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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.

Summary
Trailhead: Koch Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 10.4km
Elevation: +671m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
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Beatrice Lake Trail

The Beatrice Lake Trail offers steady hiking through forests and wetlands as it traces an old mining road, following a chain of lakes through Valhalla Provincial Park. There are several backcountry campgrounds along the way at Emerald and Cahill Lakes until the trail finally ends at distant Beatrice Lake.

Summary
Trailhead: Evans Creek (accessible by boat or hike)
Distance, round trip: 12km to Cahill Lake (east shore), 18km to Beatrice Lake
Elevation: +715m to Cahill lake (east shore), +930m to Beatrice Lake
Season: early June to late October
Difficulty:  Difficult

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Skycastle/Lemon Lookout

**2024 : wildfire burned close to the lookout, but it is still standing. **

Skycastle (aka Lemon Lookout) is an old fire tower offering panoramic views of the Valhallas and Slocan Valley. You’ll have to march yourself up a long steep overgrown road, but it’s worth it to get to a special place.

Summary
Trailhead: Ponderosa FSR
Distance, round trip: 10km
Elevation: +750m
Season: mid-June to early October
Difficulty:  Moderate

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Gimli Ridge

Mt. Gimli is a striking pillar of rock, towering high in the Valhalla range. This hike is tough, but rewarding. The trail leads up to the base of Gimli where it wraps around to a final ledge. Here, hikers can look down into the Mulvey Basin lakes, or just spin and spin and take in the panoramas of jagged peaks and sky.

Summary
Trailhead: Bannock Burn Road
Distance, round trip: 10.3km
Elevation: +909m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult

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Gwillim Lakes/Drinnon Pass

Turquoise lakes, mirrored pools, and circles of peaks all around! The hike to Gwillim Lakes goes from ‘impressive’ to ‘fantastically incredible’ and doesn’t stop there! This is one of the region’s best hikes and a worthwhile backpacking destination for a weekend in alpine paradise.

Summary
Trailhead: Hodor Creek Road
Distance, round trip: 12km
Elevation: +894m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
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