Burnt Bridge Loop Trail

Segments of this trail are part of the ancient grease trail network and it was likely used by Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his historic expedition across Canada by Land in 1793 The viewpoint overlooks the beautiful Bella Coola Valley to the west. It is only a short 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint. The trail then continues above Burnt Bridge Creek to a spectacular suspension bridge, loops back on west side back to the parking area. The trail has a great selection of tree types including Douglas-Fir, Cedar and Cottonwood. Watch for great views of Stupendous Mountain. This trail can be completed in 1-2 hours.

Bears
The Burnt Bridge loop trail is one of the safer trails in the valley in terms of the risk of encountering bears. Mornings and evenings, grizzly bears will travel up the creek bed, crossing the loop trail near the bridge, but the portions of the trail higher on the sides, both east and west, are mostly just off the beaten path for bears. Black bears have been encountered near the west lookout, and any trail is a potential animal path, so as always, take bear spray, be bear aware, and hike in groups, and make plenty of noise as you prepare to cross the valley bottom to or from the suspension bridge. Mid-day hikes are safest. If you venture to the lower side of the road, towards the mouth of the creek and eastwards on the peninsula, bear sightings are far more common, especially nearer the river.