Owen Hill Lookout Trail

3.10 km
205m gain
1.50 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
3.10
Distance
kilometres
205
Elevation Gain
metres
1.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Owen Hill Lookout Trail is a hard 1.4-mile (2.3km) out-and-back trail south of Houston leading to a former fire lookout site on Owen Hill. With significant elevation gain packed into a short distance and taking approximately 1.5–2 hours, the trail offers a strenuous climb that rewards with sweeping panoramic views west to Houston, north to Topley, east toward Burns Lake, and south to Nadina Mountain. The lookout site was designated as a Recreation Site in 2009, and in 2012 the Houston Hikers Society received funding to improve the trail the bottom section was rerouted in October 2024 after the 2023 wildfire damaged the original route. Excellent for wildlife viewing and alpine flowers. Dogs welcome. 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, drive east on Highway 16 approximately 10km and turn right onto McKilligan Road. Keep left onto Aitken Creek Road, pass the landfill, and continue as the road becomes Heading Creek Road (0km). Follow the main road staying right at 6.5km, continuing to 12km and keeping left to cross the bridge. There is an open area to park on the right side of the road approximately halfway up the hill. Two trails depart from here: "The Chute" (difficult, rated black) on the left side of the road marked with a sign; and the moderate route on the right. Note: the bottom section of the trail was rerouted in October 2024 due to the 2023 wildfire check houstonhikers.ca for the most current route information.

Parking

 An open parking area is located on the right side of the access road approximately halfway up the hill, roughly 12km from McKilligan Road. Free, no formal facilities. All services available in Houston. Check houstonhikers.ca for current trail status including post-wildfire rerouting updates.

Safety & Preparation

The trail is steep — sturdy footwear and trekking poles are strongly recommended. "The Chute" variant is rated difficult and should only be attempted by experienced, fit hikers. The bottom section of the trail was rerouted in 2024 due to wildfire damage — download the current GPX track from houstonhikers.ca before visiting to ensure you follow the updated route. Post-fire areas can have standing dead trees (snags) susceptible to falling — be cautious in windy conditions. Bears are present in this area — carry bear spray. The access road is rough — a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Cell service is unreliable — inform someone of your plans.

GPX downloaded