August 15, 2024
Exploring the Terrace area one adventure at a time
Discover the WOW of Terrace through the eyes of our Tourism Terrace summer students. The Epic Tales blog highlights hidden gems, extraordinary experiences and the real-life adventures of our summer students exploring the Skeena Valley.
Conquering Sleeping Beauty Mountain: A Day of Adventure and Insight
“The view opens up, offering a stunning panorama of the valley below, including the shimmering expanse of Kalum Lake”
A defining feature of Terrace’s skyline is the majestic Sleeping Beauty Mountain. Her serene silhouette stands watch over the town, inviting adventurers to explore her heights. You can admire her grandeur from below or embark on a rewarding hike to experience breathtaking views of Terrace from above.
On a perfect blue-skied summer day, I set out to hike Sleeping Beauty Mountain. The drive to the trailhead, about 40 minutes from town, took me along a forest service road active with logging operations. It’s essential to stay alert for oncoming traffic and to bring a radio for safety. As I neared the upper parking lot, I was pleasantly surprised by the road improvements. A local Park Ranger I encountered on my way shared that recent work has made the road safer and more accessible—a significant upgrade from my last visit.
We decided to start the hike together, as the Ranger was heading up to perform some maintenance work at the lake. From the upper parking lot, it’s a 1.3-kilometer walk to the trailhead, followed by a 2.8-kilometer trek to the lake. During our climb, I learned more about her role as a provincial Park Ranger. The job involves a range of tasks from maintenance and conservation to protecting the park so we can enjoy it. She was heading to update the signage and inspect amenities provided by BC Parks, which was fascinating to witness firsthand.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain has become one of my favorite hikes in the region, not just for its accessibility but also for the excellent amenities available. At the lake, you’ll find a picnic table, two tent pads, a bear cache, and a pit toilet—amenities that enhance both comfort and safety. The presence of these facilities makes it possible to extend your adventure into an overnight stay, and seeing the Ranger maintaining these features highlighted their importance.
The lake itself is a picturesque spot to rest and enjoy lunch. For those willing to continue, I recommend pushing a bit further up the trail. Just 20 minutes beyond the lake, the view opens up, offering a stunning panorama of the valley below, including the shimmering expanse of Kalum Lake.
As I descended, I again encountered the Ranger, who had just completed her maintenance tasks at the lake. We wrapped up our hike together, reflecting on the day’s journey and our shared appreciation for the park. Her insights into the role of a Park Ranger were inspiring. For anyone passionate about the outdoors and eager to help protect and maintain our natural treasures, a career with BC Parks offers a rewarding opportunity. The Ranger mentioned various positions, including the Student Ranger Program for students, which provides a fantastic introduction to the field and a chance to contribute to preserving our beautiful landscapes.
Hiking Sleeping Beauty Mountain isn’t just about the views—it’s about the experiences and connections made along the way. From the scenic vistas to the dedicated work of Park Rangers, every aspect of this hike enriches your appreciation for the great outdoors. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines physical challenge with the joy of exploring pristine nature, I wholeheartedly recommend making the trek up Sleeping Beauty Mountain.
