Pioneer Adventure

Snow capped mountains, raging rivers, fresh field filled with wild flowers and ancient fir forests, these are a few ingredients for an unforgettable journey trough the coastal mountains of British Columbia. From the moment you leave the lodge, you are 'into the wild'. This is a great area to see black bears, grizzlies, deer, mountain goats, moose and wolves. Although we can't guarantee to see any sightings, because the are called wildlife for a reason, they are often seen during the trip. And don’t be afraid, the wildlife (even bears) are more afraid of us then we of them. Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, come join us for dinner! After dinner we will walk through the herd and say hi to the horses. Waterfall (4-5 hours) Today we stay a bit closer to home and ride to the ‘Silver threads’ waterfall. This way we can be sure we matched you to the ride horse. In the evening you have time to pack your duffels and take a last shower. Lodge - Stickelan (6-7 hours) With pack horses in tow, it's off to Stikelan we go. Through Billy goat wash and on past the towering peaks. We will have to cross our first river to arrive at some lush meadows, where we will make our first camp. With a natural mineral lick just across the river to attract them, the wildlife watch us from a safe distance. We will be using this camp for two nights so make your bed comfy. By the time you have finished, a hot supper and its smells attract you to the roaring fire. I think you gotta call this living. Stickelan Valley (3 hours) After gathering the picketed horses and saddling up we ride to the end of the valley. We will tie up our horses and climb up to the ridge line for some stunning views during lunch. Seeing Maggi's Ice field and the glaciers that create the Stikelan River impresses the eye and stimulates the mind. Stickelan - Rafertys Basin (5 hours) Packing camp we travel the west side of the river up through the pass behind Lone Mt. with its clear brooks crashing down the steep slopes, occasionally dashing you with spray. We go up and up and up... all the way to the alpine meadows. Camping at tree line in Rafertys Basin. Take a little hike to the original mining claim, staked in 1937. Look at the lodge from high above. If you can catch the sunset from here its a beauty. Back to camp for dinner and relax. Rafertys Basin - Copper Creek (5 hours) Today’s ride is an exciting one. We get to the Copper Zone with its seven switch backs taking us down to the bottom and rocky Goat trail that takes us out the other side to an old mine road and the Morris Mine with its two tunnels, one 750 feet and the other 270 feet, all done by hand. We will reach Copper Creek this afternoon. Copper Creek Now this is a place where you can play, and we stay here this day and just have fun. Ride down to the original mining camp with its remnants of a dream long ago. At the right time of year the berries are lush and diverse, Saskatoon, Raspberry, Strawberries, Goose Berries, Thimble Berries and some Choke Cherries Copper creek - lodge In the morning we will pack up our camp for one last time. We will follow the road with some beautiful views of Tatlayoko Lake and cross big creek. Here we will unpack the pack horses. Your choice if you want to finish the last hours on horseback, or you can unsaddle your horse and ride back in the vehicle. At home waits a hot bath, pizza and cold beverages. Say good bye to your horse, what is now much more than just a horse, he/she is one of the best friends you will ever have. Leave the next morning after breakfast. Date: August 11th - 17th August 18th - 24th Price: 2200 CAD per person all inclusive Includes: Use of our horses and tack. Three good meals a day from dinner 1st night till breakfast day of leave), tea/coffee, wine with dinner. tent. Doesn't include: Alcoholic beverages (possibility to buy in town), transportation to Williams Lake, sleeping bag and air mattress. Transfer from Williams Lake airport to lodge: 200 dollars return, shared by participants who need the ride

