Bow Wow

0.99 km
889m gain
0.20 hours
Level 2.0/5
2.0/5
Difficulty
Easy
0.99
Distance
kilometres
889
Elevation Gain
metres
0.20
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Bow Wow is a green-rated rolling trail on Morice Mountain, just south of Houston, BC — and one of the most celebrated nordic ski trails in Northern BC. Ranked #351 globally for nordic skiing and the most popular trail in the entire Morice Mountain network, it's the go-to loop for cross-country skiers throughout the winter season, groomed for both classic and skate skiing by the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club. At 966 m long with a gentle 0.7% average grade and a mix of easy climbing and descending through old-growth forest, the trail rolls pleasantly through the landscape without demanding too much of you in either direction. In the drier months, Bow Wow transitions into a solid mountain bike and trail running option — suitable for XC and fat bikes, horses, and hikers alike. It's two-way, dog-friendly, easy to follow, and deeply loved by the local community year-round. If you're in Houston in winter and have any interest in nordic skiing, this trail is the reason to head up to Morice Mountain.

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, BC, head south on the Morice River Road (also signed as Morice Mountain Road) toward Morice Mountain. Follow the road uphill to the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club area — the trailhead and parking lot are well-signed. Bow Wow begins from the main nordic trail network staging area at approximately 883 m (2,899 ft) elevation. In winter, follow grooming signs from the lot; in summer, the trail is easy to find from the same starting point.

Parking

Park at the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club lot, which serves as the main access point for all trails on Morice Mountain. The lot is the primary staging area for nordic skiing in winter and mountain biking and hiking in summer. It is unpaved gravel with reasonable capacity. In peak winter season — particularly on weekends during active grooming — the lot can fill up. Arrive early for morning ski sessions. No current parking fees, but consider supporting the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club, which maintains the trail and its grooming.

Safety & Preparation

Two-way trail — watch for oncoming users in both directions. Bow Wow runs in both directions and sees a wide mix of users: skiers, bikers, runners, hikers, and horses. Yield to uphill users and give horses a wide, calm berth.

Nordic ski trail — grooming priority in winter. This is primarily a groomed ski trail in winter. Mountain bikers and other non-ski users should check conditions before riding in the shoulder seasons — riding on groomed tracks damages the surface and is discouraged.

Summer riding conditions vary. The community description notes it's best for mountain biking and trail running in drier conditions. The rolling terrain drains reasonably well, but wet weather can make the surface soft and muddy — check Trailforks reports before heading out in spring or after rain.

Horses use this trail. Be prepared to stop, step aside, and speak calmly to alert riders of your presence. Sudden movements or noise can startle horses.

Wildlife: Morice Mountain is active bear and moose country. Make noise throughout, especially in the dense forest sections where visibility is limited in all seasons.

Winter specific: Dress in layers appropriate for Nordic skiing conditions. Temperatures on the mountain can be significantly colder than in Houston. Carry water and a snack on longer loops connecting from Bow Wow into the broader Morice Mountain network.

Helmets required for all mountain bike riders. Nordic skiers should wear helmets on faster groomed sections.

Indigenous territory: This trail sits on the traditional lands of the Wet'suwet'en Yintikh and Dënéndeh peoples. Travel respectfully.

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