Kootenay Confluence

location British Columbia, Canada
We recognize Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of this land. Moreflag On Sinixt, Syilx, and Ktunaxa Land

  • Distance

    372 Mi.

    (599 KM)

  • Days

    9

  • % Unpaved

    70%

  • % Singletrack

    1%

  • % Rideable (time)

    99%

  • Total Ascent

    29,502'

    (8,992 M)

  • High Point

    5,738'

    (1,749 M)

  • Difficulty (1-10)

    5?

  • 5
    Climbing Scale Moderate79 FT/MI (15 M/KM)
  • 2
    Technical Difficulty Easy
  • 5
    Physical Demand Moderate
  • 2
    Resupply & Logistics Easy
About Our Ratings

Contributed By

moe nadeau

Moe Nadeau

Guest Contributor

Moe (she/her) has taken her bike to various corners of North America, using it as a tool for deep reflection and to explore the connection between people, place, and nature. She’s a big fan of the many ways to ride—whether mountain biking, commuting, or bikepacking—and loves the vibrant community she’s found through cycling. Moe lives in Nelson, BC, with her partner, where she works to promote equity in land-based conservation.

Kootenay Confluence is a spectacular week-long bikepacking route through the West Kootenay and Boundary Region of British Columbia and Washington. The 600-kilometer route starts and ends in the historic mining town of Nelson, nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, linking decommissioned rail grades, gravel roads, and some pavement with deep forested valleys, winding rivers, and quaint villages. Rich with culture and history, Kootenay Confluence intentionally passes through two countries to showcase how nature, wildlife, water, and people transcend boundaries…
Share Facebook 0 Twitter Pinterest

Photos and additional insight by Miles Arbour

Named after the Kutenai First Nations, also known as the Ktunaxa, the Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia is split by the Purcell Mountains to the east and the Selkirk Mountains to the west. Most of the region offers year-round access to outdoor recreation, from some of the highest snowfall levels in the country during the winter for snow lovers to stunning hikes and, of course, some of the best mountain biking in Canada.

Scattered throughout the Kootenays are historic logging and mining towns and small cities that are slowly rebranding themselves as tourist destinations—but the region has a long and complicated Indigenous history that predates colonization. The Sinixt, Syilx, Ktunaxa, and Secwépemc Peoples call parts of the Kootenays their traditional territory and spread across several modern-day boundaries between British Columbia, Alberta, Montana, Washington, and Idaho. One of the most interesting examples of history knowing no boundaries is the story of the Sinixt Confederacy. In 1956, the Sinixt were declared extinct by the Canadian government to sign the Columbia River Treaty. This resulted in a Canada-US transboundary water management agreement to provide flood control and share power generated from the dams. In 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada reversed this, ruling that the Sinixt have rights on this land and must have access to their traditional territory. The Kootenay Confluence route piggybacks on the idea that political boundaries didn’t exist before they were created by forming a loop through the West Kootenays of British Columbia and south into Washington—near the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, where the Sinixt were pushed off their land and forced to live.

  • kootenay confluence bikepacking route
  • kootenay confluence bikepacking route
  • kootenay confluence bikepacking route

Dams have a long history in this region. Alongside the arms of the Columbia River Treaty dams, there are more than 470 dams that connect the river, making it one of the most hydroelectrically developed river systems in the world. This damming has had massive negative implications for many plants and animals. The impacts on salmon populations are only one example, although they are very important. Pacific, sockeye, chinook, and steelhead salmon historically occupied areas within the Columbia River Basin. They were blocked when the rivers were dammed, meaning salmon could no longer return to their spawning grounds. Indigenous communities gathered in 1940 to mourn the loss of salmon. Yet nothing was done by governments to restore this loss. Only recently has the federal Canadian government admitted to these wrongs and are committed to bring salmon back to the region. Through the “Bringing the Salmon Home: The Columbia River Salmon Reintroduction Initiative,” the Syilx Okanagan Nation, Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, Canada, and British Columbia are working together to bring salmon back to the Columbia River. Their long-term vision is to “return salmon stocks for Indigenous food, social and ceremonial needs, and to benefit the region’s residents and ecosystems as a whole.” Work is ongoing, but after 80 years without salmon, there is a long road ahead.

