If you love the feeling of being tucked in by the mountains, you’ll love the Slocan Valley! Even more so than surrounding towns like Nelson and Kaslo, the valley runs in between towering green mountain ranges, making Slocan, Silverton, and New Denver a rugged but stunning destination for a day trip or a proper stay.

The hiking trails in this area pay off with panoramic mountaintop views, crystal clear lakes, and bright wildflowers. We’ve put together a list that caters to all experience and fitness levels. Here are some of the best hikes to explore in this stunning valley:

For the Adventurous:

Experience some of the best views the Kootenays have to offer! You’ll have to work for it though…

Gwillim Lakes

• Distance: 11.6 kilometres round trip
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 894 meters

This challenging yet rewarding 7-mile trek leads you to a chain of turquoise alpine lakes. Be prepared for breathtaking mountain views and a roughly 5-6.5 hour journey.

The Gwillim Lakes hike is not for the faint of heart. It involves a steady incline through forests and meadows, with some steeper sections towards the top. The first part of the trail follows an old mining road, offering some historical context.

The Journey:

The Initial Climb: The first 2.5 kilometres involve a moderate climb through forests and along the old mining road. You’ll encounter some switchbacks and potentially some muddy sections depending on the weather.

Drinnan Lake: After the initial climb, you’ll reach Drinnan Lake, a great spot for a quick rest and to chance to soak in the scenery. It’s worth a visit in its own right (see the Family Friendly section below).

The Harder Push: After Drinnan Lake, the trail gets a bit steeper as you get closer to the Gwillim Lakes basin. The switchbacks keep it manageable though. Keep an eye out for loose rock sections where the trail is less obvious, and put those hiking shoes to work.

Gwillim Lakes Basin: The final ascent rewards you with incredible views of the Gwillim Lakes. A series of turquoise gems nestled amidst the mountains, these lakes are an awesome reward for your efforts. There’s also a few campsites available in this area if you’re planning an overnight stay.

Idaho Peak

• Distance: 7.8 kilometres round trip
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 meters

Incredible meadows filled with wildflowers and the best view of Slocan Lake around, now more challenging to get to. While the most ardent hikers still visit Idaho Peak on foot, we’d recommend getting to the initial trailhead by E-bike, and hiking in from there for a memorable day trip to the peak. From the trailhead, expect a moderate to challenging hike approximately 3-5 hours long.

The Journey

Initial Sections: The first part of this hike follows a historical trail used as part of an old mining operation that leads up to the ridge.

Ridge Walk: Once on the ridge, the trail levels out and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. There’s a few remnants of old mining equipment and structures for an interesting glimpse into the area’s history.

The Final Push: The final ascent to the peak involves steeper sections with some loose rock. Good balance and sturdy footwear are essential.

Summit Views: Reaching the summit rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing Slocan Lake, the Valhalla Ranges, and the surrounding peaks.

Moderate Adventures

Explore at your own pace and be back in time for dinner!

Evans Creek

• Distance: 9.5 kilometres out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: Minimal elevation gain – mostly flat, rolling terrain

This 10-kilometre trail offers moderate challenges with diverse landscapes, including waterfalls, forests, and eventually leading to pebble beaches along Slocan Lake. Expect to spend 3-5 hours on this out-and-back adventure.

The Journey

Forest Walk: The initial section of the trail winds through a beautiful forest with towering cedars and hemlocks. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and small critters.

Lakeside Path: As you progress, the trail opens up to stunning views of Slocan Lake. The path is mostly flat with gentle rolling terrain, making it comfortable for casual walking or hiking. While there’s no elevation gain, you’ll traverse nearly 400m of uphill sections spread out over the 10km distance. It’s a sneaky workout, but not a heart-pumping climb like some others on this list.

Boulder Fields: There are sections with exposed rock and boulders strewn about, adding some variety to the landscape. Careful where you step here, especially in the rain.

Pebble Beaches: Around the 4km mark, the trail reaches a section with beautiful pebble beaches along the lake. This is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, or simply enjoying the scenery. You can choose this as your turnaround point for a shorter hike, or stop here for lunch before continuing on.

Evans Creek: Continuing further along the trail, you’ll eventually reach the bridge over Evans Creek. This marks the official end of the Slocan Evans Creek Trail, but you can continue exploring the area beyond if desired. Evans Creek is the first of a series of backcountry campsites, so bring your gear and stay the night if you like.

