Bridge River

The Bridge River area, including Goldbridge, Bralorne, Gun Lake and the Gun Creek campground, is accessible via the seasonal-only Hurley Road north of Pemberton, the Highline Road east of Pemberton from Seton Lake, or from Highway 40 west of Lillooet. Seton Dam Campground and Naxwit picnic area are only a short drive from Lillooet.

We operate recreation areas on Seton Lake Reservoir (Naxwit Picnic Area, Seton Beach, Seton Viewpoint, Seton Dam Campground and the Bridge River Picnic Site) and on Carpenter Reservoir (Gun Creek campground).

The Gun Creek campground is located within the historic Bridge River Valley. Facilities at this 16-unit campground include pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Fishers can try their luck in Gun Creek.

Bighorn Creek campground permanently closed

The Bighorn Creek campground is permanently closed due to flood risks. In May 2003, a significant debris flood from Bighorn Creek descended on the campground and destroyed five of the 15 campsites.

The flood carried about 7,000 cubic meters of mud and rock on to the site. This was the second flood event in five years. Bighorn Creek upstream of the campground is unstable and more debris flows can be expected in this area in the future.

Remains of Minto townsite under Carpenter Reservoir

During the early 1900s pioneers staked mineral claims and formed mining communities throughout this region. The remains of one of these mining towns lie beneath Carpenter Reservoir.

Bill Davidson, the President of Minto Gold, planned and built the townsite in 1934, following the start-up of the Minto Gold Mine. For several years Minto Gold was one of the most productive mines in the valley. However, a flood on Gun Creek in 1950 left the town inundated and severely damaged.

After the completion of the Terzaghi Diversion Dam in 1954, the waters of Bridge River were backed up and Carpenter Reservoir was created, flooding the town of Minto. For detailed information on Minto and other Bridge River mining communities, we recommend a trip to the Bralorne Pioneer Museum.

Open fires are not allowed in the day-use areas. Some tables are equipped with metal stands to support barbecues. Be sure to check fire bans and restrictions before you visit.

The BC Wildfire Service implements fire restrictions and manages wildfire response.

Report a wildfire

To report a wildfire irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free, or *5555 on a cell phone as soon as possible. Any information you can provide is helpful, including answering these important questions.

Wildfire updates

For up-to-date information on wildfire safety, including fire danger ratings and regional fire restrictions call 1 888 336-7378 (3FOREST).

Bring hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and practice safe hygiene. If you're feeling sick, please stay home.

Hydroelectric production creates special concerns for visitor safety. Dam intakes cause strong surface and underwater currents.

Reservoir users should not swim or boat near dam discharge facilities, power canals and penstock areas. Carpenter and Downtown Reservoirs have numerous underwater hazards. Swimmers and boaters should watch for stumps and floating debris, particularly in shallow water along the shoreline. Obey all posted signs.

• Maximum 14 overnight visits per year and no saving campsites. Equipment with no campers left overnight will be removed.
• Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pets are prohibited on Seton Beach from April to October.
• Overnight camping is permitted in designated sites only. No overnight camping is available at Seton Beach, Seton Viewpoint or Naxwit Picnic Area.
• Trails are closed to all motor vehicles.
• The Bridge River Picnic Site, located at the western end of Seton Lake Reservoir, is located between Seton Portage and Shalalth. Road access is difficult, and visitors should be aware of local conditions whether arriving via the Mission Mountain Road from Lillooet or the Highline Road from D'arcy.

Work on Powerhouse No.1 was postponed until 1946 due to the depression and war years. However, growing power requirements of the post-war era gave the project great urgency.

The building was rushed to completion and the first generator was installed in 1948. Three more generators were added at intervals until 1954. The plant's total output of 180 MW was the largest source of power in the province at that time. While a second tunnel was being bored to carry water from Carpenter Reservoir, work on Powerhouse No. 2 commenced.

Four generators were installed by the end of 1960. Water for the turbines of both powerhouses flows from the tunnels under Mission Mountain into steel penstocks, which drop a vertical distance of 329 m (1,078 feet) down the hillside.

Bridge No.1 has four penstocks-one for each turbine. Bridge No. 2 has two penstocks, which split into four just before they enter the powerhouse.

The Bridge River Powerhouses have a maximum generating capacity of 480 MW and an average generating capability of 2670 GWh per year – more than enough to supply the City of Surrey.

When Bridge Powerhouse No. 1 on Seton Lake Reservoir was completed and ready for water in 1948, a low temporary dam was built across the Bridge River to direct the water flow into the penstocks. Later, with the construction of Bridge Powerhouse No. 2, Terzaghi Dam, 55 m (180 feet) high, was built about 2.4 km (1.5 miles) downstream.

Completed in 1960, this dam impounded 23,725 cubic metres (838,800 acre-feet) of water in Carpenter Reservoir at an elevation 651 m (2,136 feet). The dam was renamed in honour of Dr. Karl Terzaghi, founder of the science of soil mechanics and chief consultant for the design and construction of the dam.