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Red Mountain (Rossland)

There is nothing like hiking a beautifully crafted trail! The hike to Red Mountain weaves through forests and bluffs at a steady grade, lifting you up to the summit with big views over the ski resort and Rossland.

Summary
Trailhead: Red Mountain Ski Resort
Distance, round trip: 9km
Elevation: +428m
Season: mid May to late October
Difficulty:
Moderate

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Summit Trail / Blaster’s Ridge

Yes, you can hike ALL OF THE SUMMITS! Or at least as many as you want. This new trail zig zags up Whitewater Ski Resort to access several peaks on the “summit side” of the hill.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 9.5km (to Hummingbird Peak)
Elevation: +521m (to Hummingbird Peak)
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
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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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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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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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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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Ward’s Ferry Trail

Ward’s Ferry Trail connects the communities of Blewett and Glade with scenic riverside hiking. Before the highway and railroad were built, Ward’s Ferry was the main option for travellers in the 1880’s to cross the Kootenay River. This historical trail passes by the site of the old ferry landing and traces remnants of wagon roads.

Summary
Trailhead: McPhee Forest Service Road or Glade Road
Distance, one way: 9.98km
Elevation: +335m (Glade to McPhee)
Season: mid-April to early November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Mount Crowe Snowshoe

A winter wonderland awaits! The snowshoe route up to Mount Crowe leads to amazing views along the ridge. It’s a little more adventure than exploring the day-use cabins below, so be prepared to route-find and break trail.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3B
Distance, round trip: 10.1km
Elevation: +574m
Season: late November to early April
Difficulty: Moderate
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Carpenter Pass Trail

The Carpenter Pass Trail offers a scenic loop to a high mountain pass, full of history and surrounded by epic views. It’s a worthwhile day hike, but even better if you can spend a few nights at Mount Carlyle Lodge to explore the alpine wonderland beyond the pass.

Summary
Trailhead: Carpenter Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 14.2km
Elevation: +653m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate
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