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James Stoness
Exploring Bridge River Valley, BC
Bridge River Valley
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James Stoness
Exploring Bridge River Valley, BC
Historical marker
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James Stoness
Exploring Bridge River Valley, BC
Mountains near Bralorne
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James Stoness
Exploring Bridge River Valley, BC
Museum at Bralorne
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James Stoness
Exploring Bridge River Valley, BC
Near Bralorne
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James Stoness
Exploring Bridge River Valley, BC
Entering Gold Bridge
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James Stoness
Exploring Bridge River Valley, BC
Near Gold Bridge
Story & photos by James Stoness
Driving into a remote area of Southern British Columbia that in the 1930’s had upwards of 4000 people might not sound at all that interesting until you start to think about what you might find there.
The Bridge River meets the Fraser River just north of Lillooet and funnels the drainage of a vast rugged, mountainous terrain out through the narrow Bridge River Valley. Sometime in the 1800’s prospectors discovered traces of gold and by the mid 1930’s the Bralorne and the Pioneer Mines were incredibly busy harvesting gold from the rich quartz ores. Each of these had their own small communities, and the village of Gold Bridge grew up as a service community providing an alternative to company stores and their high prices.
Alas, after digging out 4 million gold ounces, the last mine closed in 1971, and like almost all mining communities the people moved out and nature started closing the rest of the infrastructure. Fortunately there are still many ruins to visit and the lack of crowds make it a winner. The high, green clad mountains, waterfalls, and lakes certainly enhance your reasons to visit the valley.
A lot has changed in the valley since the mines closed. Many miles of the Bridge River now lie under several miles of the Carpenter Reservoir. Early in the century a surveyor recognized the fact that the narrow long valleys were perfect for hydro dams, and that with a short tunnel through Mission Mountain he could send water south into Seton Lake. In the mountains above Gold Bridge is the Downton Reservoir. The waters of the Bridge River Valley produce electrical power three times on their way through the hydro system.
To access all the valley has to offer, leave from Lillooet on the Carpenter Lake Road (Road-40) and drive about 100 km. This road, paved in places follows the side of the river and is hemmed in by the steep sides of the valley. Near the beginning of the trip you drive on a plateau which is gravel sediment many metres deep. The thickness is easily visible along the river which has cut deeply into the sediment leaving precipitous cliffs of gravel and sand which look as if sections could collapse into the river at any moment. A steep hill with sharp switchbacks drops the road down to the river level. There is place near the top of this hill to stop and view the river, lined with cliffs, and far below, buildings in an oasis of green grasses.
Following Road-40, the turbulent Bridge River is a companion until the Carpenter Reservoir. This large narrow lake is well known for excellent reflections of the mountains above the community of Gold Bridge. As you approach, the valley appears to be blocked by a seemingly endless row of white capped, jagged peaks. In Gold Bridge you will find several old homes, but very few services. Nearby Gun Lake has a few primitive camping sites.
The lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for the fisherman in the family, and these mountains are home to many species of large and small animals and birds. In season, the hills will be brightened with colourful flowers.
The road climbs steeply past Gold Bridge for 10 km to Bralorne where you will find a few more homes and the Bralorne Pioneer Museum. There are impressive views from this higher country of deep valleys backdropped by huge white capped mountains. What a beautiful place to live, although it’s isolated! But that’s part of its beauty.
Continuing uphill you pass nearby the Pioneer Mine site and reach the housing community of Bradian. Here there are several houses in fairly good shape thanks to a family who stayed there, fixed the roofs on many of them to help protect them. This town was on the news recently as being sold to a Chinese company who hoped to renovate the 50 homes. Now the ghost town is on the market again.
The local community association is responsible for developing an extensive trail network for hiking, biking and horse riding, and for cross-country winter skiing. Whether it’s a day hike, or a long pack-trip you are sure to enjoy some awe-inspiring scenery. Autumn colours would be fantastic when viewing across the wide interior lakes.
For those looking for more adventure you can leave Gold Bridge on the Hurley Forest Road to come out at Pemberton. This is a summer road, often described as a gravel road with ruts and occasional rocks. Considering the terrain and the climb over the pass, it should be a very scenic route for those with 4WD capability.
We thoroughly enjoyed this ‘off the beaten path’ drive. We only had a day and although we saw much, a longer visit into the Bridge River Valley would give opportunity for delving into hidden corners. If you are looking for a quiet region to visit, this hidden gem is for you.
For extra information:
- A map showing a circle drive including the Hurley Road - http://www.hellobc.com/driving-routes/74/duffey-lake-hurley-river-road-loop.aspx
- The visitor guide has maps, and a list of camping areas and other services - http://www.bridgerivervalley.ca/VisitorGuide.pdf