Following the old K&S (Kaslo and Sandon) Railway, this trail winds high from Sandon to the bluffs overlooking Three Forks. It visits several mine sites with interpretive signs sharing the region’s history.
Distance, round trip: 13.6 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead & Driving Directions
The Payne Bluffs Trail can be accessed from either the Three Forks or Sandon trailhead.
- Sandon Trailhead – Drive 8.4 km east of New Denver on Highway 31A until you reach the signed turn-off for Sandon. Turn right on Sandon Road and continue 5.6 km. As you near Sandon, stay straight on Reco Road and do not turn into Sandon. After 6 km watch for the trailhead kiosk on the left.
- Three Forks Trailhead – Drive 8.4 km east of New Denver on Highway 31A until you reach the signed turn-off for Sandon. Drive 0.8 km past Sandon Road and then immediately look for the trailhead kiosk on the right side of Highway 31A.
Road Walk
Starting from the Sandon Trailhead, the first 2.3 km follow a road. You can drive this section, but parking is very limited and the road narrows at end. Hiking down the road, stay left on the lower road at 0.8km and then reach the upper parking lots at 2.3km with an outhouse.
Mine Sites
The rail bed narrows to a hiking trail. Pass by the signed Altoona Mine at 2.8 km and stop to read the interpretive signs. At 3.5 km, cross a beautiful bridged creek.
At 3.7 km (2.3 mi), you’ll pass by the ruins of the Payne Concentrator with another interpretive sign. This was one of the most productive mines in the region and the trail crosses huge tailing piles spilling down the mountainside.
Around 4.7 km (2.9 mi), views open up across the valley with the tailing piles of the Victor Mine. Look down to see the confluence of the rivers, giving Three Forks its name.
Signs of the old railway appear along the trail – it’s been nearly 100 years since it was in use, but look for the shapes of old rail ties under the forest floor as well as old rails. Trees now grow in the middle of the trail.
Payne Bluffs
After 6.2 km, reach a signed junction. The left fork descends 1.7 km to the Three Forks Trailhead. Continue right to explore the top of the Payne Bluffs. There is quite a bit of rockfall blocking the trail so carefully climb around to reach the interpretive sign. You’re a long way above the valley.
A rough trail continues past the bluffs, heading along the old rail grade to Bear Lake.
Retrace your steps to head back, or use the Three Forks Trailhead if you’ve arranged a ride.