trails

Columbia River Trail

Columbia River Trail

A long connector between the Cities of Castlegar and Trail, the Columbia River Trail offers an extended hiking season and scenic river views. It’s most popular with trail runners and bikes, but hikers will enjoy exploring the historic Blagodatnoye Douhkobor settlement.

Payne Bluffs (K&S Trail)

Payne Bluffs (K&S Trail)

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.

Kimbol Lake

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.

Galena Trail

Galena Trail

April 2025 – the Galena Trail is temporarily closed at the cable car Galena is a natural lead and silver ore—it was the stuff of miner’s wildest dreams back in the days of the “Silvery Slocan.” This is a historic rail trail that was used to bring ore down from the mines at Sandon….

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Hot Springs Trail

Hot Springs Trail

Yes, you can hike all the way into the Nakusp Hot Springs! This is a mossy multi-use trail that follows Kuskanax Creek, tracing a historic pioneer route used to access the springs. Most hikers prefer to go one-way, arranging a pickup or hitching a ride after a good soak at the hot springs. This…

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Telegraph Trail

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

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…

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Smallwood Lookout

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.

McPhee Waterfall Loop

McPhee Waterfall Loop

Everyone loves a good waterfall! And Little McPhee Falls is a two-tiered beauty that roars during the spring melt and quiets to a mossy trickle in the fall. This forested trail can be extended into a nice loop above the Kootenay River.

Dove Hill Loop

Dove Hill Loop

A short hike with panoramic views over Castlegar! This is a great shoulder-season trail as the main climb is snow-free in early April. You can also extend your hike to reach the Brilliant Overlook Trail higher above.