The Montrose Antenna Trail offers scenic views of the Columbia River Valley with a nice climb up the slopes. Come for the fall colours or spring flowers – either way, this is an amazing shoulder season hike!
Distance, round trip: 6.6 km
Elevation: +307 m
Season: early April to mid November
Difficulty:
ModerateTrailhead & Driving Directions
From Highway 3B in Montrose, turn north onto 5th Street and follow it as it curves left to 12th Avenue. Find the large trailhead at the end of 12th Avenue and park off the street.
Up the Trail
The trail begins climbing and then heads west along the bluffs. After 0.7 km, reach a signed junction and stay left to hike a larger loop. There are big views across the valley towards the City of Trail and this area is full of wildflowers in May.
As you hike, the trail wraps around the slope, temporarily leaving behind the view south to look west over the City of Trail and the Rossland Range.
Flagpole Viewpoint
Reach another junction after 1.8 km and turn left to head up to the Flagpole Viewpoint. The trail will switch back up the slope to reach the scenic Flagpole at 2.6 km. You’ll be treated to a panorama of the Columbia River Valley with the peaks of the Rossland Range visible on clear days.
The Trail airport is down below to the south, and you may be able to watch the planes landing. In the spring, the bluffs are covered in wildflowers, especially impressive clusters of Arrow Leaf Balsalmroot.
The Orchard Trail descends and circles below the flagpole to continue on.
Making a loop
Continue on the Orchard Trail as it heads east to make the bigger loop. You’ll dip down into an impressive stand of aspens at 3.4 km where bears have left their mark. Look way up – isn’t it impressive how high they can climb!
The trail gradually comes out to open slopes again with impressive views looking east. A switchback guides you down at a nice grade. While these south-facing slopes get hot in the summer, they are just beautiful in cooler weather.
Slowly descend onto an old road to meet Christie Road back in Montrose at 5.4 km. Turn right (west) to follow Christie Road as it turns into 12th Avenue and leads you back to the trailhead, completing the loop. The last kilometre of urban walking goes fast.