The trail continues on the other side of Evan’s Creek and goes further up to Emerald Lake (stunning!) and eventually Beatrice Lake. You can also canoe into Evans Creek from Slocan, and begin your hike from Evans Creek, if you’re hoping to explore higher up the mountain.

Gimli Ridge

• Distance: 9 km out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 780 meters

The Gimli Ridge Trail is one of the most iconic in the valley. It’s an exhilarating ascent that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail traverses diverse landscapes, from forests to meadows to exposed ridges.

The Journey

Forest Ascent: The initial part of the trail winds through a cool and shady forest with switchbacks steadily climbing. Keep an eye out for wildflowers in season, and wildlife, such as the awesome mountain goats pictured above.

Open Slopes: Emerging from the forest, the trail opens up to meadows and subalpine plant life with glimpses of the surrounding peaks. Expect some steeper sections with loose stony terrain.

Saddle Point: After a challenging climb, you’ll reach a saddle point that’s a good spot to stop for a drink to admire the view. 

The Ridge Walk: The final section follows the rocky ridge, the namesake of the trail. Here you’ll find breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, glaciers, and the iconic Mount Gimli. 

Lyle Lakes

• Distance: Approximately 10 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: Around 530 meters 

This moderate, 10-kilometre round-trip trail leads you to three beautiful subalpine lakes nestled beneath Mount Brennan’s slopes. The path offers really diverse landscape views, waterfalls, and even signs of old mining activity. Depending on your pace, expect to spend 4-6 hours completing this one.

The Journey

Cool Forest: The initial section winds its way through a cool and shady forest with numerous switchbacks steadily gaining elevation. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and wildlife.

Waterfall Views: The creek that flows out of the lake can create waterfalls that cascade down the mountainside in Spring and early Summer, a refreshing sight and sound.

Open Slopes: Emerging from the dense forest, the path opens up to meadows with glimpses of the surrounding peaks. Expect some steeper sections here with switchbacks.

Lyle Creek: The trail follows Lyle Creek for a bit, with serene creek sounds and a chance to cool down your feet on a hot day (be careful of water levels and bank stability during runoff).

Lyle Lakes Basin: After your climb, you’ll arrive at the Lyle Lakes basin, where three subalpine lakes shimmer in the sunlight. Relaxation, picnic, and explore – you’ve earned it! Campsites are also available if you’re planning an overnight stay here.

Family-Friendly:

Accessible adventures for all ages.

Drinnan Lake Short Trail

• Distance: Approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) round trip
• Elevation Gain: Minimal elevation gain, mostly flat or gentle incline

Located on the same trail as Gwillam Lakes (see above), this short and easy 2-kilometre trail is perfect for a family outing. The trail leads you to a picturesque lake nestled amidst towering cedars.

The Journey

Forest Walk: The entire trail is enveloped by a cool and shady forest with a gentle incline. It’s a good time fore all – well-maintained and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Cedar Giants: Enjoy the towering cedar trees that can be found throughout the trail, offering a glimpse of the majestic forest.

Drinnan Lake: After a short and easy walk you’ll reach Drinnan Lake, a perfect spot for a picnic lunch, enjoying the scenery, or letting kids explore.

Old Slocan Highway

• Distance: Approximately 9 km one-way (out-and-back options available)
• Elevation Gain: Minimal elevation gain, gentle grade along the route

This historic 9-kilometre section of the Old Slocan Highway offers a gentle grade and lakeside views, making it a great option for a family outing or a casual afternoon stroll.

The Journey

A Walk Through History: As you walk or cycle along the old highway, imagine the vehicles that once traversed this route. Careful observers will notice remnants of the past, like guardrails or carved initials on rock faces.

Lakeside Views: The trail winds its way along the eastern shore of Slocan Lake, offering breathtaking vistas of the turquoise water and surrounding mountains. 

Gentle Grade: The trail is a gentle grade, suitable for walkers and cyclists of all ages and fitness levels.

Tunnel Surprise: There’s a lovely (and short) tunnel section along the path. The tunnel partially caved in back in 2011, but is still a welcome change of scenery.

Interested in more hikes around Slocan Valley? We also have a list of the best hikes around Kootenay Lake, and a hiking category you might want to check out!

As always, let us know your favourite hike in the Slocan Valley – we’d love to include it on our next list. Happy trails!