well cleared). Ascending in gentle switchbacks, the route eventually flattens along a broad ridge through blueberry and huckleberry understory before dipping past a swampy lakeside meadow and making a final ascent to the lookout. Located on the unceded traditional territory of the Wet'suwet'en people.

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 Houston, head west on Highway 16 and turn onto Morice River Road. Drive approximately 8km along Morice River Road and turn left onto West Peacock FSR (note: the road sign is missing use your odometer and downloaded GPX track to find this junction). Drive approximately 4.8km up West Peacock FSR the trailhead is on the right side of the road and a new parking area has been cleared on the left.

Parking

A newly cleared parking lot is located on the left side of the West Peacock FSR at the trailhead, approximately 4.8km from Morice River Road. Free, no formal facilities on site. The West Peacock FSR junction sign is missing use the downloaded GPX track or odometer from the Morice River Road turn to find it. All services available in Houston.

Safety & Preparation

 The West Peacock FSR junction sign is missing — navigate carefully using a downloaded GPX track. The trail is generally well-cleared but the hard rating reflects the distance and cumulative elevation gain — sturdy footwear and trekking poles are recommended. Carry sufficient water and food for a 3–3.5 hour return trip. Views of the 2023 Peacock Fire burn area are visible from the lookout — be aware that post-fire areas can have falling snags and unstable trees, especially during windy conditions. Bears are present in this area — carry bear spray and make noise. The forest service road may be soft or rutted in wet conditions. Cell service is limited — inform someone of your plans before departing.

GPX downloaded