White Queen is an incredible snowshoe destination in the Whitewater backcountry. Starting near Hummingbird Pass, the route winds up the western ridge to White Queen with stunning views and snow-sculpted trees all along the way.
Moderate
The trails around Ymir form a scenic loop with something for everyone: old growth forest, riverside hiking, a waterfall, a visit to the historic cemetery, and of course the bakery!
Easy
Mount Beattie is a forested snowshoe route near Whitewater Ski Resort. It’s an alpine winter wonderland with deep snow and frosted trees.
Moderate
A scenic tour of 4 cabins in the Rossland Range, circling beneath the slopes of Mount Crowe. This is a perfect snowshoe excursion or early-winter hike with cozy cabins and impressive distant views.
SUMMARY
Trailhead: Highway 3B
Distance, round trip: 13.3km
Elevation: +299m
Difficulty: B1
The Mel DeAnna trail is a forested loop around the tranquil Champion Ponds. It’s a great shoulder-season hike with fall colours, Columbia Valley views, and plenty of birdwatching on the ponds.
SUMMARY
Trailhead: Highway 3
Distance, round trip: 5.8km
Elevation: +122m
Difficulty: A1
The Merry Go Round trail winds high through the forest to a clearcut view of the Columbia River Valley. The trail builders created some impressive bridges and boardwalks, making this easy trail feel like a proper adventure! This trailhead is right beside the Merry Creek Trails, giving you two great hikes for one day!
SUMMARY
Trailhead: Merry Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 4.7km
Elevation: +232m
Difficulty: A1
The Merry Creek Trails are easy, scenic hiking just outside of Castlegar. The trails meander over soft forest floor and explore interesting landmarks, with a big view of the Columbia River Valley at the far end!
SUMMARY
Trailhead: Merry Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 5.1km
Elevation: +82m
Difficulty: A1
Hiking Toad Mountain via Giveout Creek FSR leads you along a forested trail to access the summit from the northern ridge. The ridge line ascent is a little less scenic than the standard trail from the Silverking mine, but much easier for hikers and vehicles alike! The summit of Toad offers epic views of the Nelson and surrounding peaks!
SUMMARY
Trailhead: Giveout Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 6.7km
Elevation: +370m
Difficulty: A1
The Kaslo Viewpoint trail is short, sweet, and steep! It winds up along a pleasant forest path to a scenic bench overlooking Kaslo, Kootenay Lake, and the towering Purcell Mountains.
SUMMARY
Trailhead: Wardner St, Kaslo
Distance, round trip: 1.82km
Elevation: +178m
Difficulty: A1
The trail up Mount Roberts starts easy and gets tough. But it also gets incredibly scenic! With big views of the Columbia River Valley and Seven Summits Range, it’s worth the effort to reach the summit and enjoy the panorama from the bench up there.
SUMMARY
Trailhead: Old Rossland Cascade Hwy
Distance, round trip: 7.64km
Elevation: +895m
Difficulty: B2