Arrive at the lodge around noon, settle in and match a horse for you. We will take a short ride before supper to ensure that you are comfortable with your horse. Early the next morning after a hearty breakfast mount up and ride up Potato Mt. to the 2 story cabin, at 6100 feet, approx. 9 miles. Unpack and settle in there, after lunch, go for a ride to Lingfield lake and check out the fishing, and back to the cabin for a waiting supper and comraderie around the blazing campfire. ( your choice of sleeping arrangements, Cabin, Tent or under the stars). The next morning after breakfast, head off to Chilco lake rim Tsylos Park with views of impressive Chilco Lake, Tsuniah Lake, Nemiah Valley and surrounding Coast Mt. Having lunch and spotting for wildlife bedded down in the breaks. Maybe a closer inspection of a fossil outcrop and ptarmigan. Back to the cabin by the long way looking for and stalking wildlife for some excellent photographs. Supper awaits. This morning we are going to the north end of the Mt. 10 miles or so through Marmot Basin with its whistling pigs and Monkey head flowers and on to the grave of Killer of white men, the last Native from the Wadington massacre that refused to surrender, then ride back along the rim overlooking Tatlayoko Lake, Niut Mt. and the coast range with views of Mt. Wadington, our highest mountain in BC. Across the moonscape and if the snow banks are there, traverse across them to the main fossil beds with 50 to 75 million year old fossilized clams. Home feels pretty good this night and a sauna may be in order with a dip into Echo lake after. Well some easy riding this day, after a relaxing breakfast ride around Middle hill past an old range rider shelter and through nice open alpine meadows. Destination, the south end with it's flowers and beautiful views and a really good chance of seeing some Mountain Goats quite close. Lunches in the open with a nice fire and if the day is warm enough a dip into Gillian Lake. Back past the ice tunnel draw and special rock garden with its delicate wild flowers, a beauty of their own. It's funny how a small delicate thing of such beauty can withstand the harsh environment. Back to the cabin for supper and stories around the fire. Well, today I'm sad to say we have to pack up our personal things and head back to the lodge for the last night. Dinner and eager listeners waiting to hear our stories, not to mention a real bath with hot running water and private room.

Horse Back Fishing: Arrive at the lodge around noon, settle in and take a short drive to Tatlayoko Lake to fish off Big Creek point for native Rainbows. Depending on the wind may be take the boat out to try some of the close coves. Pack up the horses and head up to the top of Potato Mt. to fish Lingfield Lake and down the creek in the Beaver dams for Rainbow and Dollies. Staying at the Mt. Cabin for the night. Pack up again and head off to the north end of Potato Mt. to Lincoln Lakes, a series of four lakes, each with its own size of Rainbow trout, all eager to bite and raise a fight on the end of your line. Here we make camp for three nights and fish the lakes, hiking between them. Staying in a tent camp on the shore of the 4th lake and fishing (spin or fly ) for native Rainbow trout ranging from one to three lb. catch and release up to 150 fish a day. Great fighters. Hike to the other lakes, each approx. 1/2 mile from camp, second lake has a lot of fish, Rainbow trout up to 1 1/2 lb. Third lake has few fish but up to 5 lb. Rainbow. First lake has Rainbow up to 3 lb. Pack up and head back across the mountain to the cabin on top for the night, fishing at Lingfield on the way back. Pack up and leave the Mt. Cabin, down to the lodge for a hot bath and private room for the night, camaraderie of the staff, all eager to hear our stories of adventure. Lake Fishing Via Vehicle: Arrive at the lodge, get aquainted with the staff and settle in. We will base out of the lodge and go by vehicle to the local lakes, fishing for Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. Plan to visit a lake a day or back to the ones you prefer. Call us for prices Heli Fishing: Trips to remote lakes for drop camp fishing can be arranged with our neighbor who lives in the next valley ( 15 minutes away )and owns a Jet long Ranger guest seating capacity six. Call us to arrange and price quote.

Special 6 day Adventure Couple Package. On your arrival at 1 pm in the afternoon we match a horse to you and you are off to the Mt. top Cabin. Sleeping in the 2 story cabin or your private tent, you will enjoy 3 days of Horseback Alpine Exploring, seeing 75 million year old fossil beds, fields of flowers, wildlife and views of the coast range that will last in your mind forever. Off the Mt. for three nights stay in the lodge to enjoy your private room , bath and fine dining. During the days go on lower elevation guided exploring trips, to old mining activities, lake exploring, fishing for average 2 / 3 pound rainbow. Max. of 4 guests per trip. Includes : Meals, Accommodation and Adventures. Bring only your personal belongings and your camera.