Hikes in Mount Revelstoke National Park
Although Mount Revelstoke National Park is only 260km², its network of trails is fairly extensive and provides a great vantage point over the beautiful backcountry of the Columbia Mountains, as well as the picturesque Columbia River Valley. Due to the small size of the park, this guide to hiking in Mount Revelstoke National Park has been expanded to include trails in and around the city of Revelstoke, creating even more opportunity to get out and explore the outdoors.
Established in 1914 as a national park under the initiative of local residents, Mount Revelstoke has gradually evolved over time. From the creation of its first summit trail in 1910 to the installation of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway that was completed in 1927 and all of the infrastructure and skiing improvements that have since followed, the park has become an amazing jumping off point for a number of activities in the area. With easy access to the top of the mountain and a network of trails that spread throughout the backcountry, Mount Revelstoke National Park is one of the most accessible parks of those along the Canadian Pacific Railway corridor, offering countless opportunities to explore the scenic terrain of the area.
The 10 Greatest Hikes In Mount Revelstoke National Park
The stunning mountain terrain and lush valley floor of the Revelstoke area make it the perfect place to get out and explore some truly breathtaking settings. Some highlights of the area include hiking up the steep trails along the slopes of Mount Revelstoke itself, trekking through gorgeous alpine valleys, exploring dense forests of ancient cedar and hemlock trees, and taking on challenging summits that will test your skill and endurance in order to reach picturesque viewpoints. Whether you are a beginner hiker looking for an easy walk near the edge of the city or a seasoned adventurer aiming to bag a new peak, the varied landscape and relatively easy access to a large number of trails means that you are sure to find a hiking route that perfectly matches your needs and level of experience. We’ve put together an amazing list of hikes in Mount Revelstoke National Park to take some of the guesswork out of planning your next adventure. Check them out here:
- Mount Begbie Trail: This hike is a tough adventure just south of Revelstoke that will see you climb sharply uphill to reach a campsite. This scenic location offers amazing views overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains, really painting a picture of the natural beauty of the area.
- Begbie Falls: The Begbie Falls hike follows a heavily forested trail that will take you along the winding banks of Begbie Creek to a beautiful waterfall. This route is perfectly suited for hikers of almost any skill level, as it features easy to navigate trails with little elevation gain and the added bonus of being able to spend some time at the beach.
- Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail: This hike may be short, but it is an educational experience that will allow you to get up close and personal with some mammoth cedar trees, while learning about the local plant and animal life from a series of informative signs. This is a great adventure for families with kids.
- Skunk Cabbage Trail: The Skunk Cabbage name is more pleasant than the name would suggest, as it traverses a boardwalk through a scenic stretch of wetland terrain. Here, you can learn about the local plant life from a number of educational signs, making for a fun and informative excursion that the entire family will love.
- Eva Lake Trail: This lengthy trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park will take you into the backcountry to visit a series of scenic lakes. While out on the trail, you will experience some amazing views of the surrounding Columbia Mountains, as you traverse the rugged terrain that characterizes this part of the park. Camping next to the lake is also an option if you are looking to spend the night in the mountains.
- Broken Bridge Trail: Hiking this short trail will see you traverse the forested slopes of a mountain to visit the site of a charming waterfall. Located next to an old broken bridge, the waterfall and surrounding terrain create a magical atmosphere within the forest that will make every hiker in your party feel like an experienced adventurer.
- Boulder Mountain Lookout: This quick, forested route may not seem like it would produce any spectacular views based on the dense cover of the forest; however, the route opens up onto a rocky bluff where you will have an awesome sightline towards Mount Mackenzie. This is a fantastic route that the whole family is sure to love.
- Jade Lakes Trail: The Jade Lakes Trail is a lengthy out-and-back route that will take you from the summit of Mount Revelstoke to a picturesque lakeside setting. This hike is as much about the journey as it is the destination, as you will pass through a variety of terrain that includes beautiful forests and stunning alpine meadows.
- Summit Trail: This hiking route is a difficult adventure that will lead you all the way up the slopes of Mount Revelstoke to reach the summit. While out on the trail, you will pass through lovely forests, peaceful meadows, and experience stunning views overlooking the valley and nearby mountains from the summit viewpoint.
- Mount MacPherson: The Mount MacPherson Trail is another challenging adventure that will see you climb several false summits before arriving at a summit viewpoint overlooking the valley. This hike should only be attempted by experienced hikers due to the technical nature of the trail; however, the views from the top of the trail are something that you won’t want to miss.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park?
