Bridge River
Bridge River
Access
To reach the Seton Lake Reservoir Recreation Area from Vancouver, take Highway 99 to Pemberton and turn right onto the Duffey Lake Road. The Naxwit picnic area is about 3 km west of Lillooet on the Duffey Lake Road. Seton Lake Reservoir Recreation Area lies 5 km southwest of Lillooet on the Duffey Lake Road.
The Bridge River Picnic Site, located at the western end of Seton Lake Reservoir, is located between Seton Portage and Shalalth. Road access is difficult and visitors should be aware of local conditions whether arriving via the Mission Mountain Road from Lillooet or the Highline Road from D'arcy.
Take Highway 40 from Lillooet to access Gun Creek campground. Gun Creek campground is located 91 km northwest of Lillooet and 8.5 km northeast of Gold Bridge. The Bighorn Creek campground is closed indefinitely due to landslide damage.
Adventurous travellers may wish to complete their loop on the scenic Hurley River Road, which leads from Gold Bridge back to Pemberton. Check local road conditions before using this route. This well-maintained gravel road is used by logging trucks, so use caution.
History and Hydroelectric Operation
The Bridge River is a mid-sized stream approximately 120 km long, flowing south-east from the snowfields of the Coastal Mountains and joining the Fraser River near Lillooet.
The Bridge River hydroelectric complex consists of three dams and stores water for four generating stations. The system uses Bridge River water three times in succession to generate 492 megawatts, or 6 to 8 per cent of British Columbia's electrical supply. Hydroelectric development of the system began in 1927 and was completed in 1960. Its waters (Downton Reservoir) initially pass through the Lajoie Dam and powerhouse and are then diverted through tunnels and penstocks from Carpenter Reservoir to the two powerhouses on Seton Lake Reservoir. Finally, the water flows from Seton Lake Reservoir, through the Seton Powerhouse and into the Fraser River.
Hydroelectric operations seasonally change water levels on Carpenter and Downton Reservoirs. From July until early November water levels rise due to spring runoff and from late November to June water levels decline as energy demands are met.
Seton Lake Reservoir water levels remain relatively constant throughout the year.
BC Hydro balances the need for power with the requirements for fisheries, environment, flood control and recreation when managing its reservoirs. Environmental requirements are considered as part of BC Hydro's day-to-day work. BC Hydro meets or exceeds legislation and works closely with regulating agencies to minimize impacts on fisheries resources. Dams and generating stations have impacts on fisheries and BC Hydro is working to reduce these impacts through research, capital projects (such as the fish ladder at Seton Dam) and operating initiatives (conducting fish salvages when flows change to avoid fish stranding).
Hydroelectric facilities are managed in a way that is sensitive to the communities in which BC Hydro operates. In the Bridge River area, BC Hydro has regular meetings with local communities, including First Nations, to exchange information and manage common issues.
BC Hydro operates recreation areas on Seton Lake Reservoir (Naxwit Picnic Area, Seton Beach, Seton Viewpoint, Seton Dam Campground and the Bridge River Picnic Site) and on Carpenter Reservoir (Bighorn Creek and Gun Creek campgrounds).
Multiple Use
Bridge River Powerhouses and Picnic Site
Work on Powerhouse No.1 was postponed until 1946 due to the depression and war years. However, growing power requirements of the post-war era gave the project great urgency. The building was rushed to completion and the first generator was installed in1948. Three more generators were added at intervals until 1954. The plant's total output of 180 MW was the largest source of power in the province at that time. While a second tunnel was being bored to carry water from Carpenter Reservoir, work on Powerhouse No. 2 commenced. Four generators were installed by the end of 1960. Water for the turbines of both powerhouses flows from the tunnels under Mission Mountain into steel penstocks, which drop a vertical distance of 329 m (1,078 feet) down the hillside. Bridge No.1 has four penstocks-one for each turbine. Bridge No. 2 has two penstocks, which split into four just before they enter the powerhouse. The Bridge River Picnic Site, located between Seton Portage and Shalalth, offers picnicking and a boat launch (sorry, no drinking water). The Bridge River Powerhouses have a maximum generating capacity of 480 MW and an average generating capability of 2670 GWh per year - more than enough to supply the City of Surrey.
Carpenter Reservoir
Terzaghi Dam
When Bridge Powerhouse No. 1 on Seton Lake Reservoir was completed and ready for water in 1948, a low temporary dam was built across the Bridge River to direct the water flow into the penstocks. Later, with the construction of Bridge Powerhouse No. 2, Terzaghi Dam, 55 m (180 feet) high, was built about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) downstream. Completed in 1960, this dam impounded 23,725 cubic metres (838,800 acre-feet) of water in Carpenter Reservoir at an elevation 651 m (2136 feet). The dam was renamed in honour of Dr. Karl Terzaghi, founder of the science of soil mechanics and chief consultant for the design and construction of the dam.
