Mid April we had a sudden heatwave. Perfect summer weather. I celebrated by heading down the Bella Coola Hill.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/1-to-Bella-Coola-1024x528.jpg)
Just before Nimpo Lake, I encountered a small herd of caribou. I see them about once in three years, and usually at this time of year and place while they are migrating. This year, however, was my second sighting as a group of three had been on my bush road. Here, however, was a larger mob. One was collared and tagged. I had noted the same on my previous sighting – perhaps it was the same animal.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/2-cariboo-1024x768.jpg)
After Anahim Lake, the snow got rapidly deeper. Notice how much better this road surface is compared with the semi-paved 100 km that goes by my turn-off.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/3-green-river-1024x768.jpg)
The numerous fires around the top of the Bella Coola Hill have allowed for numerous vistas. The Rainbows.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/4-rainbows-1024x655.jpg)
The poorly named “Little Rainbows.” There are in fact of a completely different geological structure.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5-little-rainbows-1024x768.jpg)
The first view of the Coast Rainge.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/7-first-coast-mts-1024x657.jpg)
The snowmelt sculptures of the ploughed roadsides are quite fascinating.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/6-snowmelt-sculptures-1024x768.jpg)
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/15-snowmelt-patterns-1024x768.jpg)
The top of the Bella Coola Hill.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/8-top-of-hill-1024x768.jpg)
A peek at Highway 20.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/9-Hwy-20-1024x768.jpg)
The bottom of the Bella Coola Hill – Mt Stupendous.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/11-bottom-hill-Stupendous-937x1024.jpg)
Mt. Melican stands next to it. This view from my friends’ yard.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/12-melican-best-1024x768.jpg)
My friends have been feeding scraps to a pair of crows who are nesting nearby.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/13-crow-768x1024.jpg)
The journey home was equally spectacular. Just before the dip in the highway that crosses Young Creek.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/14-heading-home-1024x768.jpg)
The Little Rainbows again.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/16-little-rainbows-1024x768.jpg)
And the Itchas.
![](https://www.wildernessdweller.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/17-Itchas-1024x493.jpg)
Hi there, we are thinking of doing a Bella coola road trip down the hill mid April this year. Any idea if it’s safe to do so on average? I have snow tires a 4×4 truck and chains. Any info would be great.
Kevin
Saltspring Island resident