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Lilwatatkwa7 - Keyhole Falls Hotsprings

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Lilwatatkwa7 - Keyhole Falls Hotsprings (Pemberton)

Site Closed.
PUBLIC SAFETY CLOSURE Recent wildfire activity has destabilized the cliffs above the trail and hot springs. In addition the fire has created a very large number of hazardous trees in the area. RST has determined the risk to public safety from the use of the trail is Extreme. The trail will remain closed until these hazards can be assessed and if possible mitigated.

• Rec Site #:REC202717
• Type:User Maintained
• Fees:None
• Campsites:0
• Access:Road
  
• Facilities:None

• Site Description:The Lilwatitkwa7 Trail and Mum̓leqs (Keyhole) Hot Springs are within Lil'wat Nation territory and have cultural and spiritual significance for Lil'wat Nation. The Lilwatitkwa7 Trail and hot springs are closed from Apr 1 to Nov 15 each year (spring to fall), due to increased wildlife conflicts caused by recreational users. The closure also supports the protection of important cultural values, biological diversity, wildlife habitat, sensitive/rare/and at-risk species, and Lil'wat citizens ability to carry out traditional use practices.
  
  In 2016 and 2017 irresponsible camping practises resulted in the food habituation of black bears and led to site closures. In 2018, the annual seasonal closure was enacted to prevent dangerous encounters with habituated bears and prevent further food habituation. The timing of the closure also supports the recovery of the local grizzly bear population.
  
  The Upper Lillooet provides important habitat for many wildlife species, including the threatened South Chilcotin grizzly bear population, and is a very important wildlife migration corridor for deer, moose, and mountain goats. Mineral licks at the hot springs provide wildlife with year-round nutrients. The hot springs are also home to the vivid dancer damselfly, a species of special concern that is threatened by intensive recreational use. Ad hoc water diversion mechanisms and user created tubs disturb natural features and alter stream flow, negatively impacting the ecosystem. Human activity at the hot springs can displace wildlife from these valuable habitat features.
  
  The Mount Meager Volcanic Complex is one of the most geologically active areas in North America. In August 2010, warm weather triggered the collapse of approximately 53 million cubic meters of rock and debris from the south flank of Qwelqwelusten (Mount Meager), generating the largest historic landslide in Canada.

• Driving Directions:The Lillooet River FSR is NOT regularly plowed or maintained in winter. Travel can be treacherous. The road passes through several avalanche chutes. Public access is restricted by a gate at 9km during times of avalanche danger and times of elevated landslide risk. Use caution and check the forecast; there is no cell service in the area. Many vehicles have gotten stuck trying to reach the hot springs when the road is snow covered, or have been blocked in by avalanche debris.
  
  The trailhead is located at 42 km on the Upper Lillooet FSR. From Pemberton BC drive up Pemberton meadows road until the junction with the Hurley Pass Road, turn right onto the Hurley Pass Road. Cross the Lillooet river, drive to approx. 6 km., stay left down the Upper Lillooet FSR and continue upstream until 42 km. Be careful NOT to turn up the Hurley Pass road to Gold Bridge and Bralorne.

• Fire Bans and Restrictions:Link

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