Fort Saint James, British Columbia

Hike Pope Mountain

7.8 Miles Total - 2472 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail

Originally added by Jordon Conway

Pope Mountain features a scenic trail which rewards hikers with views of Stuart Lake and the surrounding area. At the peak of the mountain a wooden gazebo makes for an excellent place to enjoy lunch and take in the panoramic views.

Mount Pope Provincial Park is located 7km Northwest of Fort St. James on Stones Bay Road with plenty of signage to indicate the way to the trailhead. The large rock face can be seen well before reaching the parking lot which provides rock climbing opportunities as well.

From the gravel lot the trail begins to climb through an open fir forest along a series of switchbacks with several benches on the route to rest and rehydrate at. At kilometre 1.5 and 5 there are good views of Stuart Lake to the Southwest before reaching the peak.

Around 100m from the peak the trail exits the forest onto a rocky outcropping which ascends the final stretch of trail to the large wooden gazebo. The peak rewards hikers with a full 360 degree view of the surrounding area's numerous lakes, mountains and beauty.

Highly recommend finishing the day off with a refreshing dip in Stuart Lake following the hike!