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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
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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

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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
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Summit Trail – Whitewater Ski Resort

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
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Toad Mountain via Giveout Creek

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 original 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
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty:  Easy

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White Queen West Ridge Trail

A beautiful hiking trail up to White Queen’s Summit! Follow a historic mining road through Hummingbird Pass to access the “Bird Queen Trail” which traces the ridge line to the summit. Beautiful views of Ymir Peak and the surrounding mountains can be found along the way, but be sure to come in the fall for the golden larches at the top!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 10.2km
Elevation: +691m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
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White Queen West Ridge Trail

A beautiful hiking trail up to White Queen’s Summit! Follow a historic mining road through Hummingbird Pass to access the “Bird Queen Trail” which traces the ridge line to the summit. Beautiful views of Ymir Peak and the surrounding mountains can be found along the way, but be sure to come in the fall for the golden larches at the top!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 10.2km
Elevation: +691m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
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Best Hiking Viewpoints over Nelson, BC

Nelson is surrounded by forested mountains with hidden viewpoints. It’s a hikers paradise – if you know where to go! Here are some of the best viewpoint trails that will let you gaze out over our mountain town.

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Kokanee Creek Loop

A pleasant loop of trails that weaves along the forests and beaches of Kokanee Creek Provincial Park! This is a great early-season hike at low elevation, or come back in late August to see the spawning kokanee.

Summary
Trailhead: Highway 3B
Distance, round trip: 4.8km
Elevation: +122m
Season: early April to mid-November
Difficulty:  Easy
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White Queen – Snowshoe Route

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.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.32km
Elevation: +691m
Season: mid-November to mid-April
Difficulty:  Moderate
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