Trail etiquette

Please respect other trail users at all time. Leave no trace; do not litter or damage the natural environment. Be prepared for the fact that most trails do not have toilet facilities. Many of our trails are shared by different users including snowshoers, skiers, hikers, dogsleds, cyclists, snowmobilers, ATVs, and horseback riders. Please respect and be courteous to your fellow trail users - we are all out there to have an enjoyable experience.

Cyclists and motorized trail users should use extreme caution - most of the trails are very narrow. Be prepared to meet - and yield to - other trail users (including wildlife) at any time.

Many of the trails cross mining claims or private property. Stay on the trails and do not disturb any tools, equipment, or workings.

Our trails are maintained by local volunteers and by donations. If you would like to make a donation of time or money, please contact the District of Wells: 1-250-994-3330 or info@wellsbarkervilletrails.com.

Please report any damage or problematic trail conditions to the District of Wells.

Trail cautions

All of the trails in the Wells/Barkerville area should be considered wilderness trails. Users are cautioned that trail routes and conditions may change without notice. Mining and logging activity, weather events, landslides, avalanches, fallen trees, and wildlife activity can affect trails at any time. Users are advised to ask around locally for current trail conditions. Users can expect to encounter muddy areas, obstacles, very steep sections, fallen trees, and rough trail conditions.

For navigating, users should not depend on signage alone. Trail users should carry maps, compass, gps, and other materials for orienting themselves on and off trails. Always leave an itinerary - with expected time of return - with a responsible person(s) before embarking on any trail use. There is no cellular telephone coverage in the area, so do not expect to be able to use your telephone in an emergency situation.

Mountain weather can change extremely quickly. Users should have proper clothing and equipment to contend with unexpected conditions. Carry extra food and water in case you cannot return at your planned time.

The area has an abundance of wildlife. This is part of the attraction of wilderness recreation, but users must use caution. Wild animals should not be approached or fed. It is advisable to use noise-makers to warn animals in the area of your approach. It is highly recommended that bear spray be carried. Users should be familiar with bear encounter procedures. Do not let children stray from the group.

There are other sources of information that are more detailed and in-depth than can be presented here. A good source of information about the area trails is Hiking the Cariboo Goldfields, by Edwards, Funk, and Stoker available from Rocky Mountain Books (note that this book was published in 2002 and some of the trail routes have changed since then).

Ditchlines

During the 1890's to 1920's, the practice of hydraulic mining boomed in this area. This involved the use of 'water cannons' which shot high-pressure water at overburden to allow miners to reach pay dirt in their search for gold. The water for these operations was often diverted from very long distances. Mountain lakes like Groundhog Lake and Ella Lake were dammed for this purpose. Ditchlines were built along the contours of mountains, capturing and diverting even more water. The ditchlines were in many cases connected to long flumes built on wooden trestles to carry the water across valleys. (In at least one flume in the Slough Creek area 10km west of Wells, the trestles utilized piping to create a 'siphon' which used the force of gravity on downslope a section to pull water upslope in another section.)

Many of our trails follow these old ditchlines, which in some cases are many kilometers long. They provide a level, dry tread ideal for trails. You may encounter historical artifacts along these ditchlines. Please do not remove, damage, or alter any artifacts.

Caribou Closure Areas

The Wells/Barkerville area is home to Mountain Caribou. These animals are one of the most critically endangered animals in North America.

Their population is extremely low, and has been declining. In the winter especially, the Caribou have very few energy reserves - any stress or extreme physical activity can seriously compromise their reserves. Encounters with snowmobiles are a serious threat to their survival, as the animals will panic, burning precious calories. For their protection, the Province has designated Caribou Closure Areas. Snowmobiles are prohibited from operating in these areas; violators will be prosecuted. Familiarize yourself with any such areas that may be along your route, and remain clear of them. Be aware that Caribou may be encountered outside the closure areas; if you encounter Caribou, stay well clear and travel slowly so as not to alarm the animals.

Maps of Caribou Closure Areas can be found at: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/snowmobile-closures/

More information about Mountain Caribou can be found at: http://mountaincaribou.ca/

Industry Roads

Some trails cross or follow industrial roads. Use extreme caution in these areas. Mining and Logging equipment can appear suddenly. Heavy vehicles have limited ability to stop or turn quickly, and can have limited visibility, so be sure the way is completely clear before using these roads.