Hikes in West Kootenays

The McPhee Waterfalls Hike is a 5.6 km out-and-back hiking route near Castlegar, BC, that will take you along the edge of the Kootenay River to reach a stunning, moss-covered waterfall. Along the trail, you can expect to pass through beautiful stretches of forest and experience scenic views that stretch across the valley. Make sure to travel in groups and bring bear spray, as cougars are sometimes seen along the trail.

The hike to Brilliant Overlook is a 6.0 km out-and-back trail in Castlegar, BC, that works through the forest and climbs uphill to a spectacular viewpoint with views over the city and the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers. Along the trail, hikers will experience a beautiful forest setting, as well as some more exposed sections of rocky terrain on the way to the lookout. Make sure to travel in groups, make lots of noise, and bring bear spray, as cougars are sometimes seen in the area.

The Merry Loop Trail is a 14.0 km circuit hiking route that utilizes a multi-use trail through a beautiful stretch of forest. Along the trail, hikers will experience a charming forest setting and scenic views overlooking the city of Castlegar. As this trail is also used by mountain bike enthusiasts, make sure to keep an eye out for them while on your hike and leave enough space for them to safely pass along the trail.

The Merry Creek Trail is a 4.5 km lollipop hiking route in Castlegar, BC that passes through a picturesque forest setting and follows closely alongside the rushing waters of Merry Creek. Along the trail, hikers will have some scenic views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains and experience the natural beauty of the woodland landscape in this area. Made up of shady forested paths and wooden boardwalks, this is a family-friendly trail that can be enjoyed by hikers of all skill levels.

The hike up Mount Roberts follows a rugged 7.4 km out-and-back trail that will take you up the mountain for some spectacular sweeping views across the Rossland Mountain Range. The trail climbs uphill through the forest before breaking out into more steep, rocky, and technical terrain on the approach to the summit. Make sure to bring plenty of water in the summer months, as the upper portions of the trail are fairly exposed.

The Christina Lake Hike is a 22.7 km out-and-back route that sets out from the Texas Creek Campground and travels along the eastern shore of the lake to its northernmost point. Along the trail, you will hike through beautifully scenic forests and experience views that stretch across the picturesque waters of the lake and surrounding mountains. Make sure to bring bear spray and make plenty of noise along the trail, as bears are often spotted in the area.

Thanksgiving Mountain is a quick 3.4 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you up to the summit for some amazing mountain views. A popular destination with locals around the Thanksgiving holiday season, this trail is a relatively easy way to bag a peak and cash in on the beautiful scenery that comes with it. This trail will require some basic route finding skills near the top.

The Sphinx Mountain Trail is a 9.5 km out-and-back hiking route that climbs steeply uphill to reach the saddle of the mountain, where you will experience amazing views of the surrounding landscape. Along the hike you can expect a gruelling climb that will leave you exhausted but rewarded by the amazing views at the end. Note that this trail ends in the saddle of Sphinx Mountain; however, experienced hikers can continue on to either the east or west summit.

The Mill Lake Trail is an 8.8 km out-and-back hiking route near Nelson, BC, that takes you through a recovering section of forest that was ravaged by a fire in 2017 to the tranquil shores of a beautiful woodland lake. Along the hike, you will experience a beautiful but slightly eerie sensation as you make your way through the toasted trees that are showing signs of new life. A new access road to the trailhead has made the hike a manageable day trip; however, it is still fairly rough, so you will likely need a high clearance vehicle to make the journey in.

The Panther Lake Trail is a 6.2 km out-and-back hiking route near Salmo, BC, that will allow you to experience breathtaking scenery and gorgeous forests. The trail climbs uphill through amazing forests of hemlock before breaking into the subalpine for awesome views of the surrounding peaks. Make sure to complete the rugged drive in with a 4x4 vehicle; otherwise, you will need to walk the final 2.0 km.

The Emerald Lake Trail is an 8.8 km out-and-back hiking route near Kaslo, BC, that will take you through beautiful forests and over a rugged ridgeline to reach the charming, crystal-clear waters of Emerald Lake. The trail is a beautifully scenic route that also passes by several historic mining sites, making it a fun experience for nature lovers and historians alike. Ensure that you are either confident in your 2WD driving abilities, or make the rough trip in with a 4x4 vehicle to reach the trailhead.

The Saddle Mountain Lookout trail is an 8.5 km out-and-back hiking route that will take you up to a scenic vantage point with 360° panoramic views. Making your way to the summit looks near impossible from the bottom of the trail; however, the climb is much easier than you think and loops around the backside of the peak to provide amazing views overlooking Upper Arrow Lake and the surrounding mountains. Pair this with an overnight stay atop the mountain for some breathtaking views at sunrise.