Road to McBride lookout reopens after upgrades
The newly constructed road leading to the alpine and old fire lookout above McBride is vastly improved from its previous condition. However, there are still water bars – small ditches across the road to allow for drainage, and steep inclines. Four by four vehicles are recommended past the half-way point. /Andrea Arnold
By Andrea Arnold
The McBride Peak forest service road from the half-way lookout on McBride Peak up to the parking area near the alpine has been reopened following some much needed upgrades.
“It was in poor shape,” said Craig Pryor, McBride Community Forest Corporation General Manager.” “It has now been not just repaired but upgraded to safety standards for both people and for the environment. We are thrilled to have been able to do this for the community.”
During construction, work included erosion and landslide mitigation, burn snag removal as well as road repair and widening.
Several pullout areas were also created along both the top half and lower half of the road.
The parking area at the top remains the same as it is built on a small plateau with no expansion space readily available.
“We ask people to continue to respect the alpine, and not take any motorized vehicles beyond the parking area,” said Pryor.
New signage will be put in place reminding visitors of this regulation.
The road was originally a horse trail used for access to the fire lookout and about 60 years ago a bulldozer cleared a wider path to allow for access during a wildfire. According to MCFC staff, not a lot of maintenance has been performed on it since then.
“I recently heard that the World Hang Gliding Championships were held here,” said Mike Monroe, chairman for MCFC. “ I’d like to see something like that return.”
The MCFC website boasts that it is one of the highest mountain roads in the country. Starting from Yellowhead Highway, the ascent is 12.2 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1.320 metres.
Due to rainy conditions, it took local contractor Optimum Resource Management about two weeks to finish the project, including some additional set up and dry time for the new road. It reopened just in time for the long weekend. Although the road has been drastically improved, MCFC still recommends using vehicles with four-wheel drive for those wanting to explore the area.
