China Nose Mountain

6.40 km
304m gain
2.50 hours
Level 3.0/5
3.0/5
Difficulty
Moderate
6.40
Distance
kilometres
304
Elevation Gain
metres
2.50
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

China Nose Mountain (Wet'suwet'en: Tse Zhul, or "rock neck") is a moderate 4-mile (6.4km) out-and-back trail approximately 45 minutes from Houston, rated 4.6–4.7 stars and one of the most popular hikes in the region. With 997ft (304m) of elevation gain and taking 2–2.5 hours, the trail begins on an old logging block in a former forest fire site and climbs steadily through old burnt trees and regenerating new growth — an ecological transition zone that is beautiful in its own right — before reaching the summit at 1,420m. The top sits right at the treeline for this area and ends on a cliff edge with a phenomenal 360° panorama of the Bulkley Valley, the Telkwa Range, and numerous lakes including Day, Elwin, and Swans Lakes. Wildlife sightings including mountain goats, black bears, and bald eagles are common. The name "China Nose" likely derives from the Wet'suwet'en Tse Zhul, though an alternate story suggests "the Chinaman knows" where the gold is. 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. Turn right (south) onto McKilligan Road. Follow McKilligan Road to the trailhead — the trail begins on an old logging block found just after a wooden bridge on the left. The trailhead can be tricky to spot as the clearcut has grown in over the years; look for two posts on the left side approximately 100–200m after the bridge. A downloaded GPX track is strongly recommended to locate the start. Total drive from Houston is approximately 30 minutes.

Parking

 Informal parking at the roadside near the wooden bridge on McKilligan Road. Free, no formal facilities. All services available in Houston.

Safety & Preparation

The trailhead is difficult to find — carry a downloaded GPX track and look carefully for the two posts marking the trail entry on the old logging block. The trail can be overgrown and path markers may be unclear in places; stay alert and follow the GPX track. The summit cliff edge is unfenced — exercise caution, especially with children and dogs. Mountain goats, black bears, and bald eagles are regularly seen; keep a respectful distance from all wildlife. Bears in this area are accustomed to human presence — carry bear spray and make noise. The access road to McKilligan Road is paved for the first section but becomes rough; a standard vehicle can manage in dry conditions. Best visited June through October when the road is passable.

GPX downloaded