JAGS TRAIL FEATURES
Viewpoints of Skidegate Inlet
4 Rope Sections
Note: The Jags Trail at Spirit Lake is one of a few trails created by Jags Brown. This trail should not be confused with his earlier effort, The K’yuu Aanagung / Spirit Lake Connector Trail, located across from the Haida Heritage Centre.
ABOUT
The Jags Trail at Spirit Lake was developed by Jags Brown, proprietor of the always excellent Jags Beanstalk, in 2012. Unfortunately, some 11 years later, the trail is little-known and most hikers walk right on by without even realizing it’s there. I suppose that’s understandable because there is no trailhead marker denoting the route – there’s just some subtle flagging tape off to the side that’s very easy to miss. We hiked the trail, upon Jags’ recommendation, this Spring.
GETTING TO THE TRAIL
To locate the Jags Trail, start your hike at the Spirit Lake Trailhead. Hike the Spirit Lake Trail for approximately 710 meters, stopping near the newly installed “Devil’s Club” information sign. Once here, look to your RIGHT. You should see a not-so-obvious path with some faded pink flagging tape around a tree. This signifies the start of the Jags Trail. While the route does not appear long on paper, BRMB recorded it as 2.60 kilometres in length one-way, due in large part to the significant zig-zagging done in navigating the trail.
HIKING THE TRAIL
As you begin the trail, heading north from Spirit Lake Trail, it ascends fairly quickly. While no longer maintained, the route is exceptionally well-marked –flagging tape is visible every few feet, so there’s very little chance of going off trail. Use caution, though, as the loose soil and twigs underfoot can make hiking the side hill a challenge.
After about 20 minutes or so, you will encounter the first of four rope sections, which follow in seriatim. We recommend taking your time here, as the trail is very steep and some of the rope sections require you to navigate large deadfall. There are suitable places to rest after each rope section – great places to stop for a hydration break or admire the large cedars and narrow hemlock trees along the route.
Once you’ve tackled the rope sections, it’s just a short hike to the summit and viewpoint. The views of Skidegate Inlet, especially on a clear day, are breathtaking and make the difficult hike well worth the effort! We see there was once a hammock on site as well (similar to the Lookout Trail), but it’s long since been shredded, which is a shame because a cozy rest would’ve felt great after scaling the hill! After admiring the view and catching your breath, simply return the way you came.
The Jags Trail is rough, steep and unmaintained, so be prepared for difficult conditions. If you manage to make it to the top, though, your efforts will be rewarded. Once you make it back to the Spirit Lake trailhead, why not head on over to Jags Beanstalk for a light bite and a good cup of coffee?
DIFFICULTY: Hard
TOTAL DISTANCE: 2.6km (one-way)
TIME: 3 hours (return)
TYPE: Out-and-Back
ELEVATION GAIN: 120 meters