hiking Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Kootenay Experience

Wilson Creek Falls

A steep hike down to a cool, mossy waterfall. Wilson Creek Falls is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in British Columbia, plunging 207 feet. The hike is 2.2 km round trip. Trail is fairly flat for first 500 m and then drops down to the base of the falls. Plan on about 3-4 hours return trip from highway turn-off.

Directions: Head 5.3 km north of New Denver on Highway 6. Turn east ( right ) on East Wilson Creek FSR 11.5 km ( rough gravel road ) and then turn right just before bridge over Wilson Creek at turnoff signed for Wilson Creek Falls. A 4X4 road climbs 1km to trailhead or high clearance 2wd in 2015.

Ripple Ridge Cabin

Very popular as a ski touring destination. Typically about one hour ski tour to the cabin with no avalanche danger. There are a few tours accessible from the cabin including Baldy Rocks, Lightening Strike and Ripple Peak/Twin Lakes and lots of yo-yo skiing in moderate terrain.

Site Description: The Ripple Ridge Cabin can be booked by going to www.rippleridge.ca There is a $10 fee per person for overnight use of the cabin. The cabin contains a wood stove, tables and benches, and a sleeping loft. It can sleep 6 comfortably, and 10 in a squeeze. Please note that no motorized vehicles are allowed on this road in the winter. A picnic table and fire ring were added in October 2010.

Driving Directions: From Salmo take Highways #6 and #3 southeast for 37 km to Stayleep pass at Bridal Lake. Park in the plowed area on the left side of the highway. From the junction of Highways #3 and #3A north of Creston take highway #3 northwest for 42.5 km to the pass at Bridal Lake. Park in the plowed area on the north side of the highway. From the parking area, cross the highway towards the south. The gravel road accessing the cabin begins immediately to the right of the Highway’s maintenance yard. Take this road 3.2 km to the top of the ridge where it levels off and before it drops into the next valley. Look for the trail into the cabins on the right at this point. The old cabin lies about 200 metres from the access road, and the new cabin about 100 metres further. high clearance 2WD required.

Winter Access: Park in the parking lots on the north side of the highway and cross the highway on the west side of the parking lot to access the summer road. Follow the trail up until it levels off and before it drops into the next valley. Look for the trail into the cabin on the right at this point.

MacBeth Icefield

This is a trail providing access to an alpine plateau with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The sensitive alpine plateau is intended for day-use only. Primitive campsites are provided at the end of the trail below the plateau. This area provides good hiking , camping, excellent viewing, and nature study opportunities.

Driving Directions: From Cooper Creek, head north on the Duncan River forest service road for 10.0 km to the Glacier Creek road. Follow the main Glacier Creek road for 37.4 km(keep right at the 23.4 km junction) to a fork in the road. Take this left fork for 5.5 km (keeping right at the 1.7 km junction). The trailhead is on the left. The roads are suitable for 2wd high clearance vehicles.

( source: rec sites and trails )

Monica Meadows

K&S Railway ( Sandon )

Site Description:The K & S Railway Trail can be done in many ways. No matter how you do it, be sure to give yourself time to poke around the old mine sites, admire the rock work and pause to take in the views. From Sandon to Payne Bluff is an easy stroll. To make it easier, drive the first 2.3 km and then it is only 3.8 km to Payne Bluff. If you have a way back from Three Forks, you can take the old pack trail, down to the highway from Payne Siding. If you want a bit of a workout, start at Three Forks. The first section of trail takes you to the old CPR grade. Follow this for 300 metres, then look for a sign that directs you to the left and up, onto the old pack trail. After a steep 1.4 km you are at Payne Siding. Turn left to Payne Bluff, which is 300 metres along the railway grade. Biking? The first 2.5 km from Sandon is a pleasant family bike ride. After this, the trail becomes single track and somewhat technical.

