Hikes/Canada/British Columbia/West Kootenays

Difficulty

Moderate

Elevation

349 m

Distance

6.2 km

Duration

2-3h

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Panther Lake Trail

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Route description
Getting there
Route information
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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.

Route Description for Panther Lake Trail

Although a treacherous drive into the trailhead, the Panther Lake Trail itself isn’t nearly so difficult. From the trailhead, the route will take you a bit further up the road before breaking off on a trail marked by route flags through the forest. You will soon cross over Panther Creek and continue through a beautiful forest of hemlock trees. After 1.6 km of hiking, you will again cross over Panther creek, this time with a few small waterfalls below, before continuing through the forest. Eventually, you will arrive at the picturesque edge of Panther Lake, complete with a campsite and the majestic Three Sisters Peak in front of you across the calm water. After exploring the area and taking in the sights, head back down the same route to return to the trailhead.

Getting to the Panther Lake Trail Trailhead

To get to the Panther Lake trailhead from Airport Road in Salmo, make a turn onto Sheep Creek Forest Service Road and reset your odometer, keeping straight through the main junctions along the road. Once you hit the 10.0 km mark, keep left at the junction. When you get to the 14.0 km mark, you should park and continue on foot if you have a 2WD vehicle. If you have a 4x4 vehicle, keep left and continue over the waterbars. At 15.0 km, keep right and cross the bridge, continuing for another 0.7 km. From here, continue on foot for 0.3 km to reach the trailhead.

Route Information

When to do:
June-October
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Low
Route Type:
Out and back