The Cai Creek watershed leads through a beautiful stand of forest to the largest known Ponderosa Pine in British Columbia (Lieutenant Dan).
Distance, round trip: 6.6 km
Elevation: +388 m
Season: early April to late November
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead and Driving Directions
Head east on Highway 3 from Castlegar towards Salmo. From the vehicle inspection station just outside Castlegar, you’ll drive 1.5 km on Highway 3 and then park in a large gravel pullout on the right (west side). The parking pullout is across the highway from the runaway lane.
Up the ATV Track
Carefully cross Highway 3 on foot and then hike up the runaway lane. The ATV track starts here and swerves off to the right. You’ll follow the ATV track for the first 2 km.
The ATV track winds uneventfully through the forest. After 1 km, cross Cai Creek on foot. Poles are helpful for the creek crossing as well as for the looser rocks on the ATV track.
Route Finding
At 2 km, leave the ATV track and follow the green flagging tape through the forest. Paper “Cai Creek Pine and Old Growth Forest Route” signs have been put up with the green flags, and a faint trail has been boot beaten into the soft forest floor. It’s fairly easy to find the way.
You’ll also encounter flagging tape in many other colours as this route goes through a planned cutblock to be logged in 2024/25. Many locals are concerned about logging this intact watershed which is home to many old growth trees and you can learn more at Save Cai Creek.
Lieutenant Dan
The route ends at 3.3 km at Lieutenant Dan – the largest Ponderosa Pine recorded in BC! This impressive tree is incredible as it towers up from the forest floor. It’s an absolute giant and worth a respectful visit.
Retract your steps to head home. The route through the forest is well-flagged on the return direction.