The Kootenay Confluence is a 600-kilometer bikepacking loop in Eastern British Columbia and Washington. Not only named after the confluence of rivers in the Kootenays, the route explores the confluence of industry versus nature, traditional land owners and colonization, and the natural boundaries like mountains and valleys that dictate where we travel. The route starts and ends in Nelson, British Columbia, connecting the Slocan Valley to the south end of the Valhalla Range, the Arrow Lakes, and south to Grand Forks and the US/Canada border. From there, the route follows rail trails, gravel roads, and pavement east through northern Washington before re-entering Canada along the Pend d’Oreille River and the eastern edge of the Bonnington Range before returning to Nelson. Much like the history of the Kootenays, the Kootenay Confluence route is purposely complex, linking once-booming mining towns, decommissioned rail grades, and massive hydroelectric dams together with stunning mountain passes, beautiful campsites, and a nearly unlimited number of lakes and rivers to cool off in.

  • kootenay confluence bikepacking route
  • kootenay confluence bikepacking route

Difficulty

The Kootenay Confluence route sticks to rail grades, doubletrack, gravel roads, and pavement. It is non-technical in nature, but with nearly 9,000 meters of elevation gain spread out over 600 kilometers, it’s no walk in the park. It’s important to consider the elevation when planning your ride, as the climbs can be long and tiring, especially during the heat of the summer. Despite this, most resupply points aren’t more than 100 kilometers apart and there are plenty of natural water sources that can be filtered, making the logistics of riding the entire route relatively straightforward.

Route Development: The Kootenay Confluence was made possible thanks to the support of the Qube Charitable Foundation and fellow bikepacker Ian Quigley. Ian reached out to us in hopes of developing more bikepacking routes in the interior of British Columbia, and this is just the first of many routes to come. Kootenay Confluence was a collaborative project developed by Miles Arbour of BIKEPACKING.com and Moe Nadeau and Harry Tudor, Nelson residents and bikepackers. The route was first discussed as an opportunity to encourage riders to learn more about the land they recreate on. It intentionally passes through two countries to showcase how nature, wildlife, water, and people do not see boundaries. The route showcases mixed riding surfaces to highlight the variety seen in the region. We’d also like to thank the countless individuals who provided local insight and beta that helped us create the route, including Dana Diotte, Craig L (aka Captain Kootenay), and the Rossland Bikepackers group.

kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route kootenay confluence bikepacking route kootenay confluence bikepacking route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route Kootenay Confluence Bikepacking Route
Download GPX alert Submit Route Alert info Help

Submit Route Alert

As the leading creator and publisher of bikepacking routes, BIKEPACKING.com endeavors to maintain, improve, and advocate for our growing network of bikepacking routes all over the world. As such, our editorial team, route creators, and Route Stewards serve as mediators for route improvements and opportunities for connectivity, conservation, and community growth around these routes. To facilitate these efforts, we rely on our Bikepacking Collective and the greater bikepacking community to call attention to critical issues and opportunities that are discovered while riding these routes. If you have a vital issue or opportunity regarding this route that pertains to one of the subjects below, please let us know:

  • **Advocacy opportunities may include bringing awareness to a new trail project, conservation initiative, access potential, or local effort that we might help with or bring awareness to via our broad-reaching platform.

  • *By clicking submit, you're also subscribing to our email list. You'll receive an opt-in email before being added.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Highlights

