Hikes in West Kootenays
The best hikes in the West Kootenays take you to some pretty epic scenery, and this pretty region of the B.C. interior is sure to grow in popularity in the coming years. The West Kootenays include places like Nelson, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park and more great places to hike.
THE TOP WEST KOOTENAY HIKES
The top hikes in the West Kootenays offer great variety, from remote backcountry wilderness to family-friendly routes right from Nelson. The stunning country in the West Kootenays provides a backdrop of forest, flower filled meadows, and stunning peaks, not to mention a large amount of wildlife (particularly bears!)
- Macbeth Glacier/Icefield (13.9 km, 1,343 m, 7-9h): This is the best challenging hike in the West Kootenays. Hike through an enormous variety of terrains until you reach the epic Macbeth Glacier towering above you. Rarely visited by tourists, this is as beautiful a hike as you will find in the West Kootenays.
- Mount Loki (11.1 km, 1,166 m, 6.5-8h): Mount Loki is another exceptional hike in the West Kootenays. Mount Loki is best attempted in the height of summer, when it is snow-free. From the summit it feels like you are on top of the world, with the West Kootenays stretching out below you.
- Jumbo Pass (12.0 km, 942 m, 5-7h): The hike to Jumbo Pass is stunning. This is a pretty famous hike thanks to Patagonia’s Jumbo Valley documentary and the indigenous history of the Northern Purcell Range. Here is one of the last remaining wild mountain ranges in B.C. This hike takes you through a stunning valley full of glaciers, meadows and mountain peaks. It is an extremely beautiful place for a hike.
- Whitewater Canyon (12.0 km, 836 m, 5-6.5h): Another classic West Kootenay hike is situated along the inside of Whitewater Canyon. Here you walk through a deep Selkirk valley, up through the meadows and finally reaching alpine lakes. This is a beautiful hike to do during wildflower season in July, or in fall (mid September).
- Gwillim Lakes (11.3 km, 693 m, 5-6.5h): This is a beautiful West Kootenay alpine hike, and is popular thanks to the backcountry campsite located here. Passing by many impressive lakes cradled by mountain peaks the whole way up, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Valhallas.
- Gimli Ridge (7.3 km, 694 m, 4-5.5h): Gimli Peak and Ridge is one of the shorter hikes in the Valhallas and has beautiful views throughout. This hike has stunning views of Mulvey Basin, a chance to explore the old forest, enjoy the view of Gimli Peak and bump into a Mountain Goat (or two!).
- Kokanee Glacier (16.8 km, 614 m, 4.5-6h): Hiking to Kokanee Glacier is another classic hike in the West Kootenays. This hike is a beautiful way to explore the wilderness, not too far from the towns of Nelson or Kaslo. Enjoy a swim in the cool Kokanee Lake, the pretty views down valley and wide open meadows filled with marmots.
- Idaho Peak (3.4 km, 276 m, 2-3h): Idaho Peak is a popular West Kootenay hike to do with kids. Enjoy this relatively easy walk along the ridgeline to an old fire lookout. From the top you are rewarded with exceptional views of Slocan Lake and panoramic mountain ranges – you can see as far as Kokanee Glacier just outside of Nelson.
- Fry Creek Canyon (8.3 km, 414 m, 3-5h): Fry Creek Canyon is a great shoulder season hike in the West Kootenays. This trail goes through the forest, ending where Fry Creek pours into Kootenay Lake. The canyon itself is impressive and can be followed for as long as you like.
- Pulpit Rock and Flagpole (5.4 km, 648 m, 1-3h): Pulpit Rock and Flagpole is an easy hike when staying in Nelson. This is a popular hike for a workout or family trip.
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Macbeth Icefield
The Macbeth Icefield hike in the West Kootenays, is the best hike for those who are after a challenging day trip. You will venture through marsh land, forest, staircases, ridgelines and rock until you reach the epic Macbeth Icefield towering above you. Enjoy a narrow waterfall that can be seen for the last few hours of the hike. Rarely visited by tourists, it is a serene and peaceful place to view the vastness of the surrounding wilderness and immerse yourself among locals who have hiked this route for many years.
