Old Growth Alley Trail, Tlell
Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada

Old Growth Alley Trail: A trail of trails for the rugged at heart who do not mind a little hard work and getting a bit muddy. The Old Growth Trail is a mainly undeveloped, single track trail hiking through old growth forests (big, big trees) crossing streams with no bridges and climbing hills with no wooden stairs.

The trek takes 5-7 hours to complete depending on weather conditions and level of fitness. The trail leads to a swimming hole on the Tlell River at about the half way mark. Always be prepared on this trail with good gear and boots. A natural trail route marked by blue arrows with many moments to sit and reflect in dead quiet among giant trees sitting on a giant tree stump.

The 9.5 km loop Old Growth Alley Trail explores what is called a riparian wilderness forest. A riparian forest is a forested area of land adjacent to a body of water such as a river, stream, pond, lake, marshland, estuary, canal, playa or reservoir.

Riparian forests are beautiful, lush and moist but are also subject to frequent innundation. Meaning the Old Growth Alley Trail is subject to harsh flooding and winds. In some cases the streams on this route are impossible to pass and hiking conditions become too dangerous.

This Old Growth Alley Trail loop route follows Tlell River for about 5.5 - 6 km. The hiking is through wet forests, large ferns, lichens, moss and bogs for 3 more kilometers. In the villages is a booklet available with maps and interpretive information on the trail and the Tlell Watershed Society.

How to Get to the Old Growth Alley Trail: Drive north for 41 kms on Hwy 16 from Skidegate BC Ferry Terminal on Graham Island to the region referred to as Tlell (south of Masset - 64 kms, south of Port Clements - 22 km). Tlell is centrally located on Graham Island of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

When approaching Tlell on Hwy 16 keep a sharp eye out for the large pink building on your left. From Hwy 16 you can see printed on the side of the pink/reddish building, "Clothing - Art - Cafe". This is a landmark you are in Tlell. Continue on Hwy 16 to the Tlell Fire Hall and the north trailhead. Park and follow the river.

The south trailhead, we would suggest to start from as it leaves the end of the hike following the Tlell River. This trailhead is just off the highway south of the pink building. The trailhead is hard to find as it is a small sign posted on a tree.