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Clearwater
Clearwater is located 126 km (76 miles) north of Kamloops
and 110 km (68 miles) south of Blue River
on the Yellowhead Hwy 5.
Forestry
and Railway
The economy of Clearwater has traditionally been centered on the
forest industry especially with logging plus mining and the railway.
Today eco-tourism has taken over and is very big especially with
the close and easy approximation to Wells Gray Provincial Park.
'Gateway
to Wells Gray Provincial Park'
Considered the 'Gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park,' Clearwater
can provide you with access into one of British Columbia's biggest
provincial parks. Wells Gray Provincial Park also called 'The Waterfall
Park,' is only 35 km (22 miles) away from Clearwater and makes an
easy day trip to see some of the park's highlights.
Helmcken
Falls
Helmcken Falls is the most famous waterfall in the park at 141 metres
(463 feet) high making it the fourth largest waterfall in Canada.
The nice thing about the Helmcken Falls is the viewing platform
that is only a short walk from your vehicle and parking lot on a
wheelchair-accessible trail.
Walking
Trails
The other two famous falls, Spahats Trail or Dawson Falls, require
short walks but the paths take you to some really impressive waterfalls.
For longer treks, the hikes into areas such as the Flour Mill Crater
or the Kostal Cone will show you nature's might as it shapes the
water through old volcanic craters.
Natural
Attractions
Wells Gray also contains a large amount of other natural attractions
including mineral springs, extinct volcanoes, formed lava beds,
glaciers, crystal clear lakes and very majestic mountain peaks.
White-water rafting on the Clearwater River is a good way to see
all this natural beauty.
Dutch
Lake
For relaxation closer to Clearwater you have no farther to go than
picturesque Dutch Lake which is situated right in town. For directions
you can take Old North Thompson Hwy either over the Clearwater River
or from near Hwy 5. Once at Dutch Lake, there is public park which
has a swimming beach plus areas for fishing and boating.
Angling
Clearwater also has excellent fishing opportunities found on both
sides of the North Thompson River with various lakes and rivers
found in the area. Little Fort and
the 'Fishing Highway,' Hwy 24 is only 31 km (19 miles) south on
Hwy 5.
Backcountry
Road Excitement
There are lots of other recreational outdoor things do in Clearwater
including backroad adventure exploring with 4x4's, ATV's, quads,
mountain bikes or motorcycles. The area is just full of forest service
roads that lead to a lot of backcountry, all yours to discover.
For white-water rafting, it doesn't get any better or more exciting
than the Clearwater River.
Clearwater
Community Ski Hill
There is a small ski and snowboard facility located near the community
called Clearwater Ski Hill. The mountain features a new lodge, a
275 metres (900 feet) vertical of runs using a T-bar, lessons, equipment
rentals and all at very reasonable price.
Snowmobiling
Clearwater has some excellent opportunities for you to enjoy going
snowmobiling in the winter. One local called club called the 'Snow-Drifters'
maintains a number of trails up Harp and Raft Mountains. Both mountains
have very long seasons, lots of snow and elevations ranging from
1,200 to 2,250 metres (3900-7,400 feet) providing unbelievable views.
Please telephone Ralph for information at (250) 674-3773.
Winter
Activities
There are other excellent winter activities found here including
snow shoeing, ice fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing and dog
sledding. Clearwater has the North Thompson Sportplex where you
can also find some hockey and curling spiels.
Mahood
Lake
For getting out in the wilderness, another good spot to go is to
Mahood Lake located west from Clearwater. Included in Wells Gray
Provincial Park, Mahood Lake has a campground, great fishing, lots
of peace and quiet plus easy trails to a number of waterfalls. To
get here from Clearwater, you have to take a logging road so please
prepare for heavy equipment and dust when driving.
Dunn
Peak Provincial Park
Another provincial park that is close to Clearwater is Dunn Peak
Provincial Park. Situated across the North Thompson River on the
east side Dunn Peak offers spectacular views and great wildlife
viewing opportunities. From Clearwater you can travel to the Flats
and across the North Thompson River on Clearwater Station Road Bridge,
then travel south on Dunn Lake Road.
RV
Parks
There is a real good selection of RV parks to choose from in the
Clearwater area. Two close ones from town are the, Dutch Lake Resort
and RV Park and Dutch Lake Motel & RV Campground. Others like
Star Lake Fishing Resort are 10 km (6 miles) from Clearwater but
feature less noise from the city.
Clearwater
Lake
If you would like to stay at Wells Gray Provincial Park, there are
a number of vehicle-accessible campgrounds in which to stay. One
favourite site is located at Clearwater Lake, 65 km (41 miles) from
Clearwater. You can find a nice campground that makes for a great
base camp if canoeing or kayaking further into Wells Gray. If you
require full services, try the Wells Gray Golf Resort and RV Park.
Clearwater
Information and Links: Includes; Travel, Recreation, Accommodation,
Places to Eat and First Nations
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