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Mount Loki
The Mount Loki hike is a classic West Kootenay Hike. Mount Loki is the highest peak seen from many points along the highway between Nelson and Kaslo, and it towers above its neighbouring mountain tops. Snow covered for most of the year, Mount Loki is conquered only in the height of summer and rewards hikers with unbelievable 360 degree views, far removed from the small towns you came from. From up here, Kootenay Lake is barely noticeable, it feels like you are on top of the world.
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Jumbo Pass and Horseshoe Glacier
The Jumbo Pass hike is spectacular. Jumbo Pass, famous from Patagonia’s Jumbo Valley documentary and the indigenous history of the Northern Purcell Range, is one of the last remaining wild mountain ranges in B.C. On the hike to Jumbo Pass you can expect to see a stunning valley full of glaciers, meadows and mountain peaks. It is an extremely beautiful place to hike.
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Whitewater Canyon
The Whitewater Canyon hike take you along the inside of the canyon wall, through a deep Selkirk valley, up through the meadows and finally reaching the alpine lakes. Grizzly bears are frequently spotted on the other side of the canyon and this is a beautiful hike to do during wildflower season in July. The lakes at the top of Whitewater Canyon are turquoise blue and green and you can often see ice caps even in the height of summer.
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Gwillim Lakes
The Gwillim Lakes Hike is a beautiful hike with a large backcountry campsite located at the top. You can also hike past Gwillim Lakes and explore Lucifer Pass over a full weekend. Passing by many impressive lakes cradled by mountain peaks the whole way up, mirrored pools and flowers a plenty, the Gwillim Lakes hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Valhallas.
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Gimli Ridge
The Gimli Ridge hike is one of the shorter hikes in the Valhallas, but has beautiful views throughout. With stunning views of Mulvey Basin and a chance to explore the old forest, enjoy the view of Gimli Peak and you just may bump into a Mountain Goat (or two!). The Gimli Ridge hike is a hike not to be missed.
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Kokanee Glacier Cabin
The Kokanee Glacier Cabin hike is a stunning hike in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Starting at Gibson Lake, the hike to Kokanee Glacier Cabin is a beautiful way to explore the wilderness, not too far from the towns of Nelson or Kaslo.
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Idaho Peak
Important Notice: The road leading to Idaho Peak trailhead is currently washed out by a mudslide and might take a long time to repair. Please check here for the up to date information.
The Idaho Peak hike is a relatively quick and easy walk along the ridgeline, through colourful wildflowers to an old fire lookout on the top of Idaho Peak. This classic local hike is not one to be missed! From the top of Idaho Peak you are rewarded with exceptional views of Slocan Lake and panoramic mountain ranges – you can see as far as Kokanee Glacier just outside of Nelson.
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Fry Creek Canyon
The Fry Creek Canyon hike is a great shoulder season hike through the impressive Fry Creek Canyon. The canyon itself is impressive and can be followed for as long as you like, although it was partly washed out in 2018. There are plenty of options to explore the beaches, forest and canyon on this hike and head off trail.
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Pulpit Rock & the Flagpole
The Pulpit Rock hike, and the optional extension to the Flagpole, is a great hike when staying in Nelson. Getting to Pulpit Rock is an easy hike, however, the extra elevation to get to the Flagpole make this an intermediate hike. Pulpit rock offers a beautiful panoramic view of the town of Nelson and west arm of Kootenay Lake. If you make the extra trip to Flagpole you can see down the river towards Castlegar. Perfect for an afternoon trip all year round!
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Plaid Lake and Mt Crawford
Plaid Lake is a beautiful hike with an optional extension to summit Mount Crawford for spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The elevation gain is the most challenging part of this hike as you ascend and descend twice to enter the lake. Mount Crawford is close to as high as Mount Loki and overlooks Loki and many other peaks in this area. On the way up, the ridgeline unveils glimpses of Kootenay Lake cloaking the land below.
