Glacier Gulch Hike
While we were in Smithers we tackled Hudson Bay Mountain from two sides. Our first hike was up Glacier Gulch. Hudson Bay Glacier sits in a basin on the north side of the mountain. The meltwaters run down cliffs and form Twin Falls. To see Twin Falls and get to the trailhead of the hike, drive north on Highway 16 towards the airport, then turn west onto the Lake Kathlyn Road. Follow the gravel road to Twin Falls. Park and follow the trail to the base of the falls.
Look to the left in the trees look for the Glacier Gulch Trailhead. The trail is steep and gets steeper and more difficult the higher you climb. The upper part is on rock and loose material, and there is a risk of falling rock from the flanks of the peak above. You can scramble all the way to the toe of the glacier in about two hours. Although we liked the end point of the trail, we found it to be more risk than reward. If you have a good day, it is a good challenge, but if you have a choice, drive to the ski hill and hike to the top of the mountain instead. The peak of Hudson Bay Mountain is an A+ hike, but Glacier Gulch is just a C+.
