Telegraph Trail
The Telegraph Trail flows through the mossy forest floor and traces an old telegraph line, with the ceramic insulators still fixed to many of the trees. The trail ends with a scenic bench at Wilson Creek.
Raccoon-Badger Trail
If you think hiking on the Great Northern Rail Trail is a bit boring, then you’ll want to head up into the woods. The Raccoon and Badger Trails offer a welcoming experience for new hikers and trail runners- smooth, flowing trails just above town. Be cautious of descending mountain bikes and move off the…
Haiseldean Lake
A short hike to a quiet subalpine lake, with plenty more exploring on the surrounding ridges. The forest is studded with golden larches in the fall. This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings Patreon at $10 or more....
McKean Lakes
McKean Lakes is a worthwhile alpine destination, tucked away on the edge of Valhalla Provincial Park. The road is long, the trail is steep, but the lakes are cradled beneath impressive peaks.
Red Mountain (Bonningtons)
“Red Mountain” seems to be a pretty common name in the Koots. There’s a few of them! But this one is the neighbour of Toad Mountain in the Bonnington Range above Nelson. It has the characteristic red rock, but also offers great hiking off the beaten path. This content is available exclusively to members…...
Mount Reco Loop
One of the best ridgeline hikes in the Kootenays! Hiking a loop around Mount Reco will bring you through alpine meadows surrounded by peaks. With the option to bag Reco’s summit, this is a great day in the mountains. This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings Patreon at $10 or…...
Grassy Mountain
Grassy Mountain is renown for its winter powder, but it’s also a great summer destination for those that don’t mind hiking off trail. You can explore the ridges which are full of spring wildflowers and offer big wide views of the Bonnington Range. This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings…...
Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)
Going up and over Elephant Mountain is a big day. But sometimes that’s just what you need to break in those boots! This is a difficult hike with significant elevation, but it’s scenic and close to home! At each milestone, the City of Nelson shrinks further below and more and more peaks unfold from…
Toad Mountain via Giveout Creek
Hiking Toad Mountain via Giveout Creek FSR leads you along a forested trail to access the summit from the northern ridge. The ridge line ascent is a little less scenic than the original trail from the Silverking mine, but much easier for hikers and vehicles alike! The summit of Toad offers epic views of…
Smallwood Lookout
The Smallwood lookout boasts one of the biggest benches with one of the biggest views. It’s part of a large mountain bike trail network, but hiking the Smallwood ridge-line as an “out and back” is an easy option with lots of reward.