Posted on 2 Comments

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

Trailhead & Driving Directions

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.

The trailhead is right outside of the Nakusp Hot Springs

Hot Springs Source

Follow the trail from the far end of the Hot Springs parking lot. It crosses Kuskanax Creek on an impressive bridge and follows the Hot Springs pipeline. At 0.5 km, ignore the signed junction for the Hot Springs Trail to the right (southwest) and stay left (east). Shortly after, pass the pools at the hot springs source and see a sign for Kimbol Lake. Watch out for poison ivy around the pools, especially hiding in the grass.

Big Trees

The trail rises through an impressive cedar forest, carpeted in thick moss. Some of the trees are real giants! At 1.7 km, cross a creek with a bench.

The forest is absolutely beautiful and worth the trip, never mind distant Kimbol Lake. Cross an old cutblock around 3km with views out over the valley.

Looking out over the valley (northeast)

Steep section

Now the trail gets steep as it goes straight up the slope. You’ll begin to curve into the Kimbol Lake valley, heading south as you ascend.

Steep trail in the morning light

By 4.5km, you’re nearing Kimbol Lake and the trail begins to level off with another impressive stand of old growth cedars. Slow down here to admire the trees and catch your breath. The snow was just gone from this section of trail the second week of June.

Another old growth grove as you near Kimbol Lake

Kimbol Lake

Reach Kimbol Lake around 5.2 km, but the shoreline is blocked by bushes. Follow the trail as it curves southwest around the lake to come to a rockslide with better access to the water. The lake is full of rainbow trout which were jumping for us at lunch time.

Nakusp & Area Community Trail Society

The Nakusp Trail Society maintains this trail. If you’ve enjoyed the hike, consider becoming a member, making a donation, or volunteering with them.

0 0 votes
Trail Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

2 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Gregory
Gregory
8 months ago

You’re doing a great job on this website, Abby!