Trails

Callaghan Lake (Alexander Falls and Madley Lake)

Difficulty Level: Physically difficult/ Technically easy.

Self Sufficiency: Moderate. - Season: June through October.

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Synopsis: A long (18 km), middle-ring climb 3500 feet up a logging road leads riders to a beautiful lake at the end of the Callaghan Valley. At about the 8 km point a short side road leads to the spectacular Alexander Falls, and just past the falls there is the option of riding up a (currently) unlogged side valley to Madley Lake.

Trailhead Access: Ride or drive about 12.5 km south from the village on Highway 99. This will take you past Function Junction and the municipal boundaries. As you travel south on the highway, look for the out-cropping of hexagonal rocks on your left known locally as the Basalt Columns, and within a couple of hundred meters you will see a road on the right, marked with a sign reading, 'Mad River Nordic Center' (if you reach the 4 lane section of highway, you've gone too far). Turn right here and you will see another sign reading, "Callaghan Lake Forest Service Road'. If you drove, park here, and if you rode, inhale an energy bar and start to ride.

The Ride: The ride up to Callaghan Lake is fairly straight-forward, as it is well marked with Forest Service signs, the first of which you will encounter soon after leaving the highway. At a point just after the 8 km marker a road branches to the left for a short distance and leads to the viewpoint for Alexander Falls. After returning to the main road you will cross Madley Cr., then just before the road begins to climb again an unmarked road branches to the right to Madley Lake. This road climbs a series of rollercoaster-like hills through stands of beautiful old-growth forest to the lake, which is nestled in a narrow valley. Just before the lake a hiking trail heads off to the right; this leads over the ridge to Rainbow Lake.

If you choose not to ride the Madley option, continue on the main road as it begins to climb in earnest up a series of switchbacks. This is a long hill, and as you climb the ice fields of Powder Mountain will start to become visible off to your left. Finally you will reach the crest of the hill, and the road will begin a short descent. At this point you are within 1 km of the lake.

After spending some time lounging (and eating) on the shores of Callaghan Lake it will be time to retrace your steps. After a short climb from the lake, find your big ring, because it's time to let it hang out on the rockin' descent to Alexander Falls and then the highway. Keep in mind that this valley is used by hunters, fishermen, 4x4's and ATV's, so expect traffic and govern your speed accordingly.