Hikes/Canada/British Columbia/West Kootenays

Share your favourite pictures from this trail

Mel DeAnna Trail Loop Route Guide

Name: Mel DeAnna Trail Loop
Rating: 10

Difficulty

Easy

Elevation

112 m

Distance

5.3 km

Duration

1-1.5h

User Ratings

10.0 (1 reviews)

Physical DIFF

Technical DIFF

Directions to Trailhead

Google Maps

Apple Maps

See Map

Measurement:

Table of contents

Route description
Getting there
Route information
Elevation graph
Weather forecast
Reviews

The Mel DeAnna Trail Loop is a 5.3 km 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.

Route Description for Mel DeAnna Trail Loop

If you are looking to experience a fun nature trail with interpretive signs, then the Mel DeAnna Trail Loop is a perfect option to explore the natural beauty of the southern British Columbia landscape. Due to the proximity to water, you might want to bring bug spray along for this hike. The route sets out from the parking area and traverses a rocky stretch of trail and some stairs through the forest on the way to the edge of a small woodland lake. As you work your way around the marshy lake, you can stop to learn about the local flora and fauna from a series of interpretive signs that dot the trail. Continue on around the water’s edge and relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the moss-covered forest. Eventually, you will arrive back at the trail that led you to the loop, which you can take to return to your vehicle.

Getting to the Mel DeAnna Trail Loop Trailhead

To get to the Mel DeAnna Trail Loop from Castlegar, head south on Columbia Avenue for 2.6 km and make a left to merge onto BC-3. After 7.2 km, turn right to enter the parking area.

Route Information for Mel DeAnna Trail Loop

When to do:
May-October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Lollipop

Mel DeAnna Trail Loop Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Reviews for Mel DeAnna Trail Loop

10.0

1 reviews

Write a review

You must be logged in to post a comment.

theStationaryNomadMay 2023

This is a really accessible hike that you can do all year, although you''ll want snowshoes in the winter. There is a variety of terrain, and while you won''t find any steep inclines, there is enough ups and downs to keep things interesting. The cave is a highlight, especially if you go with kids. I made a little video of the fun my kids, dog and I had in April https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9OCrfe6_is&list=PL4nFKK-5JRhyuZPM4Esp0DWCIRFN8qx5b

Overall Rating: 10
Trip Length: 90:00
Technical Difficulty: Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical Difficulty: Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.

Last Updated: August 17, 2026