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Mel DeAnna Trail Loop
The Mel DeAnna Trail Loop is a 3.3mi hiking route near Castlegar, BC, that loops through the forest to visit the shores of a marshy woodland lake. The trail features interpretive signs that provide information on the surrounding area, as well as a good variety of terrain that includes forested paths, rocky sections of trail, stairs, and wet areas of marsh around the lake. This family-friendly trail is suitable for hikers of almost every skill level and the interesting terrain will make it feel like a full-on adventure for anyone travelling with kids.
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Gibson Lake Loop Hike
The Gibson Lake Loop Hike is a short 1.2mi hiking route in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park that travels around the peaceful shores of Gibson Lake and offers a scenic backdrop of rugged mountains. As the main access point for the park, this trail can become fairly busy, especially in the summer months, so make sure to arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the trail. The short distance and level terrain make this a great family-friendly route where you can explore the beauty of the park.
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Halfway Hot Springs Hike
The trail to the Halfway Hot Springs is a short 1.0mi hiking route that descends through the forest to arrive at several relaxing thermal springs. While the trail isn’t long or overly difficult, it does feature a long series of stairs and a few steep sections of trail on the descent to the springs, which will restrict mobility for some hikers. If you are not planning to camp overnight and simply want to visit the hot springs, make sure to arrive early in order to beat the crowds.
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Pulpit Rock Hike
Pulpit Rock is a 2.2mi out-and-back hiking route in Nelson, BC that climbs uphill through a serene forest of pine trees to reach a rocky bluff overlooking the city. Along the trail, you will be able to experience the peaceful forest setting and climb up a series of switchbacks before enjoying the sweeping views across the water, city, and surrounding mountains. This is a popular lookout, and parking is limited, so make sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.
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Kokanee Lake
The hike to Kokanee Lake is a 6.3mi out-and-back route in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park that will take you from the shores of Gibson Lake into the backcountry to visit the pristine waters of Kokanee Lake. This trail features a good variation in terrain that is made up of beautiful forested trails and scenic subalpine landscape. This is a perfect moderate hike for those looking to begin exploring the natural beauty of the park.
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Big White Mountain Peak Trail
The Big White Mountain Peak Trail is a 1.4mi out-and-back hiking route that will take you up to the summit of the mountain for some spectacular views overlooking Rhonda Lake and the Big White Mountain Ecological Reserve. Due to the fairly easy terrain and short distance of this hike, this is a great option for families looking to get out into the mountains and experience the trails with young children. This hike is only accessible during the summer months when the resort is not being used for skiing.
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Pilot Bay Lighthouse Trail
The Pilot Bay Lighthouse Trail is a 0.4mi out-and-back hiking route in Pilot Bay Provincial Park that will briefly take you uphill to visit an historic lighthouse that was built in 1904. Along the hike you will be surrounded by a beautiful forest setting and have views stretching out over Kootenay Lake. This is a short family-friendly hike that is also suitable for those with historical interests.
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Arrow Mountain
The Arrow Mountain trail is a 8.3mi out-and-back hiking route in Creston, BC, that will take you on a steep route through the forest to the summit of the mountain. Although there aren’t any real views from the summit, hikers will be able to experience some nice views across the valley at different points along the trail. This is a steep hiking route, so remember to bring proper hiking footwear and plenty of water.
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Thompson Rim Trail
The Thompson Rim Trail is a 4.4mi out-and-back hiking route near Creston, BC, that will take you up a ridgeline to the summit of Mount Thompson for some scenic views over the Creston Valley and the neighbouring U.S. state of Idaho. Along the trail, you will experience a variety of terrain, including beautiful stretches of forest and exposed rocky sections on the way to the summit. Bring plenty of water, as there are few sources along the route.
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