Thornhill Mountain and Copper Mountain

Thornhill Mountain offers a challenging 3-4 hour hike that isn't for beginners. But the panoramic views on a clear day are worth it.

And for those who want an easier view from the top, Copper Mountain is a driveable alternative.

Thornhill and Copper Mountains

To reach either, from Thornhill drive along Old Lakelse Road for about 5km. You will come across the Thornhill landfill site, and continue for another 1km. On the left hand side you will reach the Copper Mountain road. Both mountain peaks are accessible from this road. 2wd drive vehicles should be fine for this road, unless it is an extremely wet time of year. If that is the case, why you would be going up to the top of a mountain that is covered in clouds and rain is a question that you should be asking yourself.

Thornhill Mountain

Travel 2.2km up the forestry road and you will reach the signed trailhead with a parking area. The trail, dubbed by the Terrace Hiking Club the Vicki Kryklywyj Memorial Trail (yep, that's spelled right, just don't ask me to pronounce it), is excellently maintained.

It climbs an unforgiving 1,100 meters and is 5 km long, although after the first few dozen meters it isn't quite as steep as it is a steady ascent. The trail originated as a pack to serve various mineral claims. The prospectors behind it were smart enough to create a series of switchbacks to make the journey surprisingly uniform and less punishing. In a later life the Kalum Forest District established the area as a forest fire lookout. The remains of the lookout remain today.

After climbing for 3-4 hours, you'll be more than willing to rest on the top. It won't be a problem staying there for a while, as the views of the Kitimat and Skeena valleys and the Seven Sister mountains are unbelievable.

View Of Terrace From Thornhill Mountain

Copper Mountain

There are two ways to get to Copper Mountain.

You could do exactly as above. From Thornhill Mountain it is a relatively easy hike north over to Copper Mountain, which is easily discernable by the two microwave repeater stations used by local media. Most of the way is downhill, although the final kilometer will be a steep uphill scramble. The easiest route is to stay to the right (east) of the rock face. From the towers you can easily find and walk down the access road back to your car.

Or, you could just drive all the way to the media towers. Instead of stopping at the parking lot and Kryklywyj trailhead, just keep on driving. Simple as that. It's approximately 4.5 km drive from the trailhead, or about 7km altogether.

NW View

You will reach a gate, which often is left unlocked, about 1km from the top. Just before the gate there is a road to the left which leads to the transmitter sites. However the main road beyond the gate will take you to the peak. If the gate is by chance locked, it is an easy walk, mostly above timberline, to the top.

Though not quite as rewarding as Thornhill Mountain, Copper Mountain Road does offer some impressive views of the Zymoetz and Kitsumkalum valleys, the Skeena river and Lakelse Lake. On a truly clear day and with a good eye you can see Kitimat and the Douglas Channel.