Sunshine Coast BC Canada - Visitor Information for Powell River and area

Located in the Powell River area, part of the Pacific Ranges Coast Mountains.

Latitude: 49deg 56min North, Longitude: 124deg 9minWest.
(Topographic Map 92F/16).
Elevation of the Knuckle at around 5500 ft, the thumb at around 5300 ft. The ridge from the Knuckleheads extends in a westerly direction. The Knuckleheads recreation area is approximately 3 miles by 2 miles(unofficial) of gently sloped terrain. The area is part of the provincial forest which is maintained as a working forest, a portion has been logged and replanted, the clearcut areas and the old logging roads are very suitable for winter travelling on either skiis or snowshoes.

Snow Conditions

The elevation of the sub-alpine area falls within the Coastal Snowbelt, snowfall usually begins at November and continues till May. Largely the area is on the north slope of the range and remains sheltered from the sun. Snow can stay on the ground until as late as June. Snow depth ranges from 10 feet to 16 feet around January.

How to get there

Start from the Highway 101, turn onto Dixon Road, drive for 3 miles, turn into the MacMillan Bloedel Stillwater Mainline, Lois Lake is on your right, at Mile 8 turn right at the TinHat Junction, 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, then turn right into "E" branch at Mile 16, drive for 2 miles to the junction of "E" branch and "E100", stay on the right and one mile farther you will come to a locked gate, park before the gate. The MacMillan Bloedel Mainline is restricted to public access between 5am to 8pm, Monday to Friday. Call (604) 485-3100 for more information. The logging road is mostly gravel and can be rough at different places, a truck/4 wheel drive vihecle is recommended.

The Cabin

The Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Area was a concept developed in the summer of 1996. In the fall of 1997, a small group of people formed the Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association and began turning the concept into a reality. The old Mount Diadem Ski Club lift shack (12'x18') has been converted into a winterized cabin which can accomodate up to 8 people for overnight stay. The cabin is closed in, insulated and has a pellet stove for heat. Wood pellets which are donated by either individuals or the 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. A picnic table has been built inside the cabin for dinner seating arrangements. The sleeping area is up in the loft which has a mattress and several pillows. The basement crawl space is used for storage. An outhouse without door is located about 100 feet northeast from the cabin. People using the cabin shall have to bring their own sleeping pads, sleeping bags, food, dishes, cutlery and pots and pans. They are asked to keep the place tidy and pack out all their garbage. Water is available from either melting the snow or obtaining it from the creek at the switchback trail turnoff.

Location of the cabin

The cabin is located in the bowl accessed by MacMillan Bloedel's "E" branch which is an old logging road. The elevation of the cabin is approximately at 3200 ft. Parking before the gate which is approximate a mile from the junction between "E100" and "E" branch, it takes about a hour and a half of uphill walking to get from the gate to the cabin. The road from the gate up is used as a skiing trail so ATV and motorcyle users are asked to avoid using it when there is snow on the ground.

Trail system

Presently the good skiing trails are: "E" branch from the gate to the cabin, 3K "E400" from "E" branch towards "A" branch, 1.5K The trail between the end of "E400" into the old clearcut area is slightly steep at the beginning and is only 6 feet wide, .5K Old clearcut area, 2K of roads "A700", 1.5K "A900", 3K The trails in progress: Switch back trail, old road from "E" branch towards Alpha Lake, uphill, peaks at the MOM (Mount of Moon), 2K From the MOM down to Alpha Lake, .75K downhill Trails are not required for snowshoeing, just carry a map and a compass and try not to get lost.

Avalanche Hazard

There are several areas that have avalanche potential, please keep your acitivities within the treed area and read the literatures on avalanche avoidance in the cabin.

Search and Rescue

There is no organized search and rescue operation at the present. Please exercise common sense and utmost care to preserve your own safety. Always notify someone of your trip before you leave. Carry a cellular phone if possible, the reception is generally good up at the higher elevations. There is a first aid kit inside the cabin.

Equipment Rentals

Redfeather snowshoes can be rented from Wolfson Creek Ventures. Phone
(604) 487-1699, website at www.windspirit.com/canoe There are no ski rentals outfit in Powell River presently.

Transportation

Transportation can be arranged through: Wolfson Creek Ventrues, phone
(604) 487-1699, Back Country Adventures, phone (604) 485-4226 Access on the Stillwater Mainline during normal logging operation is possible if radio communication is available. Transportation in style by helicoptors: Oceanview Helicopters, phone (604) 485-7135 Panther Helicopters, phone (604) 485-6634

Volunteers and Donations

The Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Area is being developed and maintained by volunteers. There are much more works needed to be done, therefore volunteer labor, material or monetary donations are always welcomed.

Please call Jeff at (604) 485-0398 for more informations on future plans.
November 1998

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WHERE TO STAY

WHAT TO DO

ABOUT THE COAST

TRAVEL EXTRAS

CONVENTIONS/ GROUP TRAVEL

CONTACT US

SEARCH/HELP

ADVERTISE ON THIS SITE

ABOUT THE
COAST

CONVENTIONS/
GROUP TRAVEL

ADVERTISE
ON THIS SITE