Category: Challenging Hike

Posted on by — 4 Comments

Seven Summits Trail

The Seven Summits is a legendary ridge-line trail that sweeps across the Rossland Range. Strong hikers and trail runners will enjoy the challenge of a big day with stunning alpine views. The terrain features rolling wildflower meadows, gnarled trees, and of course the seven mountain summits.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3B and Old Rossland Cascade Highway
Distance, one way: 31 km
Elevation: +1131m, -1314m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Challenging
Continue reading Seven Summits Trail
Posted on by — 19 Comments

Earl Grey Pass

A challenging wilderness trail across the Purcell mountain range. The Earl Grey Pass trail is a historic route featuring glaciers, waterfalls, cable cars, and massive old growth cedars. This epic trek is not for the faint of heart – with rough and hazardous terrain, you need to be a tough backpacker, ready for the kind of suffering that comes with a big adventure.

Summary
Trailheads: Toby Creek FSR (Invermere) and Argenta Road (Argenta)
Distance, one way: 70.4km
Elevation: +1896m (East to West) or +2331 (West to East)
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Challenging
Continue reading Earl Grey Pass
Posted on by — 6 Comments

Macbeth Icefield

Epic. That is the best word to describe the Macbeth Icefield trail. It’s incredibly epic, but also incredibly hard. The trail climbs through a valley of meadows and old growth forest to ascend past waterfalls to the massive wall of the Macbeth Icefield. It’s a long day with significant distance, elevation, and time, but a huge adventure for experienced hikers!

Summary
Trailhead: Glacier Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 15.5km
Elevation: +1209m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Challenging

Continue reading Macbeth Icefield

Posted on by — 20 Comments

Lyle Lakes & Mount Brennan

Cradled beneath Mount Brennan’s flanks are three subalpine lakes, glowing mineral-blue and suspended between braided waterfalls. The Lyle Lakes are a beautiful destination! And the trail beyond to Mount Brennan’s 2900m summit offers a challenging hike with staggering views.

Summary
Trailhead: Rossiter Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 10km (Lyle Lakes), 17km (Mt Brennan)
Elevation: +710m (Lyle Lakes), +1574m (Mt Brennan)
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult (Lyle Lakes),  Challenging (Mt Brennan)

Continue reading Lyle Lakes & Mount Brennan

Posted on by — 17 Comments

Mount Loki

In Norse mythology, Loki is a deceptive trickster, causing trouble and strife among the realms of the gods. And Mount Loki is no different. With false summits, an intimidating profile, and a fierce ascent, Mount Loki challenges hikers to make it to the summit. The reward is top-of-the-world views of the Purcell Mountains and distant Kootenay Lake.

Summary
Trailhead: Portman Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 11.6km
Elevation: +1137m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Challenging 

Continue reading Mount Loki

Posted on by — 6 Comments

The Keyhole

Looking for a challenging day hike? The Keyhole trail climbs way up high to bring you through a hidden notch at the edge of the Kokanee Glacier. It’s a scenic route, but it’s also a bit of a sufferfest with boulders and scree and an endless ascent.

Summary
Trailhead: Kokanee Glacier FSR
Distance, round trip: 12.4km
Elevation: +1133m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Challenging

This content is for Trail Blazer – Monthly and Trail Blazer – Annual members only.
Login Join Now
This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings Patreon at $10 or more.