So, we are planning on biking the other side now … biking from the Paulson Summit to Midway, BC with an overnight in Grand Forks, BC. Both days will be around 50km each – give or take a few kms. Information is very difficult to find and you have to browse many sites to find what you are looking for. This is what I have gathered so far, some I found and some my friend found. This epic adventure will begin on July 23rd (early) and end the evening of July 24th.
Trail descends from the Paulson bridge to Christina Lake and is a great half-day cycle or full day hike. Families love this route! Downhill grade is 2%, passing through forest, a tunnel and an old trestle. Mount Gladstone and Rossland Range are visible as well as Christina Lake, town views and old cave systems.
Source: http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-TCT-Paulson-to-Christina-Lak-near-Grand-Forks-BC-11557
This is the bike ride from Fife (near Christina Lake) to Grand Forks …
As you can see, after Fife, it is pretty much straight, a few ups and downs right to Grand Forks. From there, we rest overnight.
The next day is the tough one. This shows a now uphill grade (I was told 2% but this looks speciously more) …
Needless to say, I am not too happy … I am not a strong biker – I get to where I am going (the distance isn’t the issue), but I have very little muscle mass and I struggle when it’s uphill. Regardless, if I have to walk my bike, I will make it.
Below describes the route from the opposite direction of where we are going (Grand Forks to Midway), which is day two …
About the Route:
The Columbia & Western Railway from Midway to Grand Forks begins as a pleasant stretch of trail with decent surface conditions along most of the route uphill to Eholt – and be sure to take a moment to check out the town of Greenwood when passing through. Large bell-shaped coal slag heaps (called “Hell’s Bells” by the locals) are one of many attractions. Also, a stroll down Greenwood’s main drag is a trip back in time!
The Tunnel of Flags is located north of Greenwood at the highway crossing. Watch for traffic at this, as well as the other highway crossing just west of Eholt. Though little to nothing remains of Eholt Station, it once rested at the summit of the pass – and northernmost point between Greenwood and Grand Forks. Eholt became the CPR’s divisional point and ore hauling headquarters. Due south and higher still was the growing city of Phoenix with its rich copper and gold mines; a branch line with spurs was built to carry Phoenix ores to local smelters. Eholt yards included a roundhouse, and powerful Shay locomotives which made daily trips to Phoenix. By 1920, an amazing 15 million tons of ores had been shipped, but the mines soon closed, and Eholt like Phoenix was abandoned.
Further east from Eholt, the north-facing forested area between to Granby tunnel can be a dark and perhaps gloomy place, but after turning south and passing through the tunnel, views of the Granby river valley below will lift your spirits! An emergency shelter is located immediately south of the tunnel with bunks and tables.
The Columbia & Western runs downhill from the flanks of Thimble Mountain at the Granby Tunnel, through the streets of Grand Forks.
Trail Highlights and Developments:
- Hell’s Bells in Greenwood
- Downtown Greenwood
- Granby Tunnel (11 km east of Eholt Station)
- Emergency Shelter (bunks and tables) immediately south of Granby Tunnel – with fantastic views of the Granby River
Important: You will almost certainly encounter motorized vehicles along the route, particularly ATVs and dirt bikes, which could be travelling at high speeds. Over the years, unregulated motorized use has degraded the trail surface along the Columbia & Western, making many areas quite challenging for hikers and cyclists. Users should come prepared for sandy conditions. Please see our equipment recommendations on the Boundary main page or even more detail on our “Equipment Tips” page of our Travel Tips.
Important: You may encounter ticks in the tall grasses along the trail in the Eholt area. You may wish to wear long pants, tucking the bottoms into your socks while avoiding the foliage at the edges of the trail.
Also important: You will encounter many gates along the TCT in the Boundary region. These gates are in place for a reason, and users should ensure to CLOSE the gates behind themselves. Closing the gates will ensure that livestock do not escape – preventing them from wandering to areas (such as the highways) which would be unsafe for them as well as drivers. The gates also prevent access of the trail by unauthorized motorized users. They are a small inconvenience to trail users, but they are necessary and should be respected.
Trail Operator:
- Rec Sites and Trails BC (department of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations). Trail users are encouraged to call 1-844-676-8477 if you want to report an infraction on any section of the trail.
Trail Stewards and Volunteers:
- Trails to the Boundary Society (McCulloch to Eholt) Contact: website forthcoming, visit their Facebook page
- Midway Trails (portions of trail close to Midway and Rock Creek)
And apparently …
Warning: Locked Gate near Eholt
The hotel in Midway (two nights … July 22nd and 24th) is booked as is the Transport from Midway to Paulson summit .. found a place in Grand Forks and also booked that (one night … July 23rd).
So exciting … can’t wait!!!
Selena's Blog 