Farwell Canyon is a dramatic section through which the Chilcotin River passes. Reached from Williams Lake, one travels west towards Alexis Creek, first crossing over the Fraser River and climbing up, via the winding highway, out of its steep defile and into the open grasslands, hallmark of the Chilcotin. A short distance along, at Riske Creek, is the gravel road to Farwell Canyon. It leaves the highway, heading south and west, arriving eventually at a huge open vista of grassland, sagebrush, and widely separated clumps of fir which have sought the shelter and better water of the folds in the scene before you. The sinuous road switchbacks its way down, down, down, to a bridge over the Chilcotin River. On the way, the wide open country invites you to stop, to hike over it, and to enjoy the ever changing play of light on the sagebrush, the grass expanses, the rough slopes, the hoodoos and rock faces, and the glorious turquoise blue of the river. There is even a sand dune to visit.
This is one of the gems of British Columbia, worth visiting many time throughout the year, to take in the changing seasons playing out on the dramatic landforms.
Thanks Ann. Good to hear from you. How (and where) are you two?
Now that you remind me, I remember that you grew up in that area. My Farwell Canyon photos are from the first (and so far only) time I saw it. I was there as part of a photo workshop. It is a wonderful area, as is the whole Chilcotin (we’ve driven by the turnoff to Farwell many times but I hadn’t realized what beauty lurked literally just over the hill).
I love all your pictures but especially Farwell Canyon as this is where I grew up! A friend from long ago.
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Thanks Ann. Good to hear from you. How (and where) are you two?
Now that you remind me, I remember that you grew up in that area. My Farwell Canyon photos are from the first (and so far only) time I saw it. I was there as part of a photo workshop. It is a wonderful area, as is the whole Chilcotin (we’ve driven by the turnoff to Farwell many times but I hadn’t realized what beauty lurked literally just over the hill).
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