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Hiking

Discover waterfront walkways & alpine switchbacks. This is a true hiking destination.

The region is a hiker’s paradise, with excursions for families to unstoppable backcountry adventurers. Find mellow strolls on valley bottom rail trails, scenic views on waterfront paths, multi-day hikes or high alpine backcountry expeditions. There are hikes to suit any level of adventure.

Looking to hire a guide?

Book a summer lodge trip at Valhalla Mountain Touring, Valkyr Adventures, Sol Mountain Lodge or Ice Creek Lodge.

From curated guided and catered adventures, climbing excursions, yoga retreats, family trips, women’s specific hiking or running retreats to lodge rental with or without guiding and catering – these operators have it all.

Trails around Nakusp

Hot Springs Trail – This easy/moderate 8.5 km hiking trail meanders along the Kuskanax Creek from just outside of Nakusp, up the valley to the Nakusp Hot Springs. The trail crosses the impressive, covered Kuskanax Creek foot bridge just a short walk from the hot springs.

Vicky’s View – An easy to access and spectacular viewpoint close to town. Vicky’s View is reached via the Kuskanax Mountain Road. A short walk through the forest is rewarded with awesome views of Nakusp, Monashee and Valhalla Ranges, as well as Upper Arrow lake.

Kuskanax Mountain Trail – This hike to a summit offers spectacular 360° views of the surrounding mountain ranges. There are two options for hiking to the summit, one moderate (2.4 km) and one challenging (4.4 km).

Cedar Grove Trail – A gentle half kilometer loop through a stand of majestic old growth Western Red Cedar trees.

Kimbol Lake Trail – Cross the impressive, covered Kuskanax Creek wooden footbridge just a short walk from the hot springs and continue through cedar and hemlock forests along the southern slope of the Kuskanax Creek valley to the sub alpine lake. The easy/moderate hiking trail is 4 km each direction.

Box Lake Trail – The easy 1.3 km loop provides a gentle walk through a second growth cedar/hemlock forest typical of most valleys in this area.

Saddle Mountain Trail – The moderate hiking trail ascends 5.3 km to a rocky knob on Saddle Mountain that sits above the tree line. The peak was chosen as a Forest Service fire lookout because of the panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Nakusp & Slocan Rail Trail – Follow the old rail line 46 km from the Village of Nakusp to Summit Lake.

More information on trails around Nakusp and to download the Nakusp Trail Society’s Map.

For more trail information and options check Trailforks or All Trails.


Valhalla Mountain Touring gets hikers up into the alpine during their summer hiking retreats.
Valhalla Mountain Touring has endless hiking from their lodge doors.

Trails around the Slocan Valley

Idaho Peak – This hiking trail is a favourite in July and August because of the spectacular alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. From the parking lot it is a 2 km hike to the summit. The 12 km road to the parking lot is currently washed out and a repair date is unknown. To access the trail, hike up the 8.6 km Wakefield trail that starts at 4 Mile Creek Rd near Silverton.

Galena Trail – The Galena Trail is a 13 km section of old CPR rail line that runs from Rosebery to Three Forks. It makes for excellent hiking and mountain biking. Carpenter Creek can be crossed at the old Alamo mine site by a small cable car.

Old Sandon Road Trail – The historic trail runs along the south side of the Carpenter Creek eventually meeting Galena Trail in Three Forks. From here, connection to the K&S Rail Trail will take hikers to Sandon and beyond.

Slocan Valley Rail Trail – Part of the former CPR line, this trail extends over 45 km from Slocan in the north, all the way down the Slocan Valley. This is a family friendly trail for hiking or biking multiple trailheads for access along the way.

Evans Beach – The moderate 8 km out and back hiking trail follows Slocan Lake to offer beautiful views and a multitude of swimming spots, ending at the roaring Evans Creek. This trail is exceptionally slippery when wet. Please respect Private Property at Pebble Beach.

Beatrice Lake – From Evans Beach on Slocan Lake, the hiking trail continues inland within Valhalla Provincial Park through forest, wetlands and past a chain of smaller lakes. There are several backcountry campgrounds along the way at Emerald and Cahill Lake until the trail finally ends at distant Beatrice Lake. This challenging hike is 12 km to Cahill Lake and 18 km to Beatrice.

Drinnon Pass/Gwillim Lakes/Gimli Ridge – There are numerous spectacular day hikes or backpacking trips in Valhalla Provincial Park. No shortage of lakes, tarns, wildflowers and magnificent peaks. Campsites give several options for overnighting. Be sure to get more details from BC Parks before setting out for these alpine adventures.

Wilson Creek Falls – The easy 2.4 km round trip hiking trail is reached 11.5 km up the East Wilson Creek FSR near Rosebery. Located in Goat Range Provincial Park, Wilson Creek Falls plunges 63 meters down into a rocky canyon.


Valhalla Mountain Touring. is the perfect location for summer hiking.
Valhalla Mountain Touring gets hikers up into the alpine and the clouds.

Things to Note

  • Rail Trails are multi-use – you may encounter hikers, cyclists, horses or motorized vehicles (when permitted). Horses always have the right of way, then people, then bikes, then motorized vehicles (where permitted).
  • Slocan Valley Rail Trail, Three Forks area trails and the N&S Rail Trail south of Summit Lake are non-motorized traffic only.
  • Please respect our natural environment and keep it pristine. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
  • Leave to manage potential wildlife encounters through Adventure Smart.

Other Resources

  • West Kootenay Hiking – this is the best resource for hiking in the Kootenays and has up to date access information.
  • Trailforks has trail reports and access information. It is free to access on your desktop computer or mobile browser.
  • Grab a guidebook and plan your own trip. “Where the Locals Hike”, by Kathy and Craig Copeland is the go-to hiking guide.
  • Pick up a copy of the Kootenay Backroads map to find FSR/access information and backcountry camping locations. Available at most Visitor Centres.
  • Connect with the Kootenay Mountaineering Club

Trail Access

  • Access is rarely (if ever) from a paved road. Backroads can be quite rough and 4×4 is most often required.
  • In mountainous terrain, right-of-way goes to the vehicle heading down-hill.
  • Some alpine access roads are only open from July to October due to snowfall.
  • Roads are prone to washouts and may have water bars scribed into them to prevent washouts and erosion.
  • Trail conditions and access can vary. For the latest trail report, check online (see resources above), with Visitor Centres or local outdoor shops and groups before heading out on a hiking trip.

Hiking with your Dog

  • Dogs are not permitted in Valhalla Provincial Park backcountry. In other provincial parks, and in the Slocan Lake waterfront locations of Valhalla Provincial park, dogs are permitted when on a leash. These restrictions are in place to ensure your safety, the safety of your pet, and the ecology of our pristine environment.
  • If you need to take your dog hiking with you, do so only in areas where dogs are permitted, keep them on a leash and pack out their poop to stop disease transmission to wildlife.

Outdoor Supplies

Silverton Building Supplies has everything from camping and fishing equipment to BBQ supplies such as ice, propane, snacks and beverages.
Phone: 250-358-2293

Valhalla Pure Outfitters is open seasonally in summer to offer camping, hiking, paddling and other outdoor clothing and gear.
Phone: 250-358-7755