Yes, you can hike all the way into the Nakusp Hot Springs! This is a mossy multi-use trail that follows Kuskanax Creek, tracing a historic pioneer route used to access the springs. Most hikers prefer to go one-way, arranging a pickup or hitching a ride after a good soak at the hot springs. This trail is sometimes referred to as “Kuskanax Creek”.
Distance, round trip: 9.8 km
Elevation: +250 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:
ModerateTrailhead & Driving Directions
West Trailhead (Nakusp) – from Nakusp, head south on Highway 6 for 2 km and then turn left onto Alexander Road. Continue another 2.3 km then turn right onto a gravel road signed Hot Springs Trail. The road is suitable for careful 2WD low clearance vehicles. Reset your odometer.
- At 1.2 km, fork right at the sign.
- At 1.5 km, fork left at an unsigned junction.
- At 2 km, reach the trailhead.
East Trailhead (Hot Springs) – From Nakusp, drive 2.4 km north on Highway 23 and then turn right onto Nakusp Hot Springs Road. Follow the Hot Springs Road all the way to the end at 12 km and park at the hot springs.
Up the trail
Starting from the West Trailhead near Nakusp, you’ll ascend through the forest, gaining elevation over the first kilometre.
The trail is shaded and carpeted in moss, with little glimpses of views through the trees. Every kilometre is marked with a signpost, counting down to reach the hot springs.
Viewpoint
At 2.7 km, the trail crosses an avalanche path and then ascends a steep slope to reach a viewpoint at 3 km looking back east towards Arrow Lake.
Mossy rest spot
At 5.3 km, the trail reaches a flat area with an old outhouse and big trees. This is a great spot for a break with level ground.
Creek Crossings
Continue following the trail as it cuts into the slope, dipping up and down creek drainages with bridge crossings. The elevation keeps changing as each creek drainages offers another descend and ascent, whew!
As you near the end of the trail, Nakusp Hot Springs comes into view through the trees. Reach an old A-frame cabin at 9 km just before the junction to the hot springs.
At 9.3km, reach the junction for the hot springs and turn left to cross Kuskanax Creek over an impressive bridge.
After enjoying the hot springs, be sure to stop in a Gardner Creek Waterfall on the drive home. The waterfall is found just 3.5 km from the Hot Springs on the main Hot Springs Road, look for the parking pullouts on either side of the creek.