    camera

  • Must Know

    alert

  • Camping

    home

  • Food/H2O

    drop

  • Trail Notes

    signpost

  • Start and end in Nelson with ample opportunities for delicious meals, art, culture, and more. Boasting the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada, your suffer fest will feel well-deserved when you return to town. Nelson also contains more heritage buildings per capita than anywhere in BC. These 350 restored heritage buildings nestled on tree-lined streets in the downtown core and throughout the town are worth a meander with a morning coffee before heading out of town. If exercise isn’t your thing after a big ride, try the Electric Tramway- a 100-year-old streetcar offering a scenic view of the lakeside. Numerous cultural events, such as the ArtWalk and International Mural Festival, are held throughout the year. Be sure to research if you will be in town during these times.
  • Spend time deep in valley bottoms riding alongside pristine rivers and creeks, as well as time up high on several mountain passes. The Kootenays are known for dramatic elevation changes on any outdoor pursuit. Known as the ‘Kootenay Mix’ due to its high diversity of tree species, this area showcases one of the last remaining Inland Temperate Rainforests on Earth. It’s not uncommon to see ancient old-growth trees interspersed with an ecosystem with so many tree species that it’s known as the “Kootenay Mix,” this is a rainforest lover’s dream and a paradise for mountaineering/climbing, trail running, mountain biking, and hiking.
  • The crux of the route, between Slocan and Burton, follows a stunning gravel road along Koch Creek, serving up impressive views of the Valhalla Mountain Range and massive valleys below. A short ATV track connects the gravel roads for one of the most adventurous portions of the entire route.
  • Swim every day in lakes, rivers, and creeks. With too many bodies of water to count, you will be rewarded with multiple daily swim spots. Everything from trickling streams to rushing rivers and picturesque lakes, this route does not lack water. Be sure to jump off the dock at Pierre Lake, the warmest body of water along the route.
  • The Arrow Park Cable Ferry is a free option to get across Arrow Lakes. It operates on demand between 5 am – 12:05 pm and 2:15 pm – 9:20 pm. Get a short rest (5 minutes!) and take in the stunning views of Arrow Lake.
  • The Slocan Valley Rail Trail, Kettle Valley Rail Trail, Great Northern Trail, the Ferry County Rail Trail, and a portion of the Pacific Northwest Trail. Much of these trails were established railways in the late 1800s and early 1900s, used to ship mining materials across borders and to major port destinations, such as Seattle and Vancouver. The rail lines also offered passenger travel. As industry shifted and many mines were decommissioned, the railways were no longer necessary. With federal, provincial, and state support, many rail lines were converted to multi-use pathways for a combination of motorized and non-motorized recreational use.
  • Many delicious food stops, including Frog Peak Cafe in Crescent Valley, Northern Provisions in Northport, Dragonfly Cafe in Salmo, and the iconic Ymir General Store. Each offering a unique take on local business ownership, the charm of these stores is worth the stop. Be sure to grab a loaf of artisan sourdough from Northern Provisions before returning to Canada.
  • The Slocan Valley pithouses showcase Sinixt winter village sites utilized since time immemorial. The Sinixt lived in pithouses in the winter and tule mat lodges in the summer. The larger pithouses supported ceremonies and other major events held in the winter. nkweio’xsten? (the Vallican Site) has been radiocarbon dated to 2100 BCE. ka’ntca’k? (the Slocan Narrows Site) has been radiocarbon dated to 3100 BCE. Nkweio’xsten? Is located north of Passmore. Look out along the rail trail for signs of the pithouse village. Ka’ntca’k? Is located near Lemon Creek.
  • The Columbia River Treaty has resulted in the many larger rivers and lakes on the route. Established in 1964 between Canada and the United States, the Columbia River Treaty was a turning point in international cooperation. Four hydroelectric dams we established following the Treaty, with one in the US and three in Canada. The dams provide downstream power benefits, which are shared equally between Canada and the US. The four dams and their associated reservoirs flooded roughly 110,000 hectares of land within Canada, displacing more than 2,000 residents, including many Indigenous communities, and severely impacting agriculture, tourism, and other pre-existing ventures. Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members received little consultation or mitigation efforts during the damming. Many residents lost their homes and livelihoods. Flooding impacted numerous Indigenous cultural and archaeological sites, fish and wildlife habitats, and productive agricultural and forestry opportunities. Since the early 1990s, the BC government has taken steps to support those most affected, including creating the Columbia Basin Trust, an organization created by a one-time donation to all residents in 1995. Re-negotiations for the Treaty are currently underway between the US, Canada, and Indigenous governments. Through the three separate interim agreements, the Ktunaxa Nation, Secwépemc Nation, and Syilx Okanagan Nation will each receive 5% of the revenue generated through the sale of Canada’s share of downstream power benefits under the Treaty, otherwise known as the Canadian Entitlement. The interim agreements will share this revenue over four years. Yet, no formal revenue-sharing agreements have been put in place with Sinixt. Learn more here.
  • The Colville National Forest has an interesting natural and human history. First established in 1907, the Colville Forest included 700,000 acres North of the Colville Indian Reservation to the Canadian border. It has expanded to 1.5 million acres, with borders near multiple Indigenous Reservations, including the Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and the Spokane Tribe of the Spokane Reservation. The area is popular for huckleberry picking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, off-roading, and swimming. The Colville National Forest is also home to many diverse animals, such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, cougars, lynx, grizzly, black bear, and the last remaining herd of caribou in the US.

