Posted on 1 Comment

Mount Beattie

Sometimes you just need a moderate hike with a moderate view. Mount Beattie is like that. It’s a forested ridge line, tucked away in the Whitewater backcountry. Beattie’s treed summits are uneventful, but sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. And a day out in the mountains is never a day wasted.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 11.2km
Elevation: +499m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
Continue reading Mount Beattie
Posted on 1 Comment

Red Mountain (Bonningtons)

“Red Mountain” seems to be a pretty common name in the Koots. There’s a few of them! But this one is the neighbour of Toad Mountain in the Bonnington Range above Nelson. It has the characteristic red rock, but also offers great hiking off the beaten path.

Summary
Trailhead: Giveout Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 9.2km
Elevation: +491m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate

This content is for Trail Blazer members only.
Login Join Now
This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings Patreon at $10 or more.
Posted on 4 Comments

Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)

Going up and over Elephant Mountain is a big day. But sometimes that’s just what you need to break in those boots! This is a difficult hike with significant elevation, but it’s scenic and close to home! At each milestone, the City of Nelson shrinks further below and more and more peaks unfold from the distant valleys.

Summary
Trailhead: Pulpit Rock Trailhead or Lyon’s Bluff Trailhead
Distance, round trip: 13.5km
Elevation: +1120m
Season: mid-May to late October
Difficulty:  Difficult
Continue reading Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)
Posted on 2 Comments

Delaurentiis Bluffs

A scenic overlook trail above Salmo! The Delaurentiis Bluffs trail provides both exercise and inspiration as it climbs high to a series of viewpoints above the valley.

Summary
Trailhead: Delaurentiis Road
Distance, round trip: 5.6km
Elevation: +487m
Season: mid-April to early November
Difficulty: Moderate
Continue reading Delaurentiis Bluffs
Posted on Leave a comment

Proctologist

A loop of old roads and bike trails, climbing through the forest to a series of lookouts over Kootenay Lake. Enjoy the shade and watch out for mountain bikes.

Summary
Trailhead: Lexington Ave, Proctor
Distance, round trip: 8km
Elevation: 381m
Season: April to November
Difficulty: Easy 
Continue reading Proctologist
Posted on Leave a comment

Slocan Pools

An easy river-side stroll through the forest. The Slocan Pools trail offers gentle walking and beautiful views out over the Kootenay River.

Summary
Trailhead: West Kootenay Road
Distance, round trip: 4.5km
Elevation: 50m
Season: April to November
Difficulty: Easy 
Continue reading Slocan Pools
Posted on 2 Comments

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
Continue reading Summit Trail / Blaster’s Ridge
Posted on 5 Comments

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 
Continue reading Lyon’s Bluff Trail
Posted on 4 Comments

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 
Continue reading Mill Lake
Posted on Leave a comment

Panther Lake

The trail to Panther Lake traces an old mining route as it climbs through big hemlock forests. The sub-alpine lake is a scenic destination, cradled beneath the ridges of the Three Sisters Peaks.

Summary
Trailhead: Sheep Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 6.2km
Elevation: +349m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Easy 
Continue reading Panther Lake