Sawmill Loop Snowshoe Trail

Sawmill Loop Snowshoe is a 5.1 km loop from Sawmill Trailhead, usually a 1.5–2 hour outing. It follows snowy forest and James Walker Creek, with occasional valley views and a short, steep climb after the first creek crossing. The published elevation gain is 155 m. The route is intended for winter travel: packed track is relatively easy, while fresh snow makes snowshoeing slower and harder.

Start at the day-use area and follow the orange snowshoe markers. At signed junctions, stay on Sawmill rather than taking Snowdrift shortcuts; the forested return has fewer markers, so carry a route map. Keep to the snowshoe trail and stay off groomed ski tracks.

The James Walker Creek corridor opens to valley and mountain views. The higher section looks toward Mount Chester and Mount Chesmill above the creek. Flood-deposited log jams from 2013 can be visible along the creek when snow cover is shallow.

The creek crossings depend on safe snow and ice; do not use an unstable crossing. Dogs are allowed on this non-groomed route when leashed, and their waste should be packed out. The nearby campground’s washroom and food lockers are seasonal and may be closed during snowshoe season; bring your own food and drinking water.