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John Fenger Memorial Loop

Come wander a beautiful old growth forest, full of ancient cedars and hemlocks. A quick old growth grove, in a remote part of the West Kootenay. If you find yourself camping at the north end of Kootenay Lake, this is a great option for rainy days or new hikers.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 31
Distance, round trip: 1 km
Elevation: +25 m
Season: mid April to late November
Difficulty: Easy
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Cedar Creek Loop

A forested trail near Ainsworth Hot Springs full of mining history. It’s a steep ascent, but views along the way and the visit to the historic Ainsworth Cemetery make it a worthwhile exploration.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 31
Distance, round trip: 4.1 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid April to late November
Difficulty: Easy
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Mount Reco Loop

One of the best ridgeline hikes in the Kootenays! Hiking a loop around Mount Reco will bring you through alpine meadows surrounded by peaks. With the option to bag Reco’s summit, this is a great day in the mountains.

Summary
Trailhead: Stenson Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 9.9km
Elevation: +680m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate

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Kaslo River Trail

The Kaslo River Trail is a fairy tale of a trail, winding along the burbling river and mossy banks. The main loop arcs over the river on two covered bridges, both painted an enchanting shade of red. Look for the magical “Koots” sculptures playing hide-and-seek among the boulders and enjoy the shady calm of the forest.

Summary
Trailhead: 5th St
Distance, round trip: 3.6km
Elevation: +90m
Season: early April to late November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a scenic alpine lake, glowing in the ridges below Mount Jardine. It’s a family-friendly hike that highlights the mining history in the area, and strong hikers who are comfortable off-trail can explore the ridges above and beyond.

Summary
Trailhead: Blue Ridge FSR
Distance, round trip: 8.8km
Elevation: +449m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate

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Cody Caves Interpretive Loop

The main feature of Cody Caves Provincial Park is the network of limestone caves. But for those wishing to explore above the surface, a short trail loops along the forest floor with clues about the underground wonderland below.

Summary
Trailhead: Cody Caves Road
Distance, round trip: 2.6km
Elevation: +117m
Season: late May to early October
Difficulty: Easy 
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Motherlode Lakes (Carlyle Lodge)

Staying at Carlyle Lodge? Check out the trail to Motherlode Lakes. It’s a scenic hike from the lodge, edging along alpine slopes to arrive at a series of lakes and pools.

Summary
Trailhead: Carlyle Lodge
Distance, round trip: 8.6km
Elevation: +609m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Easy
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Boulder Pass (Carlyle Lodge)

A scenic trek around the Mount Carlyle bowl! The route to Boulder Pass is a great option if you’re staying at Carlyle Lode or want to extend your day hike into Carpenter Pass. The route leads to the southern ridge of Mount Carlyle with views over the edge towards the Purcell Mountains.

Summary
Trailhead: Carlyle Lodge
Distance, round trip: 3.2km
Elevation: +206m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Easy

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Carpenter Pass Trail

The Carpenter Pass Trail offers a scenic loop to a high mountain pass, full of history and surrounded by epic views. It’s a worthwhile day hike, but even better if you can spend a few nights at Mount Carlyle Lodge to explore the alpine wonderland beyond the pass.

Summary
Trailhead: Carpenter Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 14.2km
Elevation: +653m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate
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Woodbury Cabin

A scenic trail that contours through open slopes full of flowers and huckleberries, edging towards stunning Glacier View Peak and the Woodbury Glacier. This trail is well worth the trip if you book a night at Woodbury Cabin.

Summary
Trailhead: Woodbury-Fletcher FSR
Distance, round trip: 16.7km
Elevation: +868m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate
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