Area Data
The West Road River or Blackwater River is a major tributary of the Fraser River, flowing generally north-eastward from the Ilgachuz Range and across the Fraser Plateau in the Chilcotin and Cariboo regions of central British Columbia, Canada. Its confluence with the Fraser is approximately 40 km northwest of Quesnel.
The river is 280 km long, draining an area of approximately 12,000 square kilometres, and dropping over 900 m before joining with the Fraser.
The river is of significant historical importance to both First Nations and Canadian history. For centuries, the Ulkatcho/Carrier and Tsilhqot'in peoples used a trail - the so-called "Grease Trail" - on the northern side of the river in their trade with coastal First Nations communities. The name Grease Trail refers to one of the main commodities transported along the route - eulachon grease, a highly-prized staple - traces of which coated parts of the route after centuries of use. It was this trail that Sir Alexander Mackenzie used in his historic overland journey west to the Pacific Ocean in 1793, traversing the river itself on his return.
The West Road (Blackwater) River has been designated as a heritage river by the government of British Columbia.
Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park is a roadless wilderness area north of the town of Anahim Lake, where Highway 20 starts its descent to the coast. The trailhead for the park is reached by travelling about 18 km north of Anahim Lake on Lessard Lake Road, then 64 km on a so-so gravel road. The park is home to mountain caribou and grizzly bear, and contains some of the finest fishing in the province.
Fish the multitude of mountain streams for rainbow and cutthroat trout, the lakes and rivers for Dolly Varden to 14 pounds, and the deep lakes for Mackinaw and Whitefish. The Chilcotin country offers one of the few remaining areas where all the fish are native to the systems. The streams provide exciting fishing, with the wild trout guaranteeing you action found in few other areas.
Eliguk Lake
- 2 - 16' x 18' log cabins that accommodate 4 each
- 2 boat sheds
- 2 outhouses
- 2 docks
- 4 boats & motors
Eliguk Lake is located at the headwaters of the Blackwater system. The lake is spring fed and affords great Rainbow fishing through the summer months. While most area lakes tapper off during the warmer season Eliguk remains fishable. This lake is also home to Eliguk Lake Lodge. The cabins are located on a 30 year lease of approximately 1.5 acres which could easily support a small angling business/lodge. Eliguk Lake has ATV access to the lake, but not right to the cabins.
There is a horse trail to the cabins and there are no plans for road access at this point.
It would have to be in cooperation with Eliguk Lake Lodge and others. $130,000
Moose Lake
- Log cabin 18’ x 20'
- Boat shed
- Outhouse
- Dock
- 2 boats & motors
Moose Lake is located to the north of the Blackwater on the Entiako lake drainage and is the largest of these 4 lakes. Moose Lake has long been known as a great fishing lake and has 2 other operations located on it. There may be access via 4 wheel vehicle in the future. Fishing is great and the lake maintains good stocks from year to year. Moose Lake has no horse trail, ATV access or road to the cabin. However, logging roads
have come within one kilometre of the cabin but, remain closed after logging. Future road
access would have to be in cooperation with Moose Lake Lodge and others. $45,000
Toms Lake
- Log cabin 18’ x 18’
- Boat shed
- Outhouse
- Dock
- 2 boats & motors
Toms Lake is just to the north of the Blackwater and has one fairly large cabin which accommodates 6 people. Toms Lake is the western end of a 3 lake chain. Historically this lake produces the largest Rainbows in the area and having other lakes to fish in the area affords a bit of exploring and a little more variety during the season. You want to keep a firm grip on your rod as these fish are fat and sassy. This is the only cabin on this lake. There may be access via 4 wheel drive in the future. Toms Lake has ATV access to the lake, but not right to the cabin.
There is a horse trail to the cabin and there is a logging road within one kilometre of the
West end of Toms Lake. Future road access is possible. $50,000
Tsilbekuz Lake
- Log cabin 16’ x 18’
- Boat shed
- Outhouse
Tsilbekuz Lake is just to the south of the Blackwater and is an ideal getaway spot. Talk about remote. This cabin is the only cabin located on this lake. In previous years it was a lease property and is now a licence of Occupation. There is good fishing on the Blackwater River within walking distance of the cabin. Tsilbekuz Lake has a horse trail to the cabin and the Mackenzie Grease Trail within 100 metres.
the use of ATV's is not allowed on the Mackenzie Grease Trail...however, some locals use parts of it.
There is a logging road within 2 kilometres of the NW corner of Tsilbekuz Lake. Future road access
is possible. $25,000 |
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