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Thompson Rim Trail

If you’ve ever gazed at the Skimmerhorn Mountains above Creston and wondered if the distant ridge would be a good place to hike, your wish has been granted! Not only is there a network of trails up there, you can even drive to the top! The Thompson Rim Trail traces the top of the ridge with big views of the Creston Valley below!

Summary
Trailhead: Mount Thompson FSR
Distance, round trip: 7km
Elevation: +300m
Season: July to September
Difficulty: Moderate 
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100 Acre Wood

Old growth forests are precious places! Take the time to wander through this grove near Rossland – it’s a short, but worthwhile hike.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3B
Distance, round trip: 3km
Elevation: -75m
Season: April to November
Difficulty: Easy 
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Nancy Greene Lake

An easy, forested hiking trail that loops around the lake. You’ll find beautiful views of the Rossland Range with Old Glory Mountain prominent in the distance.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3
Distance, round trip: 3.8km
Elevation: +0m
Season: April to November
Difficulty: Easy 
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Lyon’s Bluff Trail

Lyon’s Bluff is a brand new trail climbing up Nelson’s north shore to a big view of town. It’s a great alternative to the busy Pulpit Rock Trail, but offers just as much of a workout and final viewpoint!

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3A
Distance, round trip: 3.8km
Elevation: +300m
Season: late March to late November
Difficulty: Moderate 
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Kaslo River Trail

The Kaslo River Trail is a fairy tale of a trail, winding along the burbling river and mossy banks. The main loop arcs over the river on two covered bridges, both painted an enchanting shade of red. Look for the magical “Koots” sculptures playing hide-and-seek among the boulders and enjoy the shady calm of the forest.

Summary
Trailhead: 5th St
Distance, round trip: 3.6km
Elevation: +90m
Season: early April to late November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a scenic alpine lake, glowing in the ridges below Mount Jardine. It’s a family-friendly hike that highlights the mining history in the area, and strong hikers who are comfortable off-trail can explore the ridges above and beyond.

Summary
Trailhead: Blue Ridge FSR
Distance, round trip: 8.8km
Elevation: +449m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate
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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
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Sphinx Mountain

Which mountain has two humps and riddles hikers with its steep ascent? Sphinx is a notable peak, towering high above Grey Creek Pass. It’s easily spotted from the Kootenay Lake Ferry but not so easily summited.

Summary
Trailhead: Grey Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 11.6km
Elevation: +999m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Difficult 
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Thanksgiving Mountain

Driving over Grey Creek Pass? Want to bag a peak? The summit on the North side of the pass is easily gained by following a short trail along the ridge and then picking your way to the top. Nicknamed “Thanksgiving Mountain” by locals who hike it on the holiday, this summit offers a wide panorama of Kootenay Lake and the Purcells.

Summary
Trailhead: Grey Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 3.4km
Elevation: +303m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate 
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Mill Lake

The Mill Lake Trail has seen big changes in recent years. A new access road has shortened the trail into a reasonable day hike, but much of the forest burnt in a 2017 wildfire. The trail now cuts through open slopes recovering with fireweed.

Summary
Trailhead: East Harrop Main Line
Distance, round trip: 8.8km
Elevation: +521m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty: Moderate 
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