Chance Breckenridge is no stranger to Wells Gray Park nor the rugged outdoors in a wide variety of areas in the Interior of B.C. In fact, he welcomes weather like what we’ve been seeing in the past week with extremely chilling temperatures often dipping below -30C in Wells Gray Park and surrounding area.
Not only does he feel this type of weather is “perfect for hiking” but he’s also a big history buff and loves exploring the backcountry searching for signs of those like minded forest lovers that have bushwhacked, backpacked, fished, camped and hunted along the shores of places like Clearwater Lake, along the winding Clearwater River, traipsing in behind powerful waterfalls and especially introducing others to the wonders he’s discovered deep in the Wells Gray wilderness.
On his most recent expedition, Chance seized the day and a fellow hiker (who actually went along willingly as another ‘free spirited’ trekker), Jon Wichett on Jan. 13 as they headed to McDiarmid falls a waterfall on Grouse Creek in the park.
McDiarmid Falls is located 100 metres downstream from Moul Falls and 150 metres upstream from Grouse Creek’s confluence with the Clearwater River. For those that haven’t been there, it’s a little over 20 kilometers from the Wells Gray Visitor Info Centre and you would be parking in the clearly marked parking lot for Moul Falls. Once you are at Moul Falls it’s a little bit more challenging reaching McDiarmid Falls for an inexperienced hiker so you should plan on hooking up with someone knowledgeable like Chance for the first couple of hikes. You’ll have to pace yourself with some of it being pretty steep going with a bit of an uphill start and then mostly downhill. The shale rock gets a little slick and shifty as well, but once you arrive the beauty will reward your efforts making it well worth the trip.
Wichett is a newcomer to Wells Gray Country, having just moved to the area in recent weeks with his wife and looking forward to more exploring from the sounds of it. He said, “Bundling up for a three hour, -30°Celsius hike is a different experience! We kept a steady pace, made sure we were well prepared, and had a great morning checking out Moul and McDiarmid Falls and MacMillan cabin thanks to Chance showing me around. I discovered zippers freeze, car remotes die and long eye lashes don’t help in these temps.”
Breckenridge advises, “Hiking in the winter can be a beautiful and serene experience. But, being prepared is key to a safe and comfortable experience. Dress for the weather, check forecasts, let others know your trip plans and know where you’re going, carry a pack with some necessities such as; food, water, first-aid, extra clothes, communication device, and a map/directions for trip. It’s a good idea to go with a hiking partner as well.”
Watch for more ‘adventures’ with Chance Breckenridge in upcoming issues of the Clearwater Times and Barriere Star/Journal as he continues to explore the North Thompson Valley and Wells Gray Country with and without a variety of hiking companions while documenting with his keen photographic eye.