When to Go

  • While the valley bottoms can be snow-free in early June, the higher areas on the route may be snow-covered until late June/early July.
  • Late spring and early summer will be better for lower daytime highs, but there is always a chance of hitting snow on some of the mountain passes.
  • Summer is your best bet for warm nights and snow-free riding, but be prepared for hot daytime highs.
  • Be prepared for sudden weather changes whenever you choose to ride the route. Our first scouting trip was in late June, and we saw rain and hail and pushed through some lingering snow.
  • The rail trail between Ymir and Cottonwood Lake is closed annually from May 1 to late June due to grizzly bear foraging. Please respect this closure to help keep the grizzly bears safe. If you ride the route during this time, take Highway 6 for roughly 20 kilometers before regrouping with the Rail Trail into Nelson.
  • BC’s Interior is highly susceptible to forest fires starting as early as July. Make sure to check on the BC forest fire map for current conditions and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly. If you see a forest fire, you can report it by calling *5555.

Logistics

  • Long-Term Parking is available on Lakeside Drive near the recycling depot and Wholesale Club on the same side as the airstrip. Please note we have checked in with the City of Nelson, and if your car is over 7 meters tall, you cannot park beside the airstrip as it impedes sight lines.
  • The closest regional airport is in Castlegar, which has flights to and from Vancouver. The airport has a shuttle to and from Nelson, and BC Transit route #99 also connects to Nelson seven times per day.
  • There is also an airport in Trail, about an hour’s drive from Nelson, with flights from Vancouver via Pacific Coastal.
  • Both airports offer paid long-term parking. The Trail airport currently costs $3/day and $15/week CAD. Visa, Mastercard, and cash are accepted. The West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar currently costs $10/day and $55/week CAD. Multiple payment methods are accepted.
  • The Kootenays are home to many animals. Expect to see deer, elk, black bears, and grizzlies. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and big horned sheep. To avoid unwanted encounters, always bring a rope and a dry bag to store your food in a tree at night, cook away from your tent, and always #LeaveNoTrace. Most rec sites don’t have garbage collection, so be prepared to pack out what you bring in and dispose of it properly when you get to town.
  • Cell phone coverage is limited outside most of the towns on the route, so carrying a satellite communication device is recommended. Remember that your cell phone may not work in Canada and the US, so plan accordingly. Similarly, purchasing travel insurance in Canada and the US is a good idea. Don’t forget your passport!
  • For folks who cannot or prefer not to enter the US, you can follow the BC Trail route between Grand Forks and Salmo via the Columbia and Western Rail Trail, Columbia Trail, and some paved roads.
  • The route travels on active logging roads, so listen/watch for trucks hauling and get off the road for them. Obey all posted signage, road closures, and detours. If in doubt, just ask.