Driving Directions:Access to the Sandon end of the K & S: At the junction of Hwy 6 and 31A in New Denver, turn east onto Hwy 31A. Proceed for 8.3 km to the turn off to Sandon. This junction is known as Three Forks. Proceed 5.5 km to Sandon. Rather than going over the bridge, continue straight ahead on Reco Street for 500 metres to the “K & S Historic Railway Trail” interpretive sign and trail head. If you would like an easy family bike route, the next 2.3 km along the railway grade to the Altoona Mine, has a gentle grade and is wide. This section of the trail is also suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles or a pleasant walk. Access from Three Forks to the K S: At the junction of Hwy 6 and 31A in New Denver, turn east onto Hwy 31A. Proceed for 8.3 km to the turn off to Sandon. Park at the trail head sign on Hwy 31A, 100 metres north of this junction.

( rec sites and trails ) NORTH SLOCAN TRAILS SOCIETY

SilverCup Ridge Trail

There are three different access routes to the Silvercup ridge, choose the one you are interested in. Via American Creek Road: From the boulder barricade to the ridge, the trail follows the road through subalpine and alpine terrain. Panoramic views into the Lardeau Range and Goat Range and an abundance of wild flowers enhance the walk up to the ridge. Upon cresting the ridge, there is an intriguing view into Healy Creek and across to Mt. Aldridge and Razors Edge. The Silvercup Trail offers a superb opportunity to enjoy an extended ridge walk through alpine and subalpine terrain. If the entire ridge is walked, it is 25 km from the trail head on American Creek road to the trail head on Dirt Road. There is not a continuous trail along the ridge, it is a combination of clearly defined trail and cairned route. Good footgear, map reading and navigation skills are required. Travelling the ridge in poor weather is not recommended. Via Copper Queen Road: The Copper Queen Road offers road access onto one of the most beautiful ridges in the Arrow and Kootenay Lake Forest Districts. Upon reaching the ridge one has a choice of either following the trail northwest along the ridge to the Dirt Road trail head, or heading southeast to the trail head on American Creek. If you are using the road, it peters out near the timberline on the Dirt Road trail and is blocked by boulders on the American Creek Road. Via the Dirt Road: The first 0.5 km of the trail may be difficult to follow, as it cuts up and back across a harvested area. Silvercup Ridge offers a superb opportunity to enjoy an extended ridge walk through alpine and subalpine terrain. Views into the Badshot Range and across to the Lardeau Range are spectacular. Visitors to this area will wish they had more time to go over the “next ridge” as there are many opportunities for side trips all along Silvercup Ridge.

Driving Directions:Access to American Creek Road : From the bridge over the Lardeau River at Gerrard, proceed north on Hwy #31 for 0.4 km to an unsigned road. Proceed for 4.1 km on this unsigned road to a junction on a curve. Stay straight ahead at this junction, following an older, brushed in road. At km 6.9 take the switch back to the left and up. This section of the road has steep sections with windfalls and is eroding in places. From 8.7 km, to the trail head at 11.9 km, you will require a 4×4 vehicle, or you can shoulder your pack and walk up the road. At 11.9 km, boulders block the road to all vehicular traffic. There is a parking area for about 3 vehicles, with room to turn around. Access to Copper Queen Road: From the bridge over the Lardeau River at Gerrard, proceed north on Hwy #31 for 17.9 km to an unsigned road. Turn right and proceed up this road for 6.2 km. Then, take a small, older road that turns back and up to the right. Follow this old road for 1.9 km to a fork in the road. Take the left fork and continue 0.5 km up to the timberline. From here you will need a 4×4 to go the last 0.7 km to the mining road that runs along the ridge. Although it is possible to drive almost the entire length of Silvercup Ridge on this mining road, please, refrain from leaving the road as the alpine and subalpine meadows are very fragile. The original old trail can be accessed by foot from many places along the mining road. One of the best places is just where the Copper Queen Road meets the road along the ridge. From here the trail is just above the mining road. Access to Dirt Road: From the gas station on Hwy #31 in Trout Lake, proceed south on Hwy #31 for 8.3 km to an unsigned road. Turn back and up onto this road. A high clearance vehicle will be required to negotiate the water bars. Follow this road (driveable for 1.8 km) for 3.2 km to the trail head. The trail head may be hidden by alders. Keep a sharp eye open for a 4×4 brown post with white letters on the uphill side of the road.