With easy access to the summit of Mount Revelstoke via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, hiking in at least a small portion of the park can be done year-round. For those that are looking for more of a full experience rather than a quick walk at the summit, the best time of year to explore the backcountry trails in and around Mount Revelstoke National Park is in the June to October window. This should be sufficient enough for the majority of the snow on the trails to melt, allowing you to safely explore the peaks and alpine meadows that characterize the landscape.
Other Outdoor Activities in Mount Revelstoke National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park and the area surrounding the city offer access to more than just amazing hiking trails. The area also features a number of other activities including mountain biking, fishing, paragliding, and mountaineering. While ski jumping made a name for itself in Revelstoke with help from a number of adventurous Norwegian settlers in the area, these activities have since ceased on the mountain; however, anyone looking to downhill ski can do so at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort just south of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Revelstoke National Park
What is Mount Revelstoke National Park Known For?
Mount Revelstoke National Park is known for its easy access to the summit viewpoint via the Meadows in the Sky Parkway and its breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountain ranges and alpine meadows that are blanketed in wildflowers during the summer months.
What animals live in Mount Revelstoke National Park?
Mount Revelstoke National Park is home to a wide range of animal species, including black bears, grizzly bears, caribou, wolverines, mountain goats, moose, and many many others.
What mountain range does Mount Revelstoke belong to?
Mount Revelstoke can be found in the Selkirk Mountains, a sub-range of the Columbia Mountains that spread throughout this area and include the neighbouring Purcell, Cariboo, and Monashee ranges.
Best Hikes in Mount Revelstoke National Park
Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail
The Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail is a short but awesome hiking loop in Mount Revelstoke National Park that will allow hikers to walk amongst massive ancient cedar trees. Along the route you will also find interpretive signs that provide information on the local flora and fauna. This is an exciting trail for families with young children to explore the beautiful rainforest landscape or as a quick pit stop to stretch your legs while driving.
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Skunk Cabbage Trail
Hiking along the Skunk Cabbage Trail in Mount Revelstoke National Park is a short but fun experience that the entire family will be sure to love. The trail traverses some flat terrain and a boardwalk through a lush wetland area that is brimming with different types of local vegetation. Make sure to spend some time reading the informative signs that can be found along the length of the trail.
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Begbie Falls
Begbie Falls is a densely forested 5.0 km hiking route near Revelstoke, BC that traverses the woodland landscape alongside the winding waters of Begbie Creek to arrive at a scenic waterfall. With a well-maintained and easy-to-follow trail and small changes in elevation, this route is a great option for hikers of most skill levels. Remember to pack your swimwear and spend the afternoon hanging by the beach at the Begbie Falls Recreation Site.
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Mount Begbie Trail
The Mount Begbie Trail is a challenging out-and-back hiking route that can be found just south of Revelstoke, BC within the Begbie Lake Recreation site. The trail initially climbs very steeply uphill and levels out somewhat once you reach the camp. Here, hikers will have amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below, allowing you to fully appreciate the Revelstoke area's natural beauty.
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Summit Trail
The Summit Trail is a challenging 19.2 km out-and-back hiking route in Mount Revelstoke National Park that climbs uphill through a mixed terrain of forest and meadow to reach the summit of Mount Revelstoke. Along the trail, you will experience the natural beauty of the alpine landscape, as you hike through scenic stretches of forest and meadows blanketed in wildflowers. From the summit, hikers will have a commanding view of the valley and surrounding mountains.
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Jade Lakes Trail
The Jade Lakes Trail is a 20.1 km out-and-back hiking route that sets out from the summit of Mount Revelstoke and heads into the backcountry to visit the tranquil waters of the Jade Lakes. The route traverses a variety of terrain including forested paths and alpine meadows before climbing a ridge to reach the lakes. If you are looking to turn your hike into a multi-day trip, you can also plan to camp at the Jade Lakes Campsite for a fun night up in the mountains.
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Broken Bridge Trail
Hiking along the Broken Bridge Trail is a quick adventure in Mount Revelstoke National Park that will take you through the dense forests along the slopes of the mountain to visit a scenic waterfall at the site of an old broken bridge. Along the trail, you will be able to take in the tranquil forest atmosphere and catch glimpses of nearby mountains through the tree cover. This is an exciting, family-friendly experience that will be sure to make everyone feel like a seasoned adventurer.
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Heather Lake Loop
The Heather Lake Loop is a 0.4 km hiking trail at the summit of Mount Revelstoke that travels around the scenic shores of this small lake. Made up of extremely flat terrain, this trail is easily accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Along the short route, you will have some nice views over the water and a backdrop of mountains that make up the rugged landscape of the park.
