Why Tennena Cone Is Worth Visiting
Tennena Cone stands as a classic cinder cone within the vast Mount Edziza volcanic complex, rising sharply from the surrounding plateau in one of British Columbia’s most remote protected areas. Its dark, symmetrical slopes and nearby lava flows create a stark contrast against the subalpine tundra, drawing geologists, photographers, and experienced backpackers who seek landscapes shaped by relatively recent volcanic activity.
Getting There
Access begins with travel to the small communities of Dease Lake or Telegraph Creek. From there, visitors typically arrange floatplane charters or join guided expeditions that land on nearby lakes such as Buckley Lake or Mowdade Lake. Once on the ground, well-marked but rugged trails lead across the plateau toward the cone; the final approach involves off-trail travel over loose cinders and rocky terrain. No road access exists, so self-sufficient travelers must plan multi-day trips with full gear.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal window runs from mid-July through early September when snow has melted from the trails and daytime temperatures allow comfortable hiking. Earlier in the season, lingering snow and swollen streams complicate travel, while by late September cold nights and the possibility of early snowfall increase. Summer daylight hours remain long, supporting extended days on the plateau.
Things to See and Do
Hikers can circumnavigate the base of Tennena Cone, scramble to its rim for panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic peaks, and explore adjacent ice-contact lava flows that form distinctive ridges and columnar basalt. Wildlife viewing opportunities include caribou, grizzly bears, and ptarmigan across the open tundra. Photographers find striking compositions at sunrise when light rakes across the dark cone against lighter surrounding rock. Many visitors combine the cone with longer traverses that link other volcanic features within the Mount Edziza complex.
Nearby Attractions
- The larger Mount Edziza massif offers additional cinder cones and obsidian deposits reachable by multi-day routes.
- The Stikine River canyon lies to the north, providing river rafting and fishing options for those extending their journey.
- Telegraph Creek historic site preserves early settlement architecture and offers a cultural contrast to the volcanic wilderness.
Travelers should note that the entire area lies within a remote provincial park requiring self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