What Bike

  • Although the route is not technical and avoids singletrack, the route primarily follows gravel roads and forest service roads that can be rough and steep. We recommend riding a bike with at least 50mm (2.0”) tires, but anything up to 2.6” wide will make some of the descents more enjoyable.
  • A hardtail mountain bike, rigid ATB, or big-tired gravel bike is likely your best choice for the route, similar to the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.
  • Low climbing gears are important for spending more time riding and less time pushing up some of the steep mountain passes.
  • There are several established campgrounds along the route that offer showers, picnic tables, and running water. Most towns along the route have a paid municipal campground, so carrying cash or making reservations is a good idea.
  • There are also countless BC Recreation Campsites on the route that are normally free or available for a small fee. BC Rec Sites usually don’t offer any amenities but are normally located next to a river or lake for fantastic summer camping opportunities.
  • Some of the best (but not all) campsites on the route are included as POIs on the route map.
  • There are paid accommodation options, like hotels, Airbnb, and cabins, throughout the Kootenays. A quick Google search is all it takes to find them.
  • Don’t forget to bring some US cash for the Washington portion of the route.
  • The largest resupply option is in Grand Forks, which is just over the halfway point. Here, you will find grocery stores, numerous restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a bike shop—Seasons Outdoors. Aside from Nelson, this is the only bike shop along the route, so plan accordingly.
  • The route almost always follows some kind of river, creek, or lake, so having access to filterable water is not an issue most of the time. Always filter or boil your water before consuming. We carried, on average, 2L of water per person at a time, which was adequate for the entire route.
  • There are small markets, general stores, and gas stations throughout the entire route, and most are within 100km of each other. Depending on your daily mileage, you can expect to carry 2-3 days of food at a time, although some will carry less. Plan ahead for the more remote sections of the route.
  • Some of our favorite food stops include the Frog Peak Cafe in South Slocan, Edgewood General Store, Market Place Ice Cream and the Grand Forks Station Pub in Grand Forks, Northern Provisions in Northport, Dragonfly Cafe in Salmo, and the Ymir General Store.

Sample 9-Day Itinerary

The following 9-day itinerary maximizes time spent at beautiful camping spots and considers resupply points to simplify logistics. Any relatively fit, experienced bikepacker will have no problem with the daily mileage and elevation gain, but it is easy to add on rest days or break things up for a more leisurely pace.

locationNelson-Lemon Creek

Day 1 (66 KM +704 M / 41 MI +2,309 FT)

Start your trip at Oso Negro Cafe in the city center. Grab a mountain bar for the road and leave town through the Rosemont area of Nelson. The first section of the route follows pavement through the small community of Blewett above the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. With few cars, the rolling hills offer a pleasant start to the trip. Prepare for a steep descent to the dyke that takes you over the Kootenay River before a short and punchy climb up to Highway 3A/6. Spending roughly one minute on the highway, you enter a beautifully painted tunnel and begin the first rail-grade portion of the route. Between South Slocan and Crescent Valley, the route is paved. Day one is full of re-supply options, including the first necessary stop—Frog Peak Cafe. Located on the edge of the Slocan River in Crescent Valley, Frog Peak is full of Kootenay character. Take a break here and then make your way to the gravel portion of rail grade across the street. The rest of the route navigation is simple, as you will follow the stunning Slocan River along the Slocan Valley Rail Trail. Mama Sita’s Cafe and Gaia Tree Whole Foods in Winlaw offer two connected storefronts with delicious, hearty food options if you are ready for another treat. You will also find Fomi’s Bakery, offering artisanal bread and pizza, and a gas station. After you’ve stocked up on supplies, the route continues to meander through rural homes and forests. There are numerous swimming options, including near the Passmore Bridge and a cute little eddy between Valican and Winlaw (look for the parked cars, small trail, and fences!). The Lemon Creek Pioneer Campground ends the day. There are 17 tenting sites, along with washrooms, showers, and firepits.

locationLemon Creek-Grizzly Creek

Day 2 (50 KM +717 M / 31 MI +2,352 FT)

