Kootenay Lake is an iconic waterway with breathtaking mountaintop views just waiting to be found. Discover a new oasis as you explore hidden alpine lakes, rocky peaks, and colourful meadows tucked into the mountains. 

Experience Kootenay Lake from a new vantage point with these 7 incredible hikes!

Featured Kootenay Lake Hikes

Pulpit Rock

Trail Length: 3.6 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 338 m

Nelson’s most iconic hike. Steep trail that switchbacks up Elephant Mountain through the trees that offers spectacular views over Nelson and Kootenay Lake. This trail is relatively short but steep, making it a quick yet rewarding climb.

Starting from the trailhead on the edge of Nelson, the path ascends through the forest with well-marked switchbacks. As you climb, the shady treed path gives way to impressive rocky bluffs, with glimpses of the lake below. Upon reaching Pulpit Rock, hikers will find a view of the city that makes the effort worthwhile. For anyone looking to extend their trek, the trail continues up another 2.2 km to Flagpole, rewarding the curious with even higher vistas.

Kokanee Lake Trail

Trail Length: 16 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 700 m

The Kokanee Lake Trail is the main access into Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. Visitors can drive right to the trailhead, which begins at Gibson’s Lake – itself well worth the visit.

The Kokanee Lake Trail meanders through old-growth forests, across bubbling creeks, and alongside picturesque meadows before reaching the idyllic Kokanee Lake. With crystal-clear glacier waters and the surrounding rugged peaks, the lake is a perfect spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim. The trail’s well-maintained switchbacks make the ascent manageable, and the shift to stark alpine evergreens makes you feel like you’ve really gone somewhere different.

Toad Mountain

Trail Length: 8 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 555 m

Toad Mountain trail follows the ridge-line with panoramic views looking out over Nelson and Kootenay Lake to the North, and Whitewater and Ymir Peaks to the East.

The trailhead can be accessed via Giveout Creek FSR, just before Cottonwood Regional Park. This hike begins with a steady climb through the dense forests that surround Nelson, eventually opening up to alpine meadows and rocky terrain. After breaking through the treed portion of the hike, you’ll find increasingly impressive views as you climb along the ridge, stretching across the surrounding valleys and snow capped mountains.

The summit offers a 360-degree view, making it a perfect spot for a victory picture and a well-deserved rest. The trail is moderately challenging, requiring solid fitness levels, but your effort will be rewarded with some of the best views in the area.

Ross Lake

Trail Length: 3.5 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 238 m

Ross Lake is a tranquil sub alpine lake near Balfour, a quick outing with a stunning payoff. The trail is located up Redfish Creek FSR, and is relatively flat, winding through a lush green forest before reaching the quiet sub-alpine lake.

The still blue water of Ross Lake reflects the surrounding trees and mountains, creating a picture perfect mountain oasis. It’s a great hike for families and beginners, offering opportunities for fishing and fairly accessible backcountry camping. The gentle terrain and beautiful water views make Ross Lake an easy recommendation.

Mount Loki

Trail Length: 12 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,400 m

Here’s one for the ambitious hikers out there. Meet Mount Loki (near Kaslo), one of the most iconic and challenging hikes in the Kootenays.

The trail to Mount Loki’s summit is steep and strenuous, requiring good fitness and plenty of water. The ascent takes visitors through dense forests, rocky outcrops, and alpine meadows, ending with a dramatic ridge walk to the rocky peak.

Once you’ve reached the summit, the views are unparalleled, offering a sweeping 360 panorama of Kootenay Lake and the surrounding mountains. The challenging terrain and significant elevation gain make this hike appropriate for experienced hikers looking for one of the most rewarding adventures in the Kootenays.

Monica Meadows

Trail Length: 7 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 380 m

Monica Meadows, at the north end of Kootenay Lake, offers hikers a chance to experience one of the region’s most beautiful hidden gems. The hike begins with a climb through the forest similar to the intensity of Pulpit Rock (but with only 7 switchbacks), leading to wide open alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in Spring, and bright larch trees in the Fall.

The views from Monica Meadows are breathtaking, with vistas of surrounding peaks and glaciers, rocky peaks, and small alpine lakes. The trail can be a little challenging, with its steepest sections at the beginning, but the unique rocky backdrop that surrounds this picturesque expansive meadow makes it a favourite with those in the know. Go in the Fall for an extra dose of colour as the larch trees highlight this incredible oasis.

Thompson Rim Trail

Trail Length: 7.4 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 350 meters

Here’s one on the other side of the lake. Located near Creston, the Thompson Rim Trail offers a moderate hike that will have you feeling on top of the world with views over the Creston Valley and into Idaho.

The trail begins at the Mount Thompson campsite and follows the Skimmerhorn ridgeline, passing through sub-alpine meadows and rocky sections. Hikers will find themselves on the tallest peak in the area, with sights of several mountain ranges including the Selkirks and Purcells. The trail is well-marked but not busy, perfect for those who find refreshment in solitude.

For those looking for an accessible way to access nature, you can also drive up most of the way to the radio tower. From there, the true summit is only 38m higher, although the trail winds up and down on the way.

Did any of your favourite Kootenay Lake hikes make the list? Let us know which must-see hikes we missed and we’ll make a part two!

As you explore, remember to bring water (there’s usually not much on the trails), bring a friend, and be aware of wildlife.