Bighorn Creek Campground
The Bighorn Creek campground is permanently closed due to flood risks. In May 2003, a significant debris flood from Bighorn Creek descended on the campground and destroyed five of the fifteen campsites. The flood carried about 7,000 cubic meters of mud and rock on to the site. This was the second flood event in five years. Bighorn Creek upstream of the campground is unstable and more debris flows can be expected in this area in the future.
Gun Creek Campground
This recreation area is located within the historic Bridge River Valley. Facilities at this 13-site camp-ground include pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Fishers can try their luck in Gun Creek. During the early 1900s pioneers staked mineral claims and formed mining communities throughout this region. The remains of one of these mining towns lie beneath Carpenter Reservoir. Bill Davidson, the President of Minto Gold, planned and built the townsite in 1934, following the start-up of the Minto Gold Mine. For several years Minto Gold was one of the most productive mines in the valley. However, a flood on Gun Creek in 1950 left the town inundated and severely damaged. After the completion of the Terzaghi Diversion Dam in 1954, the waters of Bridge River were backed up and Carpenter Reservoir was created, flooding the town of Minto. For detailed information on Minto and other Bridge River mining communities, we recommend a trip to the Bralorne Pioneer Museum.
Lajoie Dam
The westernmost stop on our tour is the Lajoie Dam. Construction of the dam was carried out in two steps. First, a low earthfill structure was completed in 1949 to store water for the Bridge plants. Second, the dam was raised to its current height of 87 m (287 feet) in 1955. Completion of these steps impounded 15,130 cubic metres (534,300 acre-feet) of water at elevation 750 m (2460 feet) to form Downton Reservoir. The reservoir was named in honour of the pioneer surveyor Geoffrey Downton who, in 1912, first recognized the enormous potential for power development utilizing the drop in elevation between the Bridge and Seton River systems. A powerhouse with one generator was completed at the foot of the dam in 1957, with a capacity of 22 MW and an average generating capacity of 170 GWh per year - more than half the electricity needed to supply all the homes in the city of Kamloops.
Gun Creek Campground
Access
The Gun Creek Campground is located approximately 8.5 km northeast of Gold Bridge and 91 km northwest of Lillooet, on Carpenter Lake Reservoir. Access is via the Lillooet-Pioneer Road (Road #40) from Lillooet or via the Hurley River Road from Pemberton. Both routes are well-maintained gravel roads. The Hurley Road is usually open from the May long weekend until late November.
History and Hydroelectric Operation
This recreation area is located within the historic Bridge River Valley. During the early 1900s pioneers staked mineral claims and formed mining communities throughout this region. The remains of one of these mining towns lie beneath Carpenter Reservoir. Bill Davidson, the President of Minto Gold, planned and built the town site of Minto in 1934 following the startup of the Minto Gold Mine. For several years, Minto Gold was one of the most productive mines in the valley. However, a flood on Gun Creek in 1950 left the town inundated and severely damaged. After the Terzaghi Dam was completed in 1954, the Bridge River waters were backed up and Carpenter Reservoir was created, flooding the town of Minto. For detailed information on Minto, visit the Bralorne Pioneer Museum.
Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, the Gun Creek Campground is an attractive destination, and a popular stop for those on a driving tour of the Duffey Lake and Hurley Roads or visiting the Gold Bridge area.
Fishing
Resident stocks of Dolly Varden char, rainbow trout and kokanee are present in the reservoir. Fishers can try their luck in Gun Creek.
Visitor Information for Gun Creek
- Seasonal openings: Open year round but maintained only from mid-May until October. During the off-season, please pack out your garbage and leave the site tidy for other visitors.
- Carpenter Lake Reservoir generally fills by late June and water levels remain high until early November.
- At low water levels, visitors can explore nearby remains of the flooded town of Minto.
- Sorry, Gun Creek Campground has no drinking water.
- Follow the campfire safety rules.
Seton Lake Reservoir Recreation Area
Access
This area is located 6 km west of Lillooet, approximately 320 km northeast of Vancouver (about a 4.5-hour drive). From Vancouver, take Hwy 99 to Pemberton and turn right onto Duffey Lake Road. The Recreation Area is 5 km southwest of Lillooet on the Duffey Lake Road. An alternative route is via the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 12 from Lytton through Lillooet.
History and Hydroelectric Operation
The Seton Lake Reservoir Recreation Area is located on Cayoosh Creek, near the confluence of the Seton and Fraser Rivers, in an area first inhabited by the interior Salish-speaking St'at'imc (STAH-tleum) people. Their underground winter homes, or "kekulis", can still be seen at the Seton Lake Viewpoint. In the later 1800s, hundreds of Chinese prospectors scoured the banks of Cayoosh Creek in search of gold. The remains of a Chinese bake oven can be seen in the campground, a reminder of the gold rush days.
