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Fraser Lake is located 160 km (100 miles) west of Prince
George or 570 km (356 miles) east of Prince
Rupert on the Yellowhead Hwy No. 16.
Canadian National Railway
Fraser Lake is a small community whose major employers are the Fraser Lake Sawmill,
Endako Molybdenum Mine and the Canadian National Railway bunkhouse located east
at Endako. The village gets its name and is situated on the southwest side of
Fraser Lake.
170 Lakes
Around the Fraser Lake area, there are approximately 170 lakes in an 80 km (50
mile) radius. Flowing between the lakes are slow meandering streams providing
nesting and feeding areas for a large migrating bird population.
"Swan Capital of the World"
A large number of Trumpeter Swans reside at Fraser Lake. The village is referred
to as the "Swan Capital of the World." A popular spot to view birds is at White
Swan Park - a day-use facility located right in the village close to the lake.
Francois Lake
Fraser Lake is about 18 km (11 miles) long. It is fed water from the west by
the Stellako River. The Stellako River flows from a very large lake close by
called Francois Lake. Francois Lake is about 125 km (78 miles) long.
Mouse Mountain
For a good view of Fraser Lake, take the trail up Mouse Mountain located on the
east side of the village.
British Columbia's shortest river
On the east side of Fraser Lake is the Nautley River. The Nautley drains the
lake into the Nechako River. At .8 km (5 miles) long, the Nautley River has the
distinction as British Columbia's shortest river.
Trumpeter Swans
Occasionally, you can spot large numbers of Trumpeter Swans feeding here. Take
the Beaumont Provincial Park exit on Hwy. 16, just west of Fort Fraser, to access
the Nautley River.
Beaumont Provincial Park
If you like sandy beaches and great swimming, try this park. Complete with campground
and a boat launch, Beaumont Provincial Park is an excellent spot to either have
a highway break or stay the night.
Wildlife
If you enjoy bird watching and seeing wildlife, there are some great trails in
the area. Use the Beaumont boat launch and view the native pictographs located
on the granite face, close by at Nautley Village.
Fraser Mountain
For a great view of the lake, go up 1,053 m (3,455 ft.) high Fraser Mountain.
The trail entrance is between Pipers Glens Resort and the Beaumont exit, on Hwy.
16 east towards Fort
Fraser.
Recreational Activities
Take the Beaumont turnoff and carry on that road to about halfway. Here you can
find a great sandy beach with a concrete pad boat launch. There is a 10 km (6
miles) hiking trail through Ormond Creek Canyon to Ormond and Oona Lakes. For
rustic camping you can try Peterson Beach on the north side of the lake.
Columnar basalt
Hike up Red Rock, Table Mountain or Red Bluff a columnar basalt outcropping located
on the north west side of the lake. Take the road at Stellaque and drive five
to ten minutes for the trail.
Kenny Dam and Cheslatta Falls
Take a trip to Kenny Dam and Cheslatta Falls. You need to drive on the Holy-Cross
F.S.R. located at Lejac which is halfway between Beaumont Park and the village
of Fraser Lake. You will have to use this road only on the weekend because there
is high logging truck activity during the week; it is about 59 km (37 miles)
to the falls. Stay at the campsite located near the Spillway.
Forest Service Recreation Site at Cheslatta
There is a small walk-in, walk-out Forest Service campsite located here. It's
about 1.5 km (1 mile) up from the 18 m (59 ft.) high Cheslatta Falls The trail
is quite steep and you have to be very careful but the trail is incredible as
it traverses through forest and rock.
Kenny Dam
Kenny Dam is very interesting. At one time, this was the world's largest earth-filled
dam. Built for Alcan Works at Kitimat,
it has a very large reservoir for exploring, boating, fishing and wilderness
camping.
Special Note:
The Alcan Spillway campsite is quite large with a boat launch capable of handling
larger boats. The campsite is free and is first-come, first-served with no reservations
available.
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