A pleasant walk up the forest to a series of viewpoints above Crawford Bay. The final reward is a big view of Kokanee Glacier through the trees!
Distance, round trip: 4.2 km
Elevation: +228 m
Season: mid April to late November
Difficulty:
EasyTrailhead and Driving Directions
From Crawford Bay, drive south on Highway 3A and stay south on Peters Road when the highway bends east. Follow Peters Road for 0.8 km and look for the trailhead post signed for “Woodlot Trail” on the right. There is a pullout with parking for 2-3 vehicles.
Up the Woodlot Trail
Begin by following the Woodlot Trail, tracing an old road with shady, mossy hiking. The trail steadily ascends through the forest. The Fraser Hill Viewpoint Trail is part of a bigger network and you may meet mountain bikes coming down from bigger adventures. Check the East Shore Bike & Trail Association to see an overview of the network.
After 0.7 km, reach a signed junction and head right (northeast) to continue on the Viewpoint Trail. The trail continues winding uphill at a pleasant grade.
At 1.2 km, reach another signed junction with the whole trail network mapped. Continue east on the signed Viewpoint Trail. The trail continues to climb, now crossing mossy ribs of rock with views of Crawford Bay peeking through the trees.
Viewpoints
Reach the first viewpoint after 1.8 km with views over Crawford Bay and Grey Creek. There is a scenic bench here, but most hikers will be tempted to go just a little further.
Continue following the trail up through the forest to reach the top of Fraser Hill at 2.1 km. Another scenic bench looks west across Kootenay Lake, straight on at the Kokanee Glacier. You’ll also see Kootenay Lake poking through the trees.
A faint trails continues a few meters to the forested summit above, but the real view is on the bench! Retrace your steps to head down. Most hikers will take about an hour to reach the top.
