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Billy Goat Bluffs

A steep, forested trail leads you up to a scenic lookout with big views over the Creston Valley! This short hike starts right in town and is perfect for a few hours of exploration.

Summary
Trailhead: Helen Street
Distance, round trip: 6.2 km
Elevation: +400m
Season: April to November
Difficulty: Moderate 
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Payne Bluffs (K&S Trail)

Following the old K&S (Kaslo and Sandon) Railway, this trail winds high from Sandon to the bluffs overlooking Three Forks. It visits several mine sites with interpretive signs sharing the region’s history.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 13.6 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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Kimbol Lake

A forested trail, carpeted with moss and pillared with old growth trees. The subalpine lake is cradled in a steep valley with limited views but still a worthy destination.

Summary
Trailhead: Nakusp Hot Springs
Distance, round trip: 11 km
Elevation: +551 m
Season: mid-June to early-November
Difficulty: Moderate
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Galena Trail

Galena is a natural lead and silver ore—it was the stuff of miner’s wildest dreams back in the days of the “Silvery Slocan.” This is a historic rail trail that was used to bring ore down from the mines at Sandon. Today, the Galena Trail is a pleasant walk in the forest with an exciting cable car crossing.

Summary
Trailhead: Sandon Road or New Denver Siding Road
Distance, round trip: 15.2 km
Elevation: +175 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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McDonald Creek Nature Loop

So you’re camping at McDonald Creek and need something to do? This nature walk is a simple trail through the forest, stopping at McDonald Creek and the remains of an old homestead.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 6
Distance, round trip: 3.2 km
Elevation: +25 m
Season: mid April to late November
Difficulty: Easy
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Hot Springs Trail

Yes, you can hike all the way into the Nakusp Hot Springs! This is a mossy multi-use trail that follows Kuskanax Creek, tracing a historic pioneer route used to access the springs. Most hikers prefer to go one-way, arranging a pickup or hitching a ride after a good soak at the hot springs. This trail is sometimes referred to as “Kuskanax Creek”.

Summary
Trailhead: Alexander Road or Nakusp Hot Springs
Distance, round trip: 9.8 km
Elevation: +250 m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty: Moderate
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John Fenger Memorial Loop

Come wander a beautiful old growth forest, full of ancient cedars and hemlocks. A quick old growth grove, in a remote part of the West Kootenay. If you find yourself camping at the north end of Kootenay Lake, this is a great option for rainy days or new hikers.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 31
Distance, round trip: 1 km
Elevation: +25 m
Season: mid April to late November
Difficulty: Easy
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Cedar Creek Loop

A forested trail near Ainsworth Hot Springs full of mining history. It’s a steep ascent, but views along the way and the visit to the historic Ainsworth Cemetery make it a worthwhile exploration.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 31
Distance, round trip: 4.1 km
Elevation: +200 m
Season: mid April to late November
Difficulty: Easy
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Selkirk College Trails

A big trail network wraps around the Castlegar Campus at Selkirk College, offering riverside hiking and pleasant views.

Summary
Trailhead: Rosedale Road
Distance, round trip: 7.1 km
Elevation: +120 m
Season: mid March to late November
Difficulty: Easy
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Montrose Antenna Trail Loop

The Montrose Antenna Trail offers scenic views of the Columbia River Valley with a nice climb up the slopes. Come for the fall colours or spring flowers – either way, this is an amazing shoulder season hike!

Summary
Trailhead: 12th St, Village of Montrose
Distance, round trip: 6.6 km
Elevation: +307 m
Season: early April to mid November
Difficulty: Moderate
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