The Kootenays is home to numerous groves of ancient, old-growth trees. These invaluable forests, typically exceeding 500 years in age, offer unparalleled hiking and biking experiences. The rich biodiversity includes an assortment of tree species such as cedar, hemlock, pine, fir, and spruce. These timeless wilderness locations offer a remarkable backdrop – and an opportunity to hike among giants.
When journeying in a responsible manner, it is crucial to remain on the designated trail. Avoid veering off these established paths in pursuit of an ideal photograph as it could lead to detrimental effects on conserved environments. And please kindly adhere strictly to the ‘pack-in/pack-out’ principle.
Consider these locations for your next travel adventure:
CASTLEGAR
With a smaller distribution of old-growth trees, one can still marvel at the impressive cedar giants that line the Merry Creek Recreation Area in Castlegar. Renowned as a preferred mountain biking destination, Merry Creek Valley offers a diverse range of trails catering to all skill levels. Additionally, hikers frequent the popular Merry Creek Trail, a serene path intertwining the forest stretch between the road and the creek.
CRESTON VALLEY
Ka Papa Trail is situated along the Crowsnest Highway 3 near the Kootenay Pass (a 38-km drive west of Creston). This scenic route carves its path through an ancient Cedar forest, offering an exquisite encounter with nature. Noteworthy characteristics of this trail include highly informational interpretive signs and crafted wooden seats, providing visitors with a place to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the old-growth trees – fondly referred to as ‘Ralph’s Grove’.
FERNIE
The Old-Growth Trail, beginning at the dedicated parking lot roughly 4-kilometers up the Island Lake access road, offers a captivating adventure through a forest of ancient Cedar Douglas Fir and Spruce, concluding at the scenic Island Lake Lodge, near Fernie. While, the Fir Trail commences at the Bear Lodge, meandering through the renowned old-grown forest located in the upper regions of the Cedar Valley.
GOLDEN
The Hemlock Grove Boardwalk, located in the heart of Glacier National Park (approximately 95-km west of Golden), provides an engaging, accessible pathway, for wheelchairs, through the forest, suitable for individuals of all ages. Remarkable trees, with diameters exceeding one meter and soaring heights of nearly 50-meters, dominate the landscape. Some of these natural wonders have been growing for an astounding 500-years. The preservation of Hemlock Grove Boardwalk ensures that its unique wonders remain accessible for future generations to appreciate.
NELSON KOOTENAY LAKE
Lace up your hiking boots and anticipate a robust trail, leading to a spectacular viewpoint over Kootenay Lake on the Davis Creek Trail near Lardeau. The route to ‘the bench’ will test your strength with its steep incline, but the reward is a breathtaking panorama of Kootenay Lake – indicating a successful completion of the majority of the elevation climb. What lies ahead is a less arduous path that meanders through an ancient, old-growth forest, which is estimated 400-500 years old, finishing at Fishhook Lake.
The awe-inspiring scenery located in a remote part of West Kootenay (north end of Kootenay Lake, also near Lardeau) is impressive. Discover this old growth forest, densely populated with ancient cedars and hemlocks on the John Fenger Memorial Loop. Follow the well-marked path around the loop, pausing to admire the towering old-growth cedars and learning from the posted interpretive signs. In this serene environment, it’s humbling to observe how time has seemingly stood still.
The Kokanee Creek Old Growth Trail, in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, offers an exceptional short hike in natural beauty. These ancient soaring cedars found along the trail are significant, symbolizing centuries of ecological continuity. The presence of history in this grove is truly remarkable. And the growth rings indicate some of these majestic cedars could be more than 800-years old.
It’s a beautiful passage through the Retallack Old Growth Cedars Trail, nestled near the Retallack Lodge, halfway between Kaslo and New Denver. This picturesque route meanders through an ancient cedar grove housing trees that have stood for hundreds of years. It’s a note-worthy spot to stop and explore this 30-minute hike.
REVELSTOKE
Begbie Falls, located near Revelstoke, attracts a substantial number of hiking enthusiasts. Renowned for its accompanying Inland Temperate Rainforest comprising old-growth vegetation, this area epitomizes a thriving habitat of flora and fauna. Significant contributors to this ecosystem include the old-growth trees like cedar and hemlock, which are crucial to sustaining biodiversity.
Situated 54-km west of Revelstoke on the TransCanada Highway, near Malakwa, BC, is the Eagle River Nature Trail – offers a remarkable route through an ancient old-growth stand of cottonwoods, hemlock, and cedars. The site features quaint boardwalks and bridges, complemented by over 20 interpretive signs for an educational and engaging experience.
The Enchanted Forest is a popular attraction located in the old-growth forest of the Monashee Mountains, 35-km west of Revelstoke. This unique attraction showcases an array of meticulously crafted fairy tale figures and architectural marvels, including the tallest treehouse in British Columbia. Its reputation for invoking a sense of magic and wonder is well-earned.
Located approximately 30 kilometers east of Revelstoke, the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail, in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Boasting trees that are at least 500 years old, this trail, nestled within the vicinity of the Giant Cedars Picnic area, provides an unparalleled immersion into nature’s long-standing marvels.
Experience the marvels of nature at the appropriately titled Inspiration Woods trail, situated within the boundaries of Mount Revelstoke National Park. Traverse through the dense cover of cedars, hemlocks, Douglas fir trees, and western white pines, absorbing the diverse hues of verdant greenery. The exploration journey concludes with a loop, making it convenient for visitors to return to the origin of the trail.
ROSSLAND
Experience the wonders of the Murphy Creek Trail, also recognized as the 100 Acre Wood near Rossland. This interpretive pathway takes you through a captivating old-growth forest, steeped in history and natural beauty. Compelling information signs are conveniently placed along the 1.5-km loop, offering valuable insights into the evolution and significance of this striking woodland.
In collaboration with representatives of the Sinixt, the Mxiɬp Trail, which translates to ‘Cedar’ in their indigenous dialect. Emphasizing environmental conservation, the trail’s design minimizes damage to the trees and surrounding area. They deviated from traditional trail construction methods that require excavation, instead opting to build atop tree roots to prevent disturbance. The trail, enveloped by mature cedar trees, provides a spectacular setting for mountain biking or a serene stroll in the forest.