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23 Connector Trail
The 23 Connector Trail is a short 1.4 km out-and-back hiking route in Mount Revelstoke National Park that descends along a forested trail to reach the base of the mountain, before climbing back up to the trailhead. This is a multi-use route that is primarily used by hikers and mountain bikers, so keep an eye out for anyone passing by. Along the trail, you will experience scenic forest views and the occasional glimpse across the valley.
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Eagle Knoll Trail
The Eagle Knoll Trail is a 2.0 km out-and-back hiking route in Mount Revelstoke National Park that provides scenic views overlooking the city and Lake Revelstoke. This is an easy-going trail with relatively flat terrain, making for a fun hike that people of almost every skill level will be able to enjoy. Hikers looking for a longer journey can take some time exploring other short trails atop the mountain in order to gain a better appreciation for the beauty of the park.
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Eva Lake Trail
The Eva Lake Trail is a 15.0 km out-and-back hiking route in Mount Revelstoke National Park that sets out from the summit and travels into the backcountry to first visit Miller Lake before continuing on to Eva Lake. Along the trail, you will experience scenic views of the mountain peaks that blanket the landscape and take in the natural beauty of the two picturesque mountain-top lakes. Hikers can also camp overnight at the Eva Lake Campsite if they would like to complete the trail as a multi-day hike.
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Upper Summit Trail
The Upper Summit Trail is a 3.1 km out-and-back hiking route in Mount Revelstoke National Park that leads up to several vantage points atop the mountain and provides amazing views over the surrounding scenery. The trail passes through pleasant stretches of forest and meadow before arriving at the area around Heather Lake. If you would like to hike the trail when it is a little less busy, try getting to the trailhead early to beat the crowds or on a weekday if you can find the spare time.
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Mount McCrae Lake Trail
The Mount McCrae Lake Trail is a 6.8 km out-and-back hiking route that can be found to the southeast of Revelstoke and traverses a variety of terrain on the way to the subalpine lake. Known as one of the best high-altitude hiking spots in the region, you can be sure that this trek into the alpine terrain will be full of spectacular highlights. Experience hiking through beautiful meadows full of wildflowers and take in the sights of rocky mountain peaks along this moderately difficult trail.
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Mount MacPherson
The trek up Mount MacPherson is a challenging 15.8 km hiking route that will see you traverse exposed sections of trail and climb up false summits to reach the peak overlooking the Revelstoke area. Due to the technical nature of the upper portion of the trail, this route should only be attempted by experienced hikers. From the summit, you will have amazing views to the east overlooking Mount Revelstoke National Park and Upper Arrow Lake, as well as the mountainous landscape to the north and west.
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Mount Cartier Peak Trail
The Mount Cartier Peak Trail is a challenging 28.8 km out-and-back hiking route near Revelstoke, BC, that climbs a series of steep switchbacks through the forest to reach the summit. Due to the length, difficulty, and technical nature of the route, it should only be attempted by seasoned hikers. Those that are able to make it to the summit will be rewarded with amazing views that stretch out across the rugged mountainous landscape.
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Boulder Mountain Lookout
The Boulder Mountain Lookout is a quick 2.4 km out-and-back hiking route in Revelstoke that leads up to a vantage point overlooking the city. While the route is largely forested, it does break out onto a rocky outcrop to provide awesome views of the surrounding area, including the majestic Mount Mackenzie. This is a great family hike that is fairly easy but offers a big wow-factor.
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First Footsteps Trail
The First Footsteps Trail is a quick 0.8 km hiking route atop Mount Revelstoke that will allow hikers to get a taste of the natural beauty of the park. Along the trail, you will walk through a beautiful meadow and see rugged mountain peaks off in the distance. This is a perfect family-friendly hike to get acquainted with the park.
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Inspiration Woods Trail
The Inspiration Woods Trail is a quick 3.1 km lollipop hiking route along the lower slopes of Mount Revelstoke that takes hikers through a lovely stretch of forest. Hiking through the woodland terrain, you will experience all types of terrain including dirt paths, rocky/root-covered trail and bridge crossing. Keep an eye out for geocaches, as there are several along the trail.
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Sorenson Trail Loop
The Sorenson Trail Loop is a 5.1 km hiking route through Mount Revelstoke National Park that passes through a beautiful forest setting with several small waterfalls. The trail can be found along the lower slopes of the mountain and passes between the Meadows to the Sky Highway. This is a fairly easy trail that can be used by hikers of most skill levels.
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Flowdown Trail
The Flowdown Trail is an 11.3 km multi-use trail near Revelstoke, BC, that is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. The route climbs through the forests of the Mount MacPherson Cross Country Trails Recreation Site along paths made up of packed earth and boardwalk. Keep an eye out for mountain bikes, as the trail is part of a dense network of routes in the area.