( rec sites and trails )

Dennis Ck

Trail 1-1.5 hr up to the Pass into Dennis Ck. Allow plenty of time to further explore ridges and flowers. Very much like a trip to Idaho Peak with more flowers, less people, more wilderness.

The trail to Dennis Basin begins where the 4X4 road ends. It is a steady climb with lots of excuses to stop and admire the views and the flowers. Climbing up a skid trail through an old cut block rampant with flowers, the trail soon narrows as it enters a sub-alpine forest. It continues to climb, following a small stream, emerging from the forest into a basin below the pass where frequent bear diggings warn you to be alert. You will see your destination, a low pass, up and to the left. Follow the stream to the base of the talus slope. The trail is to the left. Cairns mark the route. Early in the season, the trail may be snow covered requiring some route finding skills. As you climb steadily upward, the views unfold, and the sight of the pass ahead urges you on. The pass, which an hour and a half ago was your objective, now is a minor victory as your eyes take in the panoramic view. This is a good place to stop and have a bit of lunch while you decide which ridge to walk … which flowered slopes to explore. One of the best flower shows is usually to your left, on the ridge between Marten and Dennis Creek. From this ridge, one has spectacular views of Mt. Dolly Varden, Marten Mountain, Inverness Mountain, Mt. Dryden, Whitewater Mountain, London Ridge, Kokanee Glacier and the New Denver Glacier. A perfect place to sit and plan your next hike.

Driving Directions:Turn off Highway 6, at Rosebery, onto the “East Wilson Creek Road”. This road soon turns into the “Wilson Creek Forest Service Road”. Follow this good, 2 wheel drive, gravel road for 2.6 km. Turn right onto the “Hicks Creek Road”. From here on the road steepens and gets rougher. A high clearance vehicle with good tires is advised. 2.7 km up the “Hicks Creek Road” there is a fork in the road, stay left. The road continues to climb steadily for another 7.6 km. Look for a 4×4 post on your right, painted brown with white lettering, signed “Dennis Creek Trail 1 km “. This last bit of road is steep and rough, climbing 122 m (400 feet) in 1 kilometre. It is best suited to a 4 wheel drive, so you may want to leave your vehicle at the beginning of this last kilometre of road. Another 4×4 post, signed “Dennis Creek Trail” marks the trail head.

Mt Brennan – Lyle Ck

Popular in the Summer and Winter for ski touring and heli-skiing.

Summer Full Day: Plan on about 2-3 hours up to the lakes and 5 hrs to summit.

Lyle Creek Trail is a moderate hike to the summit of Mt. Brennan. Small glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls and scenic views are the main attractions of the area. There are also signs of old mining activities in the area. Round trip to Mt. Brennan is 15 KM, Reach the lakes in about half that.

Summer Driving Directions: From the 4 way stop in Kaslo drive highway 3A until you reach approximately 23.3 KM on your odometer and turn north onto Rossiter Creek FSR. Zero Odometer here. Stay on the Rossiter Creek FSR mainline until you reach 2.4 KM and take the left fork. At 7.0 find the trailhead. There are trail markers from the beginning of the Rossiter Creek FSR to the trailhead.

( source: Recreation Sites and Trails BC )

Winter: A very popular ski touring destination. Trail starts at bottom left of photo and traverses into drainage on right to summit on left. Follow directions for summer access and ski tour or snowmobile to start of summer trail and then continue up bench on left which is subject to danger from avalanches sluffing from upper cliffs. At Lakes climb gully on left which is also subject to avalanche danger from above and then continue traversing right to gain upper bench system. Final short headwall has some more avalanche exposure, get the picture – don’t come here when stability is questionable. Incredible 7,000 ft day with good visibility, often wind affected and typically ascended in the spring. More photos.

