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Lost Mountain

Welcome to the West Kootenay’s latest and greatest hike! The Lost Mountain trail offers  highway access and a steady workout. Most of this hike is done in the forest, but the final ridge and summit are worth the effort!

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3 (Crowsnest), Kootenay Pass
Distance, round trip: 10.6km
Elevation: +1109m
Season: mid-June to early October
Difficulty:  Difficult

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Mount Crawford & Plaid Lake Trail

Shimmering with colourful quartzite, Mount Crawford dazzles hikers along the Plaid Lake Trail. With scenic alpine ridges, flowering meadows, a quick summit, and the eventual dip down to Plaid Lake, this is an amazing trail with something for everyone!

Summary
Trailhead: Plaid Lake Road
Distance, round trip: 9.7km
Elevation: +890m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult

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Ripple Ridge/Lightning Strike and Monk Peak

Stagleap Provincial Park is renowned for backcountry skiing, but there is also a summer trail that dips along Lightning Strike. Ridgeline hiking is always a good choice, and this trail doesn’t disappoint with panoramic views of the mountains around Kootenay Pass.

Summary
Trailhead: Bridal Lake, Stagleap Provincial Park
Distance, round trip: 9.4km (Lightning Strike), 12km (including Monk Peak)
Elevation: +393m (Ripple Ridge/Lightning Strike), +759m (including Monk Peak)
Season: early July to early October
Difficulty:   Moderate (Ripple Ridge/Lightning Strike),  Difficult (Monk Peak)

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Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area

Songbirds, snakes, ducks, dragonflies! The Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area offers easy walking on a network of trails around the Corn Creek Wetlands. With boardwalks, bridges, bird towers, and the Wildlife Centre, there is plenty to do! Bring your binoculars – the bird watching is excellent!

Summary
Trailhead: West Creston Road
Distance, round trip: 7km
Elevation: +97m
Season: late March to early November
Difficulty:  Easy

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