River Valley Trail is a 12 kilometre community pathway navigating a valley of eco systems while following the Williams Lake River from the community of Williams Lake, B.C., Canada to the shores of the mighty Fraser River. The trail system is a fantastic opportunity to view the area while hiking, biking and cross country skiing.

The River Valley Trail is a very well maintained trail system following mostly a gravel, earthy or raised boardwalk path. The path criss crosses wooden bridges, back and forth, over the Williams Lake River many times along the route. The bridges provide a good opportunity to view the riparian eco system in the area. The Interpretive signs found along many sections of the trail do an even better job at explaining the local landscape and wildlife.

The trail explores many different landscapes depending on where you access the trail. The closer you are to the Fraser River the trail becomes more scenic with a heavier forest cover consisting of Douglas Fir trees. The closer you are to the community of Williams Lake the trail is more out in the open surrounded by sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands and bogs. Great for birdwatching!

The ice age played a big part in creating the habitat of the river valley. It is because of the ice age that we have the changing scenery that makes the pathway so scenic. Scenery that includes mixed forests, bluff side slopes, grasslands, sand dunes, bogs, cottonwood groves, shrub lands, riverbanks marshlands and rivers.

The River Valley Trail is also the home to varies species of wildlife. Each eco system creates a home for a different group of wildlife. The riparian river eco system of reeds, sedges and rushes provides cover for fish and secures the banks of the river. The river is also home to otter, beaver and many, many waterfowl and songbirds.

The forest cover varies along the trail. It is this forest that is also home to wildlife of the four legged kind like squirrels, deer and black bear. When exploring in the grassland sections of the trail there will be grasshoppers chirping and butterflies waving as you trek on by.

Along the recreation trail, in some of the more scenic spots, there are viewing benches and picnic tables. Make a day of it and pack a lunch. In some of the key areas, there are also pit toilets for public use.

How to Get to River Valley Trail: Travel Hwy 97 into the community of Williams Lake, BC. At the major intersection turn left onto the Chilcotin Hwy (Hwy #20). Continue over the bridge and take a right onto McKenzie Avenue. Continue down McKenzie to the gravel parking lot and trailhead on your left near the train station.

A better vehicle access puts you closer to the trail and at the Kilometre 5 marker of the River Valley Trail, BUT the signage to the trailhead is poor, so pay attention. From Mckenzie Avenue continue driving to Soda Creek Road located by the mills. Take a left onto Soda Creek and then take another immediate left. Cross over the railway tracks and take a right. The paved road turns to gravel. Continue for 6 kilometres to the parking lot.