The Ride – S03E02: Giant Peaks, Tiny People from Showtime Films on Vimeo.

New Denver Accommodation Options:

Glacier View Cabins

Kaslo Accommodation:

New Denver Alpine Hikes:

Kaslo Alpine Hikes:

Ski Touring around New Denver and Kaslo:

Mt Whitewater canyon trail

Summer Hike: 1 hour to Whitewater Canyon for bear viewing, another hour to campsites and a further hour to end of Trail at Mine, Moraine and Glacier. 2 hours out from end of trail. Moderate elevation gain.

Description: This trail provides access to Whitewater Glacier which is surrounded by an open glaciated landscape of small streams and small puddle-like lakes. It is a very scenic area and provides excellent recreational opportunities. Remains from past mining activities, and an old flume used to divert water, are located near the pass. Watch for mountain goats along the ridges, and be alert for grizzly bears feeding on open alpine slopes. Primary activities are hiking, viewing, camping and mountaineering. High grizzly use area, stay alert.

Driving Directions:Head west from Kaslo on highway #31A for 28.6 km (measured from downtown Kaslo) to the old settlement of Rettallack. Turn right at the old townsite (keeping left for the first 100 m or so) and then turn right again at 0.3 km. Stay on the well-travelled portion of this road for 1.1 km to the Lyle Creek junction. Follow the left fork of the road for 2.2 km to a road on the right and take this for 0.5 km to a small parking area. This last section of the road is very narrow. You may wish to leave your vehicle at the wide area near the last junction. The trail starts 25 m past the parking area up an old road. Suitable for 2wd high clearance vehicles, although 4wd recommended.

Also somewhat popular in the winter for ski touring, particularly in the early season when the slopes above the summer parking area are great tree skiing. Lots of options for more adventure in the upper basin. Snowmobile to access logging road helpful.

Accommodation Options:

Glacier View Cabins

More New Denver Alpine Hikes:

More Ski Touring in the area:

Bannock Point

Two Options: Bannock Point and Bannock Lookout.

Bannock Point, on the shores of Slocan Lake has special appeal. Walk-in camping is accessed via a 700 meter (1/2 mile), moderately steep trail. A small day-use area and 20 campsites are spread out along the treed and rocky lakeshore. There are also a few campsites located at the parking lot. Early in the morning expect to see eagles and osprey fishing. A small pebble beach catches the afternoon sun. A summer day can easily be whiled away diving in the clear water of Slocan Lake or sun bathing on the huge boulders. A favorite campsite for younger groups from Nelson and Castlegar with relatively short access.

Bannock Lookout Trail, is accessed from the same parking lot but instead of dropping down the lake follows a beautiful forest ledge system out to a series of incredible viewpoints. This is one of my favorite hikes in the Slocan Valley. The trail is about 45 minutes each way with always something different along the trail ending at a 300 ft rock cliff looking south down the Slocan Lake. From the parking lot head straight south. There is a good map board at the parking lot. There are no signs to the trail from anywhere before you get to the parking lot (2015).

Driving Directions: Road Access: From the bridge on Highway 6, in Silverton, travel south along the highway for 4.5 km. Turn right off the highway at the “Bannock Point Trail” sign ( no sign present 2015 ). It is about 3/4 km from the highway to the parking. Access the parking via the lane on the west side of the gravel pit. If you are driving a vehicle with a long wheel base, or towing a trailer, park at the gravel pit and walk down the road to the trail head. Otherwise, you can drive past the gravel pit to the trail head. Park only in designated parking areas to avoid erosion, compaction, and damage to vegetation. Boat Access: From Silverton’s public boat ramp, travel south along the east shore of Slocan Lake for about 4 km. Look for a sheltered bay and the “Bannock Point Recreation Site” sign on the beach.

( Recreation Sites and Trails BC )

Accommodation Options:

More low elevation hikes: