Bear River and Stewart Map-Areas,
Cassiar District, B.C.

CHAPTER I
GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE DISTRICT

INTRODUCTION

Bear River map-area and part of Stewart map-area were mapped
geologically by McConnell in 1911, but new discoveries of mineral deposits
and recent mining development made re-examination of the areas desir-
able. Accordingly, topographic maps were prepared in 1925 covering
Bear River drainage basin and the previously unmapped drainage basin
of Marmot river. These maps were used as a base for geological work
in 1926 and 1927 and the results of the work form the subject-matter of
this report.

The field seasons in the vicinity of Stewart are short. The upper
mountain slopes are usually covered with snow until late in July; frequent
rains in September hamper outdoor work; and snow appears on the moun-
tains in September and October. The normal field season in the area is,
therefore, usually less than three months. The two field seasons spent in
the district approximated five months of field work.

MEANS OF ACCESS

The area under consideration comprises parts of two map-areas: (1)
west half Stewart map-area, and (2) west half Bear River map-area.
The west half Stewart map-area includes the lower part of Bear river, the
town of Stewart, and Marmot river. The west half Bear River map-area
adjoins Stewart map-area on the north and includes the upper part of the
drainage basin of Bear river.

The town of Stewart at the head of Portland canal, about 650 miles
from Vancouver, is a regular port of call for coastwise steamships of the
Canadian National Railway Company and the Union Steamship Com-
pany. It is the outfitting point for operations in the area. From Stewart
all parts of the area are accessible. Gasoline launches make several trips
daily between Stewart wharf and Marmot river. An automobile road
extends 10 miles up Bear river, and horse trails give access to most of the
outlying mineral properties. Because of the glaciers and steep slopes in
Marmot River valley the roads and trails there are not as good as those
in Bear River valley.