Activity

Kenney Dam Loop - Vanderhoof to Burns Lake

Download

Trail photos

Photo ofKenney Dam Loop - Vanderhoof to Burns Lake Photo ofKenney Dam Loop - Vanderhoof to Burns Lake Photo ofKenney Dam Loop - Vanderhoof to Burns Lake

Author

SteveBC
622 63 196
See more trails from this author 

Trail stats

Distance
185.88 mi
Elevation gain
7,119 ft
Technical difficulty
Easy
Elevation loss
6,969 ft
Max elevation
3,691 ft
TrailRank 
71
Min elevation
2,057 ft
Trail type
One Way
Time
6 hours 20 minutes
Coordinates
14323
Uploaded
September 19, 2016
Recorded
September 2016
1 Clap 2 comments
Share

near Vanderhoof, British Columbia (Canada)

Viewed 5752 times, downloaded 38 times

Trail photos

Photo ofKenney Dam Loop - Vanderhoof to Burns Lake Photo ofKenney Dam Loop - Vanderhoof to Burns Lake Photo ofKenney Dam Loop - Vanderhoof to Burns Lake

Itinerary description

So.... on our way west from Prince George, we decide to take our kid out to Kenney Dam (Earthen dam that created Nechako Reservoir for the Aluminum Smelter in Kitimat circa 1950). Once at the dam, he decides that he wants to stay on the backroad all the way to Ootsa Lake and then back to Hwy 16 at Burns Lake. Great road. Only a bit of traffic. VERY well maintained. Backroad with 80km/h speed limit and in places can do more. No need for a truck. A car is fine if somewhat slower. Links for information posted in the waypoint descriptions.

Waypoints

PictographCampsite Altitude 2,247 ft
Photo ofGreer Creek Rec Site

Greer Creek Rec Site

Nothing special here. A couple of rustic sites, a boat launch and a well kept outhouse. Info here: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC1103&type=Site

PictographCampsite Altitude 2,283 ft
Photo ofCutoff Creek Photo ofCutoff Creek

Cutoff Creek

Again, nothing special. Sites and outhouse. Info here: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC1097&type=Site

PictographBridge Altitude 2,759 ft
Photo ofKenney Dam Photo ofKenney Dam Photo ofKenney Dam

Kenney Dam

At one time the world's largest earthen dam. You drive over the dam to access Holy Cross Forest Service Road (FSR). Info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenney_Dam

PictographCampsite Altitude 2,785 ft
Photo ofNechako Lodge Photo ofNechako Lodge

Nechako Lodge

Resort destination located 2km away from Kenny Dam on the Nechako Reservoir. Please go to http://www.nechakolodge.com/ for more information.

PictographCampsite Altitude 2,894 ft
Photo ofRum Cache Lake Photo ofRum Cache Lake Photo ofRum Cache Lake

Rum Cache Lake

Out of the way lake that has a half dozen or so camp sites. DO NOT try to take a trailer or motorhome in. the road is steep, narrow and twisty. In one spot a motorhome or trailer will end up sitting on both bumpers. The road dips that much. Car or pickup is fine. Long loads, not so much. No boat launch but a car top boat can be launched. Info here: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC5656&type=Site

PictographCampsite Altitude 2,474 ft
Photo ofCheslatta River Photo ofCheslatta River Photo ofCheslatta River

Cheslatta River

Nice place for pictures. Upper campsites accessible by 4x4 only as of Sept 2016. Lower campsites easier to access. Might be better in the future. Info here: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC1098&type=Site

PictographPhoto Altitude 2,759 ft
Photo ofAlong the way

Along the way

Just a pic of the lake....

PictographLake Altitude 2,772 ft
Photo ofIce Bridge Barge Crossing

Ice Bridge Barge Crossing

Barge access to south side of lake. Not for recreational use.

PictographPhoto Altitude 2,848 ft
Photo ofLog sort?

Log sort?

Log sort?

PictographArchaeological site Altitude 2,841 ft
Photo of@ Ootsa Lake Ranch Photo of@ Ootsa Lake Ranch

@ Ootsa Lake Ranch

@ Ootsa Lake Ranch

PictographPhoto Altitude 2,785 ft
Photo ofSkins Lake Spillway Photo ofSkins Lake Spillway

Skins Lake Spillway

Skins Lake Spillway controlling water level in the Nechako Reservoir. Discharges into the Cheslatta River.

PictographCampsite Altitude 2,766 ft
Photo ofSkins Lake RTA Campground Photo ofSkins Lake RTA Campground Photo ofSkins Lake RTA Campground

Skins Lake RTA Campground

Free camping provided and maintained by Rio Tinto. Excellent spaces. water available. Clean pit toilets. Lots of space available. Boat launch and docks available for mooring. Covered area and spit for large group gatherings. If you have a boat and want to explore the reservoir, this is a great base. Be aware that the reservoir is better than 100 km long. Bring maps/GPS for on board.

PictographCampsite Altitude 2,703 ft
Photo ofTakysie Lake Photo ofTakysie Lake Photo ofTakysie Lake

Takysie Lake

Free and paid sites available at Takysie Lake. These are free ones. Fuel and some groceries are available but suggest you bring food from town. Info here: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/search/search-result.aspx?site=REC0543&type=Site

PictographLake Altitude 2,310 ft
Photo ofFrancois Lake - Danskin Ferry Photo ofFrancois Lake - Danskin Ferry Photo ofFrancois Lake - Danskin Ferry

Francois Lake - Danskin Ferry

Free ferry crossing Francois Lake. Schedules can be found here: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/passenger-travel/water-travel/inland-ferries/francois-lake-ferry/francois-lake-ferry-schedule Danskin is South side.

PictographLake Altitude 2,306 ft
Photo ofFrancois Lake Photo ofFrancois Lake

Francois Lake

Picture of North side ferry dock.

Comments  (2)

  • Photo of Jackie Hyde
    Jackie Hyde Sep 6, 2021

    how much was the ferry at danskin

  • Photo of SteveBC
    SteveBC Sep 6, 2021

    Hi Jackie.
    The ferry was free. It is part of the BC inland highway system. Same for the ferries at Needles, Usk and other inland destinations. Hope that helps.
    Steve

You can or this trail