Tikwalus Heritage Trail Damaged by Wildfire

16 September 2026

A recent trip report confirms what many hikers have feared: the historic Tikwalus Heritage Trail, near Yale, BC, burned in the Brunswick Mountain Fire Complex. The trail is currently closed.

Photographs and a trip report indicate that damage to the trail is extensive, with parts of the trail being entirely obscured, extremely difficult and in places potentially impossible to follow, and covered in ash. Some spots are still smouldering. Signage is burned or missing, and culturally modified trees have burned. Though the campsite has thankfully largely survived the fire, the outhouse has burned down.

Though they are also within the boundary of the fire complex, the status of the nearby unmaintained Bluffs Trail, 17 Mile Creek Mule Trail, and Gate Mountain Trail remains unknown.

Prior to the fire, the 13 km hike featured 968 metres of elevation gain, bluff views, and a campsite. Culturally modified cedars could be found along the route and in the area. It was a largely uphill grind steeped in history, with signage along the way telling its story.

Trail closures are not always marked with a physical barrier or trailhead signage. Always check a trail’s status from official online sources during your pre-hike planning. Unsuspecting hikers who regularly hike an area can accidentally venture into a closed area without realizing it. Tikwalus Heritage Trail Official Status

A Hike Through History

The Tikwalus Heritage Trail was used for over 9000 years by the Nlaka’pamux First Nation as part of a connection to other regions, and for trade, hunting, and food gathering. In 1848, Chief Pahallok of the Nlaka’pamux First Nation showed the trail to A.C. Anderson of the Hudson’s Bay Company as a potential fur trade route over the mountains, and it briefly became a part of the HBC Brigade Trail. It was intended as a route to transport furs between Fort Langley and Fort Kamloops.

The trail was only ever used three times by the fur traders, as the route was too hard on the horses, claiming the lives of 70 of them in one season. After it was abandoned by the HBC, who found another route, it continued to be used by First Nations, and in the 1850s and 60s, by gold seekers during the gold rushes. There was even a cabin along the way that became a rest stop for miners, and reports of its inhabitant selling alcohol to them resulted in the cabin being burned down by the authorities.

As part of the New Pathways Heritage Trails Program, the Tikwalus Heritage Trail underwent extensive restoration work by the Hope Mountain Centre, Spuzzum First Nation, New Pathways to Gold Society, the Ministry of Transport, and RSTBC. Since the grand reopening in 2012, it’s been a favourite destination for overnight backpackers, history lovers, and hikers who just like a quiet challenge.

The Dangers of Hiking in Burned Forest

Unfortunately, wildfires are now a part of summer in British Columbia. Prior to setting out, hikers should check wildfire information resources to ensure that the area they intend to hike is safe.

Entering a forest burned by wildfire presents numerous hazards. Even if trees aren’t dead, their roots may have been affected, putting them at risk of toppling. With vegetation stripped away, soil becomes unstable and prone to landslides. Windy and rainy days are especially dangerous. Hazards include:

• Falling trees and branches
• Damage to tree roots underground
• Holes caused by burned root systems
• Fire-loosened and unstable soil
• Unstable ground, rocks, and logs
• Landslides
• Freeze-thaw-related rockfall
• Flash flooding
• Flooding due to drainages clogged by dead debris
• Missing signage
• Missing infrastructure
• Difficulty wayfinding

In addition, ash can be stirred up by walking. Breathing fine particulate matter can affect health, especially in those with respiratory illness, asthma, COPD, and heart disease.

Given the extensive damage to Tikwalus, these hazards should be taken seriously.

The Tikwalus Heritage Trail remains closed. Do not attempt to visit until official sources indicate that it is open and safe to do so.

This article’s header image of the Tikwalus Heritage Trail was taken in June 2026.