Steamboat and Tetsa River

Steamboat

Traveling north from Fort Nelson along the Alaska Highway, encounter Steamboat Mountain, one of the first of many breathtaking sights. Follow the winding grade to take in views of the Muskwa River Valley and Northern Rockies Mountains, independently impressive in each of the four seasons. Take time to spot Indian Head Mountain, located at Mile 343 (KM 552), ahead and to the right of the highway, resembling the profile of a face, so named during the construction of the highway.

Things to do:

Wildlife Viewing

Viewing platform overlooking the expansive Muskwa River Valley with interpretive signage at this highway rest stop.

Tetsa River

A short time later, find Tetsa River, home to a regional campground, a multitude of hiking trails, great fishing (including an annual fishing derby), and outfitters offering horseback riding.

Things to do:

Hiking/Biking/Riding

Teetering Rock Trail: M=345 KM= 559 (Hike Only)

A moderately hard trail leading onto an open pine ridge with views of the Tetsa River Valley. A campsite at kilometre 7 offers an overnight stop before heading to the base of Teetering Rock, a boulder the size of a house teetering on a small rock pedestal. 23 kilometres round trip, allow eight hours return trip or overnight. Non-motorized route only.

Tetsa #1 Trail: M=366 KM=589 (Hike, Bike)

A short, 2 kilometre hike along the Tetsa River then up and over a saddle to a small pond nestled in the valley behind with good bird watching opportunities. Trailhead is found at the first crossing of the Tetsa River under the Alaska Highway. Just before going over the bridge, you can find a pullout on the left side of the highway where you can park to access the hiking trail. Non-motorized route only.

Summit Tower Road Mile=373 KM=600 (Hiking/Biking/Riding)

This is a moderately easy 12 km walk follows a decommissioned road, through alpine landscapes to views of the McDonald valley and the Northern Rocky Mountains.

Dunedin Trail: M=368 KM=592 (Hiking/Biking/Riding)

A well-defined trail leading into the wide and rugged Dunedin River Valley. This trail will lead you down to the Dunedin River through some thick forest alongside a picturesque creek. 15 kilometres round trip, allow 8 hours return. Trail can be found just before entering the eastern boundary of Stone Mountain Provincial Park, taking off from the right (north) side of the highway, appearing like a small gravel road. Non-motorized route only.

Riding - NON GUIDED

Tetsa River: Roadside Pullout at M=360, KM=576

Pullout to the left side of the highway going north. This parking and offloading area is used to access the Tetsa River Valley.

Tetsa River: Roadside Pullout at M=365, KM=585 (Ride)

Pullout to the left side of the highway going north just before reaching the Tetsa Bridge #1. This parking and offloading area is used to access two trails. One leads south into the Tetsa Valley and the other leads north into the Dunedin River.

Riding - GUIDED

Tetsa River Recreational Services: M=358 KM=558

Web: Tetsa River Recreational Services

Email: tetsarvs@yt.sympatico.ca

Phone: (250) 774-1005

Note: Full service Lodge and Ranch with hourly horseback rides, as well as multi-day horseback excursions. Guided horseback trips in the Northern Rockies for all ages and abilities from one day to several. See the famous Wokkpash Valley and do some wilderness fishing and photography while you're there. Also provide packing services for resident hunters.

Tuchodi River Outfitters

Web: Tuchodi River Outfitters

Email: larry@tuchodi.com or lori@tuchodi.com

Phone: (250) 483-4039

Note: There is plenty to see and enjoy in the beautiful Tuchodi wilderness. Our tours include wildlife viewing, scenic vistas, photographic opportunities, horseback riding, hiking, jetboat tours, fishing and wilderness camp life.

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Boating

Muskwa River (Alaska Highway)

Accessed at Muskwa boat launch at Kledo Creek (M=321, KM=520), two day trip on a grade one river if travelling with the current by non-motorized means. Take-out in Fort Nelson.

Tuchodi River

Accessed by travelling upstream on the Muskwa River by riverboat, at Kledo Creek. Head southwest on the Muskwa River, staying right as the river forks approximately 50 kilometers after the launch.

Tetsa River

This river can only be done in higher water levels and is not ideal for hard shell canoes. The put-in point for this river is found at km 573 of the Alaska Highway just past Tetsa River Lodge. A few hundred metres downstream is a shute that can portaged or rode out by more advanced paddlers. The rest of the river has some tight corners but is mostly class 2. Take out can be found down a 4x4 road leading off the Alaska Highway at approximately km 350.

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Wildlife Viewing

Tetsa Bridge #1

Small pond found at the end of a moderately easy 2 km hike with good waterfowl watching opportunities.

Tuchodi River Outfitters

Web: Tuchodi River Outfitters

Email: larry@tuchodi.com or lori@tuchodi.com

Phone: (250) 483-4039

Note: There is plenty to see and enjoy in the beautiful Tuchodi wilderness. Our tours include wildlife viewing, scenic vistas, photographic opportunities, horseback riding, hiking, jetboat tours, fishing and wilderness camp life.

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Fishing

Tetsa River Park

River fishing from the campground for Arctic Grayling and Dolly Varden

Tuchodi Lakes

Remote backcountry fishing for Rainbow/Bull Trout and Arctic Grayling.

North Tetsa River

Multiple highway-accessible sections of the river for Arctic Grayling and Dolly Varden.

Tuchodi River Outfitters

Web: Tuchodi River Outfitters

Email: larry@tuchodi.com or lori@tuchodi.com

Phone: (250) 483-4039

Note: A wide variety of opportunities exist for fishing within our guide area. Fly fish in the mountain streams and the Tuchodi River or relax in a canoe, fishing on the beautiful Tuchodi Lakes. Arctic Grayling, Bull Trout, Lake Trout and Rocky Mountain Whitefish can be caught in the Tuchodi watershed. We also have great Rainbow trout over in the Kwadacha drainage on the west side of our area.

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Hunting

Tetsa River Recreational Services: M=358, KM=558

Web: Tetsa River Recreational Services

Phone: (250) 774-1005

Note: Enjoy a memorable horseback ride into prime hunting country. Moose, elk, caribou, black bear, wolf, wolverine and small game birds abound, in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Wilderness. We cater to parties up to 4 people. You will receive personalized assistance during the hunt. Horses are gentle and easy to handle.

Dunedin River Outfitters

Web: Dunedin River Outfitters

Note: An area larger than Yellowstone National Park that we know like the back of our hand, full of Sheep, Elk, Moose, Caribou, Grizzly, Black Bear, and Wolf. Guided hunts by horseback or riverboat.

Tuchodi River Outfitters

Web: Tuchodi River Outfitters

Phone: (250) 483-4039

Note: Based out of Fort Nelson, B.C. and approximately 100 air miles southwest of this northern community, offering guided hunts by horseback, aircraft, or riverboat. Experience hunts for Stone Sheep, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat, Black & Grizzly Bear, Wolf, and Mountain Caribou.

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Camping and Accommodations

Tetsa River Campground (Regional) M=347 KM=558

Phone: (250) 774-2541 |  (250) 321-3321

A 25 site, un-serviced campground. Great fishing, close to hiking trails and backcountry recreation.  A local favourite.  Reservations available - call (250) 321-3321.

Information Brochure

 Fees:  $15.75 (including GST), $17 (including HST) after July 1st. 

Tetsa River Recreational Services M=358, KM=558

Web: Tetsa River Recreational Services

Email: tetsarvs@yt.sympatico.ca

Phone: (250) 774-1005

Note: Cabins, Serviced and Unserviced RV Sites, Bed and Breakfast and Full-Service Guest Ranch offering year-round service, with food services, fuel, and gift shop.

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