BC Hydro's Seton Dam, the final dam of the Bridge River Hydroelectric development, and the Seton Canal, which delivers water to the Seton Powerhouse and the Fraser River, are located immediately north of the campground and were built between 1927 and 1960. The Seton Powerhouse has a maximum generating capacity of 42 MW and an average capacity of 330 GWh per year - roughly equal to four times the amount of electricity used by all the homes and businesses in Lillooet and Lytton, or enough to meet the energy needs of more than 300,000 homes.
Additional historic information can be found at the Lillooet Museum Travel Information Centre during May to August. The Seton Viewpoint provides a spectacular view of the emerald-green water of Seton Lake Reservoir and surrounding Lillooet Range Mountains.
Multiple Use
Seton Beach
Seton Beach is a day-use area that offers access for picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing. The stand of acacia trees providing shade to the beach area was planted in 1942 by Lillooet residents in memory of World War II casualties. Drinking water and a pay phone are available.
Seton Viewpoint
This viewpoint provides a spectacular view of the emerald-green waters of Seton Lake Reservoir and the surrounding Chilcotin mountains. Near the viewpoint you may also find evidence of kekulis, underground winter homes built by the interior Salish-speaking St'at'imc (STAH-tleum) people. A small self-guided interpretive trail is located at the viewpoint, providing information about the history of the Lillooet area and some of its modern-day features.
Seton Dam
The Seton Lake Reservoir development, completed in 1956, consists of an 18-metre concrete dam (located across from the campground) incorporating a fish ladder and a diversion canal, which directs water from the Seton River to the Seton Powerhouse on the Fraser River. Pink, chinook, coho and steelhead salmon are all found in the Seton River. Two Department of Fisheries and Oceans spawning channels are located near the south side of Seton River for pink salmon. Two siphons from the concrete diversion canal provide water to these channels. During the summer and fall months, the diversion of Cayoosh Creek water into Seton Lake Reservoir helps migrating salmon find their way back upstream, past the Seton Generating Station, to spawning grounds.
Seton Dam Campground
The Seton Dam campground offers 45 campsites, hiking trails, firewood, drinking water and pay phone. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. In the late 1800s, Cayoosh Creek attracted hundreds of prospectors seeking their fortunes at the bottom of a gold pan. A Chinese bake oven is located in the campground area-a reminder of these gold miners.
Fishing
Rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, sturgeon and kokanee are present in the reservoir. Fishing is usually best during spring and fall. Pink, chinook, coho and steelhead salmon are all found in the Seton River. Two spawning channels are located near the south side of the river.
Hiking
A small self-guided interpretive trail leads visitors to evidence of kekulis, underground winter homes built by the interior Salish-speaking St'at'imc (STAH-tleum) people. In addition, there are trails linking the beach and campground areas and a trail along the shore of Cayoosh Creek. All are suitable for a pleasant stroll in the cooler morning or evening hours.
Naxwit Picnic Area
BC Hydro's newest picnic area is located about 3 km west of Lillooet along the Duffey Lake Road and is an easy walk from the Seton Dam Campsite. This is a day-use-only site with 14 picnic tables, washrooms, drinking water and interpretive signs detailing the history and ecology of the area. The site was designed with RVs and tour buses in mind, so there is plenty of oversized parking and easy access for larger vehicles.
The name Naxwit (pronounced Nack-wait) is the traditional place name for the area given by the Stl'atl'imx Nation. Naxwit means "snake" and refers to the many snakes that can be found in the nearby rocky slopes. Don't worry, these are Wandering Garter Snakes, which are not venomous and are usually quite small.
Situated on the banks of the Seton River and surrounded by steep cliffs, the setting of the area is spectacular and provides excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Mountain goats can almost always be seen climbing or resting on the surrounding cliffs. This is a great place to stop, stretch your legs, and admire the natural beauty of the area.
Safety
Hydroelectric production creates special concerns for visitor safety. Dam intakes cause strong surface and underwater currents. Reservoir users should not swim or boat near dam discharge facilities, power canals and penstock areas. Carpenter and Downton Reservoirs have numerous underwater hazards. Swimmers and boaters should watch for stumps and floating debris, particularly in shallow water along the shoreline. Obey all posted signs.
Visitor information specific to the Bridge River Recreation Areas
- Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pets are prohibited on Seton Beach from April to October.
- Open fires are not allowed in the day-use areas. Some tables are equipped with metal stands to support barbecues. Follow the campfire safety rules.
- Overnight camping is permitted in designated sites only. No overnight camping is available at Seton Beach, Seton Viewpoint or Naxwit Picnic Area.
- Trails are closed to all motor vehicles.
