WBCF PROJECTS
Our Trails
Wells-Barkerville Community Forest has more than 30 kilometers of motorized (snowmobile and ATV) and non-motorized (hiking, biking, cross country ski and snowshoe) trails.
These trails, many of them developed by the Wells and Area Trails Society (WATS), are an important part of the Wells lifestyle. They are also an important economic asset to the community, attracting visitors who support jobs and businesses by purchasing meals, groceries, accommodation and other services and supplies. The desire to protect and expand the trail network was one of the main reasons why Wells-Barkerville residents began to seek more control over the local forest in the 1980s and 1990s.
Cornish Mountain Summit
Following the designation of the community forest in 2014 the development of the Cornish Mountain Summit Trail was identified as a priority, and this three kilometre trail was completed in 2018.
Boardwalk Trail
In 2019 the community forest and WATS began detailed planning began for the School to Forest Trail, a 490 meter trail that would extend north from Dawson Street, just across the street from the Wells-Barkerville Community School, across the meadow and the Willow River and on to the east-west Coronado Trail in the community forest.
This portion of the forest has been designated “The Learning Forest” where education and research will be a priority. The School to Forest Trail will enable the school’s teachers and students to use The Learning Forest as a living classroom.
Where this trail crosses the meadow it would be boardwalk. This would be the first all season dry connection between the community and the trail system on Cornish Mountain, and the most direct, so it will encourage considerably increased use of those trails.
Martin's Pass Cabin
The Martin Pass cabin was recently established by the Wells Barkerville Community Forest (WBCF) and is situated on the Wells and Area Trails Society’s (WATS) trail network. Located approximately 5km from Wells on groomed trails, the cabin is equipped with a wood stove, three rustic bunks (sleeps six), and an outhouse. At this time there are no kitchen facilities, running water, or electricity. While relatively close to town it is still important that users have at least a basic level of backcountry experience to use the cabin.
The cabin is a joint partnership between the WBCF, WATS, and the Wells Destination School Society (WDSS). We ask for a $10 per person per night donation for use of the cabin. All proceeds will go towards the Wells Destination School Society. The WDSS is an innovative local non-profit organization working towards providing educational opportunities for youth within Wells and the surrounding area. Please donate here.
Cabin #2 is coming soon!
Access
Non-motorized access
Hikers, mountain bikers, skiers and snowshoers can access the community forest from Dawson Street on the north side of Wells by driving 1.5 kilometers west and north on Hardscrabble Road to the Hardscrabble Bridge across the Willow River. Parking is on the south side of the bridge.
In winter skiers and snowshoers can enter the community forest from the meadow trails to the immediate east of Wells. These trails are usually very wet in summer.
Vehicle access
Vehicle access to the community forest is 8.7km north on the Bowron Lake Road to the 2200 Road, then west on that road past Eight Mile Lake.
All terrain vehicle access
ATV users can access the Sugar Creek Loop around the perimeter of the community forest by crossing the Hardscrabble Bridge or by travelling north at the One Mile junction between Wells and Barkerville.