Section 5: Strathcona Dam to Woss
Length: 113 km
Elevation: 170 to 1,060 metres
Total Ascent/descent: 3,650 / 3,700 metres
Proportion: 43% trail and 57% road
Status: The VI Trail only extends as far as Kokummi Pass. A FRPA Sec. 57 application is in process covering these traditional lands of Nanwakolas Council member Nations.
From Kokummi, there is merely a route following existing roads northwards within the unceded territory of the ‘Namgis First Nation. Although ‘Namgis have advised they do not object to hikers passing through their unceded lands, they do not at this time have the capacity to consider establishment of a formal trail. Therefore, there is no trail signage or markers north of Kokummi Pass.
Trail standard: Well-defined but light single-track trails with a 50-60 cm forest floor tread, interspersed with sections of logging roads both inactive and lightly used.
Difficulty: Easy grades of valley floor trails, apart from a moderately steep climb up to Kokummi Pass. Trails can be rough due to projecting roots and where maintenance has not kept up.
Character: Lowland and valley trails almost entirely through managed forest lands, except for a short section in Schoen Lake Park. Even so, most of the trail is within old growth forest and older immature forest within areas reserved from logging along the rivers and lakes.
Facilities: The one established campsite situated on Schoen Lake is managed by the ‘Namgis First Nation. Several informal, vehicle access campsites are located on the numerous lakes between the dam and the Salmon River. Similar informal camping sites are to be found along Grilse Creek and the White River. Water sources are rarely far away in Section 5.
Short Description: This section is comprised of a mix of light, single-track trails and logging roads largely through managed forest lands (tree-farm licences) with a wide range of forest ages. Lower elevation valley forests of dry, moist and wet western hemlock subzones predominate in the Salmon, Grilse, White and Davie watersheds with some higher elevation subalpine forest and wetlands near Kokummi Pass. The route goes through many old growth forests, notably along the White River and in Schoen Lake Provincial Park. The Salmon to White divide area is characterized by large wetlands and sedge fens. Roosevelt elk are frequently seen along the Salmon, Grilse, White & Davie Rivers and in Kokummi Pass. On the final approach into Woss, the route is along abandoned rail grade, the former Englewood Logging Railway.
Highlights & Lowlights: Impressive old growth forest in ‘Grilse Grove’, open fen and swamp wetlands in the Salmon-White divide and John Fraser Lake. Crystal-clear White River, old alluvial forest and views of Victoria and Warden Peaks along the White. Views to Watchtower into Kokummi Pass. Schoen, Croman and Hoomak Lakes. A good chance of seeing Roosevelt elk. Some rather long road sections.