After a restful sleep and a warm shower, day 2 begins with a rail trail following the beautiful Slocan River you’ve grown fond of. Follow it until Slocan, where you will find an important re-supply stop. Slocan is a small village of roughly 300 people located at the South end of Slocan Lake. Slocan is the final re-supply for over 100 kilometers and the most remote section of the route. It is important you have everything you need here. The Harold Street Cafe is open Wednesday-Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM. You will also find a grocery option, the Slocan Village Market Ltd., open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM. The Springer Creek RV Park and Campground is also located in Slocan. It hosts 16 tenting sites, $2 CAD coin-operated showers, washrooms, and free wifi. It may be a good camping option if you forget to download the route offline. Before leaving, don’t forget to dip in Slocan Lake! The route begins the first ascent up Little Slocan Road, a lovely gravel road that follows the Little Slocan River. Climbing is consistent with what some may call the perfect grade. You will reach Upper Little Slocan Lake, which has a small rec site if you want a swim and a snack. The gravel continues along the River, past Lower Little Slocan Lake, until you turn right onto Koch Creek. This section of gravel increases in climbing gradient, but it is still easily manageable. The day ends at Grizzly Creek Recreation Site, which boasts two campsites on rock ledges overlooking Koch Creek. The area offers good huckleberry picking, mushroom gathering, and trout fishing. Be sure to end your day with a dip in the inviting pools.

locationGrizzly Creek-Burton

Day 3 (75 KM +1561 M / 46 MI +5,121 FT)

This is both the crux and the most beautiful passes of the entire route. From Grizzly Creek, the route heads north on Koch Creek Service Road. Although the final route continues north, there is the option to take a left on the hydro line road for a more direct route to Fauquier. However, it is impressively steep and will require hours of a hike-a-bike. We recommend sticking to the route. The gravel climb heads north towards the McKean Lakes trailhead, serving up epic views of the valley to the south, huge rock slabs, and a few massive waterfalls in the distance. At the top, a small spur road connects to an even smaller ATV trail. You’ve reached the crux of the route. Things get a little rough through this section, but it’s all very rideable (and downhill) on a hardtail mountain bike. The trail progressively gets wider and easier before reconnecting with the Burton Forest Service Road before dropping down towards the Columbia River. A short ride on the Vernon-Slocan Highway brings you to the small community of Burton. Make sure to stop at Burton City Cider for a cold drink and a snack. If you’re lucky, you might catch them on a pizza night! Camping is available at the Burton Historical Park Campground.

locationBurton-Edgewood

Day 4 (76 KM +1225 M / 47 MI +4,019 FT)

From Burton, the route heads north along the wide, quiet highway to the Arrow Park Cable Ferry, running across the junction of Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes at Arrow Park. You’ll pass by Kootenay Born, a campground with cabins and tiny houses, before climbing up to Whatshan Lake. There are two BC Rec Site Campgrounds at the north end of the lake if you want to end your day early, or you can continue south along the eastern shores of the lake, past the Needles ferry, and down to Edgewood. Before heading to camp, stop by the general store for a bite to eat and a cold drink. Your final destination is the Arrow Lakes Provincial Park, an idyllic campground with pit toilets, picnic areas, on-demand drinking water, and perfect swimming. If you’ve brought your fishing rod, try your hand at catching dinner!

locationEdgewood-Lynch Creek Rec Site

Day 5 (83 KM +1419 M / 51 MI +4,655 FT)

After the inevitable morning swim in Arrow Lakes, pack your bags and say goodbye to this camping oasis, but prepare for more glorious swimming and gravel riding adventures. If you are feeling low on snacks, it’s best to stop at the General Store on your way out as there are no re-supply options until Grand Forks, roughly 75 km away. The morning starts with a sustained and steep climb—be prepared to hike sections if you don’t have a granny gear. There are plenty of small streams along the route, so don’t worry about chugging those Gatorades you purchased in the morning. After you reach the top of the climb, it’s a cruisey descent, followed by a long and flat gravel road. Be prepared to see one or two other groups maximum. Take this time to swim in Burrell Creek, listen to the birds, and explore the few campsites you ride by—St. Anne’s Meadow Rec Site and Granby-Burrell Creek Rec Site. Once you make it to the latter Rec site, you will hop on pavement for the remainder of the ride today. Following the Granby River, this road is incredibly picturesque, providing a glimpse into farming life in BC. If riding on a weekday, be prepared for mild logging truck traffic. As you arrive at your destination, Lynch Creek Rec Site, you’ll be greeted with tall trees and the sound of the rushing river. This Rec Site offers a few campsites and pit toilets.

locationLynch Creek Rec Site-Deer Creek Rec Site

Day 6 (80 KM +1464 M / 49 MI +4,804 FT)

In the morning, you will quickly veer off the main road and onto Brown Creek Road, taking you gently up to the biggest climb of the day. Turning onto Brown Creek Eholt Road, be prepared for squiggly switchbacks as you reach the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. A section of the coveted BC Epic, this rail trail is worth the climb, trust us. As you descend into Grand Forks, you will have gorgeous vistas, tunnels, and a little cabin to eat snacks in the shade. Once in Grand Forks, there are plenty of food options, and the only bike shop on the route—Seasons Outdoors. If food and new parts are what you need, head to those. But if you are looking for yet another swim spot, make your way to the Grand Forks City Park, where you can take a dip in the Kettle River. The Park also has a municipal campground and public washrooms. On your way out of town, head to the Grand Forks Station Pub, a reconstructed train station built in 1906. It is one of the oldest Railway Stations in Canada. The Pub is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM. Once fuelled and cooled, it is time to head to the US/Canada border. This section is a flat road, and it truly feels shorter than it looks. If you want any final Canadian-priced snacks, grab them at the Rilkoff General Store. The border crossing is tiny, and you will likely be the only people there. Be prepared to grab your passport as soon as you arrive.

After crossing into the US, you will be greeted by that classic rural US charm at the Danville Outpost. It looks to be a convenience store and a restaurant. However, it was closed at the time of route scouting, and there are no open hours listed online. You’ll briefly continue along the road until reaching the next segment of Rail Grade, along the Ferry County Rail Trail. Reminiscent of the Slocan Rail Trail, this portion follows the Kettle River. It passes the Lone Ranch Park, a free campsite with outhouses, picnic tables, and river access, before making it to Curlew. The Curlew Store is the perfect place to fuel up and prepare for a long climb to your campsite. Deer Creek Forest Campsite costs $5 USD/night, and you can find pit toilets, picnic tables, and water access, although there are no nightly swimming options. This campsite intersects the Kettle Crest North hiking trail, known as one of the “100 Classic Hikes” in Washington. If you have an extra day to spare, you may want to explore the trail.

locationDeer Creek Rec Site-Elbow Lake

Day 7 (53 KM +1,154 M / 33 MI +3,787 FT)

Helmets on. Gear secure. Caffeine ingested. Start the morning with some stunning rolling gravel roads before an epic descent towards Highway 395, which parallels the Kettle River. From here, you have the option to detour south to Orient to visit the general store, or press on up Sand Creek Road to Pierre Lake. One of the warmest swim spots on the route, Pierre Lake, is not to be missed. Pierre Lake Campground is an option for spending an extra day in the sun. The US Forest Service manages it, and you will find plenty of campsites with picnic tables, running water, and pit toilets. If you choose to continue, the route quickly becomes gravel along Churchill Mine Road. You continue climbing for 10 kilometers, gradually becoming more enveloped in forest and smaller, rougher roads. Flat Creek is at the top of the climb, which offers an opportunity to take a break and fill up your bottles. But if you want to push to camp, you are only 3 kilometers away. The US Forest Service describes the Elbow Lake Campground as “Quiet and off the beaten path. It’s a great place to get away. One road in and out.” The sites are cozy and come with picnic tables and pit toilets. Take your evening dip among the lily pads.

locationElbow Lake-Buckley Campground

Day 8 (54 KM +726 M / 33 MI +2,381 FT)

The day begins with a lovely gravel descent along Sheep Creek Road. Passing the Sheep Creek Rec Site, you will make it to Northport in no time. When you pop onto the pavement on Highway 25, you will be stunned by the bridge over top of the Columbia River. Once a small body of water, the Columbia River has been dammed as part of the Columbia River Treaty between the US and Canada. The amount of water it moves is a sight to be seen. As you cross the bridge, take it all in. When you arrive in Northport, you will be pleasantly surprised to find Northern Provisions, a bakery and cafe serving homemade sourdough sandwiches and plenty of warm beverage options. This stop will provide you with the fuel needed to climb the Northport Waneta Road, a paved section that takes you to the Waneta border crossing. