Winter in the Knuckleheads Recreation Area
Latitude: 49deg 56min North, Longitude: 124deg 9min West. (Topographic Map 92F/16).
While well known for our fabulous Summers and mild year round climate, very few people know that the Sunshine Coast region also has an area where you can enjoy Winter activities. Tobogganing, Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing are only a short distance from the major community of Powell River in the Knuckleheads Recreation Area.
Located at an elevation of between 5500 and 5300 ft with the ridge extending in a westerly direction, the recreation area is approximately 3 miles by 2 miles (unofficial) of gently sloped terrain. The area is part of a provincial working forest, where a portion has been logged and replanted. The clear-cut areas and old logging roads are very suitable for winter activities including cross country skiing and snowshoeing with two cabins available to warm yourself during the day or for overnight stays.
Snow Conditions
The elevation of the sub-alpine area falls within the Coastal Snow belt, snowfall begins around November and continues till May. The north slope of the range remains sheltered from the sun and snow can stay on the ground as late as June. Snow depth ranges from 10 to 16 feet during the peak season in January.
How To Get Here
- Start from Highway 101 at the Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal
- travel approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) and turn right on Dixon Road
- drive for 5km (3 mi), turn onto the Stillwater Mainline, (Lois Lake is on your right)
- turn right at Mile 8, at the Tin Hat Junction
- continue past Horseshoe Creek, past Freda Creek
- turn left at the Third Lake Road Junction near Mile 13
- up the hill, “A” branch is on your right at Mile 15.5, keep going straight past another bridge
- turn right into “E” branch at Mile 16
- drive for 3.25 km (2 mi) to the junction of “E” branch and “E100”
- take a slight right
- after approximately 1.5 km (1 mi) you will come to a locked gate
- Park off the road, before the gate
Note: The roads are marked with mile markers and place names, when we say “turn right at Mile 8,” it means turn at the “Mile 8” sign.
The Western Forest Products Mainline is restricted to public access between 5 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Call the 24/7 Road Access Hotline at 604 485-3132 for more info. The logging roads are gravel and can be rough at different places, a truck, 4 wheel drive or ATV vehicle is recommended but not always required.
The Cabins
Two cabins are located in the bowl accessed by Western's "E" branch which is an old logging road off of the Stillwater Mainline. The elevation of the cabins is approximately 3200 ft. Park before the gate which is approximately 1.5 km (1 mi) from the junction between "E100" and "E" branch, it takes about 2 hours of uphill hiking to get from the gate to the first cabin. The road from the gate up is used as a ski trail so ATV and motorcycle users should avoid using it when there is snow on the ground.
The E Branch cabin is insulated and has a pellet stove for heat. Wood pellets are donated by individuals and Forest Services and are brought up the mountain during the summertime. The supply is usually adequate. There is a propane cook stove and a white gas lantern.
People using the cabins need to bring their own sleeping pads, sleeping bags, food, dishes, cutlery and pots and pans. Keep the place tidy and pack out all your garbage. Water is available by melting the snow or from the creek at the switchback trail turnoff.
The second cabin is located about a mile south of the first cabin on A Branch. GPS: N 49° 53.902' W 124° 10.389' . Follow Stillwater Main to A Branch to A700. Wooden signs are located along the route. These facilities were built by volunteers for the enjoyment of all and are free to use. Please respect them and leave the Cabins as you found them. To ensure the pristine nature of the area please do not cut trees and pack out all garbage as there is no pick up service to the area.
Trail System
The best skiing trails are: "E" branch from the gate to the cabins, 3 km (1.8 mi) "E400" from "E" branch towards "A" branch, 1.5 km (.9 mi). The trail between the end of "E400" into the old clearcut area is slightly steep at the beginning and is only 1.8 m (6 feet) wide, .5 km (.3 mi) Old clear-cut area, 2 km (1.25 mi) of roads "A700", 1.5 km (.9 mi) "A900", 3 km (1.8 mi).
Trails include: Switch back trail, Old road from "E" branch towards Alpha Lake, uphill, peaks at the MOM (Mount of Moon), 2 km (1.25 mi) from the MOM down to Alpha Lake, .75 km (.5 mi), carry a map, a compass and a GPS and try not to get lost.
