Posted on

Baldy Rocks

A little bit of bushwhacking will get you over to a new summit on Kootenay Pass. Baldy Rocks offers a new vantage point, looking down over Bridal Lake.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3, Bridal Lake
Distance, round trip: 6.8km
Elevation: +375m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here
This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings Patreon at $10 or more.
Posted on 1 Comment

Balancing Rock Trail

A scenic overlook trail, switchbacking up to expansive views of the Creston Valley. This short hike is part of the Creston Mountain Trail Network and can be extended for a bigger adventure!

Summary
Trailhead: West Creston Road
Distance, round trip: 3.6km
Elevation: +222m
Season: mid-April to early November
Difficulty: Easy
Continue reading Balancing Rock Trail
Posted on 1 Comment

Ka Papa Cedars Trail

Driving over Kootenay Pass? Take a break and stroll the old growth Ka Papa Cedars Trail! It’s an easy loop that explores an ancient cedar grove. Enjoy the tranquility and magic that comes from wandering the timeless forest floor. The trail name “Ka Papa” means “my grandfather” in the Ktunaxa language and refers to the ancient cedars being like elders in the forest.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3
Distance, round trip: 2.6km
Elevation: +69m
Season: late May to early October
Difficulty: Easy
Continue reading Ka Papa Cedars Trail
Posted on 8 Comments

Cornice Ridge

Cornice Ridge is a simple ridge-line hike on Kootenay Pass. With easy access and good landmarks, this trail is a great choice for a short summer adventure.

Summary
Trailhead: Bridal Lake, Stagleap Provincial Park
Distance, round trip: 6.2km
Elevation: +493m
Season: late June to early October
Difficulty:  Moderate 
Continue reading Cornice Ridge
Posted on 13 Comments

Lost Mountain

Welcome to the West Kootenay’s latest and greatest hike! The Lost Mountain trail offers  highway access and a steady workout. Most of this hike is done in the forest, but the final ridge and summit are worth the effort!

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3 (Crowsnest), Kootenay Pass
Distance, round trip: 10.6km
Elevation: +1109m
Season: mid-June to early October
Difficulty:  Difficult

Continue reading Lost Mountain

Posted on 4 Comments

Ripple Ridge/Lightning Strike

Stagleap Provincial Park is renowned for backcountry skiing, but there is also a summer trail that rises along Ripple Ridge. Ridgeline hiking is always a good choice, and this trail doesn’t disappoint with panoramic views of the mountains around Kootenay Pass. Lightning Strike and Ripple Ridge are used interchangeably to refer to this ridgeline which is confusing. The proper Ripple Mountain looms far in the distance and isn’t connected at all to the ridge.

Summary
Trailhead: Bridal Lake, Stagleap Provincial Park
Distance, round trip: 9.4km
Elevation: +393m
Season: early July to early October
Difficulty:   Moderate
Continue reading Ripple Ridge/Lightning Strike
Posted on 1 Comment

Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

Songbirds, snakes, ducks, dragonflies! The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area offers easy walking on a network of trails around the Corn Creek Wetlands. With boardwalks, bridges, bird towers, and the Wildlife Centre, there is plenty to do! Bring your binoculars – the bird watching is excellent!

Summary
Trailhead: West Creston Road
Distance, round trip: 7km
Elevation: +97m
Season: late March to early November
Difficulty:  Easy

Continue reading Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area