Chrome Point/Fox Island River
Lewis Hills

Fox Island River flows into the Port au Port Bay at the village of Fox Island River. It has its beginnings about 20 kilometers from its mouth, in the peridotite canyons of the Lewis Hills and the boreal forests and bogs to the southeast.

With tributaries flowing out of the Lewis Hills, Fox Island River forms a natural border between the peridotite barrens of the Lewis Hills and the forest to the south and east. The river valley in the vicinity of Big Level and Chrome Point, to which this guide takes you, varies in width from about 100 meters to about 500 meters. The river meanders and braids over and through gravel beds and sandbars. During long periods of dry weather, the river is reduced to a trickle, but a good rainfall transforms the riverbed into a raging brown torrent.

The look-off at which this route terminates affords a spectacular view of Fox Island River and the Lewis Hills. From this point, the view across the river includes Chrome Point, which rises 1300 feet from the river valley, and Big Level to the west, elevation 2474 feet.

This route is a one-hour hike, one way, covering about 2.5 kilometers of boreal forest, bogland and peridotite barrens. The trail is accessed by way of a 28 kilometer forest access road. There are few marked trails, terrain is easy, map and compass navigation is recommended.

The scenery is spectacular. Wildlife viewing opportunities are highly probable. Caribou have been frequently seen in the river valley and on the hillsides. Moose inhabit the forested areas. Foxes have been known to make their dens under the boulders on the hillside overlooking the river valley.