Simpson River Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Simpson River Trail is a beautifully scenic hiking route in Kootenay National Park that will take you from the banks of the Vermillion River to the Surprise Creek Campground. While out on the trail, you will hike along the winding Simpson River and take in views of the surrounding mountains as you make your way through the valley into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. This area was previously devastated by a forest fire, leaving a graveyard of charred trees that are surrounded by stunning views.,
Route Description for Simpson River Trail
Although the terrain along the Simpson River Trail was previously affected by a forest fire, it is still a dramatic and beautiful landscape that highlights the unique character of Kootenay National Park. Setting out from the parking lot, make your way east across the Vermillion River and follow the trail as it turns to the southwest along the banks of the Simpson River. From here, you will make your way along the winding river bank as it passes between rugged mountain peaks and a stretch of desolate forest filled with charred trees. Even with the level of destruction, plant and animal life have already begun to return to the area and will soon restore it to its former glory. Continue along the river and take in the beautiful views of the valley before arriving at the Surprise Creek Campground. From here, take some time to set up your camp for the night before heading back along the trail the next morning.
Getting to the Simpson River Trail Trailhead
To get to the trailhead for the Simpson River Trail from Radium Hot Springs, make your way to the northeast along BC-93 for 57.5 km and turn right to enter the parking lot.
Route Information
When to do:
June-September
Backcountry Campsites:
Surprise Creek Campground
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back
Simpson River Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Og Lake Backpacking Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CAN-AB-BANFF-NATIONAL-PARK-OG-LAKE-TRAIL-1709x633-Dummy.jpg)
Og Lake Backpacking Trail
Banff National Park
![Ball Pass to Shadow Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CAN-BC-Kootenay-BallPass-1940x480-1.jpg)
Ball Pass to Shadow Lake
Kootenay National Park
![Floe Lake and Numa Pass](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CAN-BC-KootenayNP-Backpack-Floe-1940x480.jpg)
Floe Lake and Numa Pass
Kootenay National Park
![Ball Pass](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CAN-BC-Kootenay-BallPass-1940x480.jpg)
Ball Pass
Kootenay National Park
![Floe Lake](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CAN-BC-Kootenay-Floe-1940x480.jpg)
Floe Lake
Kootenay National Park
![Sunshine to Assiniboine](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CAN-AB-Banff-Sunshine-to-Assiniboine-1920x480.jpg)
Sunshine to Assiniboine
Banff National Park
![Sunshine Meadows](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CAN-AB-Banff-Snowshoe-Sunshine-1940x480.jpg)
Sunshine Meadows
Banff National Park
![Healy Pass](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CAN-AB-Banff-Snowshoe-Healy-Pass-1940x480.jpg)
Healy Pass
Banff National Park
![Healy Pass](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Banff-Healy-Pass-1920x480.jpg)
Healy Pass
Around Banff
![Sunshine Meadows Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Banff-Sunshine-Meadows-1920x480.jpg)
Sunshine Meadows Hike
Around Banff
![Citadel Pass](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Banff-Citadel-Pass-1920x480.jpg)
Citadel Pass
Around Banff
![Twin Cairns and Monarch Viewpoint](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CAN-AB-Banff-Twin-Cairns-1920x480.jpg)
Twin Cairns and Monarch Viewpoint
Around Banff