Category: Trail Reviews

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Ymir Peak

Ymir Mountain is renowned for its powder, but it’s also a perfectly hike-able summer excursion. Achieving the summit involves following a difficult trail to traverse the boulders and scree in the Ymir Bowl, but the reward is ridge-line hiking with spectacular views!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.5km
Elevation: +760m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
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Haystack Mountain

Haystack Mountain is a remote peak in the Purcell Mountain Range. The access road is long, but the trail offers hikers the chance to bag a peak or just enjoy the lakes and ridges surrounding the area. Come in the fall for golden larches!

Summary
Trailhead: Sanca Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 11km
Elevation: +1008m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

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West Kokanee Loop

Welcome to one of the newest trail networks in the West Kootenay! This alpine circuit offers ridgelines and summits, just outside of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Summary
Trailhead: West Kokanee FSR
Distance, round trip: 12.3km
Elevation: +1025m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

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Half Dome

For those that like a little more scramble, the Half Dome is a prominent landmark on Ymir Peak’s ridge with big panoramic views. The trail is still in development, so prepare for some route-finding as you pick your way along the ridge, using hands to scramble over the bluffs.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.8km
Elevation: +680m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

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Billy Goat Bluffs

A steep, forested trail leads you up to a scenic lookout with big views over the Creston Valley! This short hike starts right in town and is perfect for a few hours of exploration.

Summary
Trailhead: Helen Street
Distance, round trip: 6.2 km
Elevation: +400m
Season: April to November
Difficulty: Moderate 
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Larch Ridge Loop

Follow the mountain bike trails through the forest to a beautiful ridge with views over Trail and Rossland. Come in the summer for huckleberries or the fall for the golden larches.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3B
Distance, round trip: 8.9 km
Elevation: +275 m
Season: mid May to late October
Difficulty:
Easy

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Payne Bluffs (K&S Trail)

Following the old K&S (Kaslo and Sandon) Railway, this trail winds high from Sandon to the bluffs overlooking Three Forks. It visits several mine sites with interpretive signs sharing the region’s history.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 13.6 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Kimbol Lake

A forested trail, carpeted with moss and pillared with old growth trees. The subalpine lake is cradled in a steep valley with limited views but still a worthy destination.

Summary
Trailhead: Nakusp Hot Springs
Distance, round trip: 11 km
Elevation: +551 m
Season: mid-June to early-November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Galena Trail

Galena is a natural lead and silver ore—it was the stuff of miner’s wildest dreams back in the days of the “Silvery Slocan.” This is a historic rail trail that was used to bring ore down from the mines at Sandon. Today, the Galena Trail is a pleasant walk in the forest with an exciting cable car crossing.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 15.2 km
Elevation: +175 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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McDonald Creek Nature Loop

So you’re camping at McDonald Creek and need something to do? This nature walk is a simple trail through the forest, stopping at McDonald Creek and the remains of an old homestead.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 6
Distance, round trip: 3.2 km
Elevation: +25 m
Season: mid April to late November
Difficulty: Easy
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