8.5 miles
Distance
1,799 ft
Climb
-1,802 ft
Descent
3,550 ft
High Point
-4 ft
Altitude change
2,340 ft
Altitude min
2,344 ft
Altitude start
2,339 ft
Altitude end
-61.4%
Grade max
42.9%
Grade min
4 miles
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
3,081 ft
Distance flat

Riding this route or entering this area is at your own risk. You could get hurt or die and if you do the route creator is not liable for any damage to property, land owner or trail user or any damage to any other parties involved.

Similar to the Lynx but with more vertical a few more twists and turns. The New Climbing Trail can be used as an alternative to Natures Own to access Skyline. It was designed to have fewer steep inclines. If you ride with flat pedals or just do not want to climb any short steep pitches you may prefer this trail to reach Skyline.

This route like all the trails in this riding area are covered with roots rocks and other natural features. They are hand built with very few man made structures. They route is best ridden on a full suspension cross country bike or a trail bike. The route has no shuttle access anywhere and there is significant climbing most of which is on sweet single track that is fun going up or down. Fitness is an asset. The route is typically done counter-clockwise. Which ever direction you choose watch for other users such as hikers/trail runners and dog walkers. Most people would start at the parking lot located just past Stones bay road that is located beside the graveyard.

Disclaimer:
All trails in this area are unsanctioned and may have fallen trees and other hazards, including wildlife. They may not be maintained at all. The information may not be up to date and you should follow any restrictions regarding access to this trail system from any landowners or government bodies. Riding this route or entering this area is at your own risk. You could get hurt or die and if you do the route creator is not liable for any damage to property, land owner or trail user or any damage to any other parties involved. Please respect the land the trails they are on by not littering or damaging the property in any way.

This route is Unsanctioned, Ride at your own Risk!

Detailed Description
Cougar is a 9 mile moderately popular expert unsanctioned route located near Fort St. James British Columbia. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 25 trails. This route climbs 1,799 ft with a max elevation of 3,550 ft then descends -1,802 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Significant Issue / Amber: 1 trail (newest: Oct 12, 2025)
  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: May 30, 2025)

Stats

  • Distance
    9 miles
  • Avg time
    3 hr 55 min
  • Altitude change
    -4 ft
  • Altitude min
    2,340 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,344 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,339 ft
  • Climb
    1,799 ft
  • Descent
    -1,802 ft
  • Grade max
    -61.4%
  • Grade min
    42.9%
  • Distance climb
    4 miles
  • Distance down
    4 miles
  • Distance flat
    3,081 ft

10 Reviews & Comments


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Trails in Route

Details

Avg: 1 (1 votes)
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    Photos

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    trail: Clearcut
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    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Scary Star Wars
    Oct 12, 2025 @ 4:03pm (America/Vancouver)
    Oct 12, 2025
    		As said in earlier ride log, bottom half is completely over grown. And it's all prickly bushes. Don't bother riding this trail.
    Nature's Own
    May 30, 2025 @ 9:55pm
    May 30, 2025
    		Small tree down across trail, can navigate over
    Skyline
    Jul 18, 2024 @ 7:29pm
    Jul 18, 2024
    		clear. running well.
    Lumpy's
    Aug 30, 2023 @ 9:28am
    Aug 30, 2023
    Dirty Girls
    Aug 5, 2020 @ 12:17pm
    Aug 5, 2020
    more reports »
    • By FSJ & contributors
    • #11577 - 981 views

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