kooteneer 2WD Low Clearance Vehicle, Alpine, Challenging Hike, Difficult Hike, Near Kaslo, Near New Denver, Off Trail/Scramble, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

Lyle Lakes & Mount Brennan

Cradled beneath Mount Brennan’s flanks are three subalpine lakes, glowing mineral-blue and suspended between braided waterfalls. The Lyle Lakes are a beautiful destination! And the trail beyond to Mount Brennan’s 2900m summit offers a challenging hike with staggering views.

Summary
Trailhead: Rossiter Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 10km (Lyle Lakes), 17km (Mt Brennan)
Elevation: +710m (Lyle Lakes), +1574m (Mt Brennan)
Difficulty:  Difficult (Lyle Lakes),  Challenging (Mt Brennan)

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kooteneer Alpine, Difficult Hike, Near Crawford Bay, Near Creston, Off Trail/Scramble, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

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
Difficulty:  Difficult

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kooteneer 2WD Low Clearance Vehicle, Alpine, Challenging Hike, Near Kaslo, Off Trail/Scramble, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

Mount Loki

In Norse mythology, Loki is a deceptive trickster, causing trouble and strife among the realms of the gods. And Mount Loki is no different. With false summits, an intimidating profile, and a fierce ascent, Mount Loki challenges hikers to make it to the summit. The reward is top-of-the-world views of the Purcell Mountains and distant Kootenay Lake.

Summary
Trailhead: Portman Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 11.6km
Elevation: +1137m
Difficulty:  Challenging 

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kooteneer 2WD Low Clearance Vehicle, Alpine, Difficult Hike, Moderate Hike, Near Creston, Off Trail/Scramble, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

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 (Lightning Strike), +759m (including Monk Peak)
Difficulty:   Moderate (Lightning Strike),  Difficult (Monk Peak)

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kooteneer 2WD Low Clearance Vehicle, Alpine, Backpack, Kokanee, Moderate Hike, Near Nelson, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

Mt. Giegerich / Sapphire Lakes Loop

Just starting to venture off trail? Mt. Giegerich is a gentle giant with two easy ridge-lines, inviting you to walk on up! This loop follows the official Sapphire Lakes Trail, summits Giegerich, dips down to the Sapphire Lakes, and then returns to Kaslo Lake via the unofficial Commission Creek route. It’s a wonderful circuit for folks staying in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park – offering a day hike that’s moderate yet adventurous.

Summary
Trailhead: Kalso Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park
Distance, round trip: 8.6km
Elevation: +490m
Difficulty:  Moderate

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kooteneer 2WD Low Clearance Vehicle, Alpine, Difficult Hike, Near New Denver, Slocan Valley, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

Wakefield Trail – Idaho Peak

Do you think driving to the top of mountains is overrated? Do you really want to earn it? The Wakefield Trail gets you up to Idaho Peak using your own two feet. It’s a hard, steady climb that traces old mining routes to the top of Silver Ridge.

Summary
Trailhead: Silverton Creek FSR,
Distance, round trip: 14.2km
Elevation: +1000m
Difficulty:  Difficult

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kooteneer Alpine, Moderate Hike, Near Nelson, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

Toad Mountain via Silverking Mine

Legend has it that Toad Mountain got its name when a prospector was staking his land claim, looked down, saw a toad, and… that was that. Nevertheless, Toad is a legendary ridge-line hike just outside of Nelson. And the view from the summit? Toad-ally awesome.

Summary
Trailhead: Gold Creek Road
Distance, round trip: 8km
Elevation: +555m
Difficulty:  Moderate

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kooteneer Alpine, East Kootenay and Beyond, Kooteneer Blog, Summit Hike

Mt. Assiniboine: Nub Peak

The Nub is one of the best hikes for a clear day at Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. There are 3 milestones along the trail- the Niblet, the Nublet, and the Nub -so you can choose how far and high you go. Each section has awesome views, but 360 degree panoramas of the entire park can only be found atop the Nub!

SUMMARY:

Trailhead: Start from Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Distance, Round Trip: 8km

Elevation: +550m

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kooteneer 2WD Low Clearance Vehicle, Alpine, Difficult Hike, Near Rossland/Trail, Summit Hike, Trail Reviews

Old Glory Mountain

You won’t be disappointed standing atop the highest peak in the Rossland Range. At 2377m, Old Glory towers above the visible world and offers spectacular views of the nearby Monashee mountains. Most of this hike is done up high, along alpine meadows and ridge lines, so your trek will be bordered by wildflowers and the hazy blue of distant horizons.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3B
Distance, round trip: 17km
Elevation: +1145m
Difficulty:  Difficult

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