Day 5

Travelled today from Tetsa River to Liard Hot Springs. We saw two groups of Stone Sheep which are indigenous to the mountains of Northern BC. They are darker than the Bighorn Sheep we see in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Passed Folded Mountain which displays evidence of the tectonic history of the area and an almost perfect example of an alluvial fan.

Folded Mountain.
Alluvial fan.

Passed Muncho Lake which is one of the largest natural lakes in the Canadian Rockies. It is 12 km long and 1.5 km wide. The mountains surrounding the lake are almost 7,000′ high. We made a quick stop at a mineral lick trail: a 1.6 km loop trail overlooking the Trout River. These are mineral laden muds which attract goats, sheep, caribou and elk. The Trout River flows into the Liard which parallels the highway as far as Watson Lake. We arrived at the Liard Hot Springs Campground and walked along the boardwalk as far as the pools. Very hot! Lots of bears in the area. There were several other tents as well as lots of motor homes.

Thinhorn sheep on the highway.
Muncho Lake on a calm, sunny day.

Use of the hot springs is included in the camping fee.