Y.O.R.A. Clemina Cabin Trail #18A

Description:

This trail provides access to the Clemina hut, one of three back country cabins operated by the Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Association. Most of the route follows logging roads of various vintages, with only the final few hundred metres being an actual foot trail. This trail can be used as part of an alternate access route to the Monashee Divide and Robena lakes. The trail ascends the branch road at km 3.2 on the 1360 logging road. Continuing up the branch road, stay left until you begin to see #18A trail signs. At a 4-way intersection, the trail leaves the maintained road network and ascends an older road that was recently opened up with a large bulldozer. This bulldozed trail ascends through old logging to the cabin. If you wish to approach the Monashee Divide and/or Robina lakes from this direction, you will need to continue to the treeline and route-find your way across the alpine. To approach the treeline, continue on the water-source trail behind the cabin. Cross two footbridges within 150m of the cabin to a fork in the rough trail. The right fork ascends the water supply stream. It is a steep, primitive trail which has received little maintenance since it was built in the 1980's. It will be hard to find in a few places. It generally follows the stream above the cabin and despite its current condition it is the recommended route from the cabin to the treeline. The left fork is not currently recommended. It passes through a brushy, rapidly regenerating logged area where it is virtually impossible to follow at this writing. It eventually ascends to the alpine along the next stream to the north of the cabin water supply stream.

Getting There:

Drive 32 km south of Valemount to the Clemina Forest Service Road #1360. This road leaves Highway 5 near an overpass over the CN railway. There is a small communications building at the intersection. Approximately 3.2 km up the 1360 road, turn left onto a branch road. You will need to decide when to park and start walking depending on your vehicle type. Please note that this cabin is several tens of kilometres from the Clemina snowmobiler's cabin, so if receiving directions from a local person, check to make sure you're not being directed to the wrong cabin by mistake.

Hiking Time:

Allow about 2.5 hours to reach the cabin from the foot of the 1360 Road, or less if you opt to drive further. Allow 7 or 8 hours if you plan to explore in the alpine above the cabin.