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Seton
Portage
Seton Portage is located 80 km (50 miles) west of Lillooet
on the Bridge River and Mission Mountain Roads and 33 km (21 miles)
north of D'Arcy on the
Highline Road.
Road
Closure
Dawson Road Maintenance has planned to
close the Highline Road at Telford Bridge area to perform road repairs.
The construction closure will begin July 27th, 2020 and continue
until at least September 21, 2020 and possibly beyond this date.
There will be no public assess through the road or worksite during
this time. For more information please check with Dawson
Road Maintenance.
Mission
Mountain Road
To get to Seton Portage take the sometimes rough gravel Bridge River
Road that goes to Gold
Bridge from Lillooet for 47 km (29 miles). At the Terzaghi Dam
turn onto the Mission Mountain Road towards Shalalth and Seton Portage.
The Mission Mountain Road crosses at the east end of Carpenter Lake
reservoir and continues through a small tunnel then along the lakeshore.
Incredible
Views
The gravel road follows the south shore on Carpenter Lake then starts
climbing very steeply up Mission Mountain. The views of Carpenter
Lake near the top of Mission Mountain are stunning. Once you are
over the summit the road goes steeply about 12 km (7.5 miles) including
14% for 8 km (5 miles) down towards Seton Portage Road. Along the
way there are incredible views of 27 km (17 miles) long Seton Lake
and the surrounding mountains.
Mediterranean
Climate
The weather and climate in Seaton Portage has sometimes been described
as Mediterranean-like experiencing hot dry summers. Cherry trees,
nut trees, grapes, peaches, cantaloupe and watermelons all seem
to thrive. For tomato lovers you will enjoy this climate for growing
a very wide selection of different varieties.
BC
Hydro's Bridge River Complex
Situated just north of Seton Portage is an electrical generating
complex operated by BC Hydro called Bridge River. Originally built
by the BC Electric Company in 1927 to supply Vancouver with power,
the Bridge River Complex was finally completed in 1960. Most of
the people living at Seton Portage are employed with or affiliated
with BC Hydro.
Recreation
During the summer time the recreation pursuits in Seton Portage
include hiking, 4x4 driving, off-road motorcycle, quads and mountain
biking. In Seton Lake, you can boat, kayak, canoe, swim and fish
for Rainbow Trout and species of whitefish. The outdoor winter recreation
around Seton Portage includes snowmobiling, ice-fishing, backcountry
skiing and snowshoeing.
Shalalth
The small First Nations community of Shalalth is located 6 km (4
miles) east of Seton Portage on Seton Lake. Shalalth is very small
with a population of around 400 inhabitants.
Seton
Lake Indian Band
The community of Shalalth is home to the First Nation Seton Lake
Indian Band, an affiliate of the Lillooet Tribal Council. Seton
Lake Indian Band employment relies mostly on contracts in the forest
industry. The main contracts include clearing areas of Mountain
Pine beetle infestation with the Seton Lake Indian Band members
being trained in felling and bucking, industrial first aid, sawmilling
techniques and work place safety.
- Seton
Lake First Nation
Telephone: (250) 259-8227
CN
Rail
There is an old Via Rail platform in Shalalth once the property
of the PGE, later BC Rail and currently CN Rail. The CN platform
is now used as a passenger stop to allow school kids an easy and
faster travel into Lillooet rather than taking the time-consuming
and steep Mission Mountain Road. The shuttle originates in D'Arcy,
stops at Seton Portage, then Shalalth and eventually Lillooet.
Seton
Portage Historic Provincial Park
The Seton Portage Historic Provincial Park is located about halfway
between Seton Portage and Shalalth. Here you can find an important
site in regards to the establishment of the BC Rail into British
Columbia. Look for the old railway caboose that is home to the Seton
Portage Information Centre.
Services
For services, there is a small store available with the opportunity
to purchase gasoline and other fuels but be aware that hours are
limited.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be found in Shalalth at the Lakeside Resort. Unfortunately
the Seton Portage Motel which had been in operation since 1959 and
conveniently situated next to the Highline Pub and Restaurant was
put up for sale.
- Lakeside
Resort: Telephone (250) 259-8265
- Highline
Pub: Telephone (250) 259-8312
Campgrounds
For RV camping and tenting sites there is little to offer in either
Seton Portage or Shalalth. There is though Carpenter Lake Recreation
Site on the way in on Mission Mountain Road.
Highline
Road
If you are planning on going to Whistler,
the road goes south from Seaton Portage to D'Arcy along the transmission
lines and Anderson Lake. Unfortunately, the Highline Road must only
be attempted under certain conditions. You will require a 4x4 vehicle,
be familiar with backcountry conditions and take emergency supplies.
This Highline Road can also be very rough and is recommended only
in the summer time.
Information on Seton Portage
Shalalth
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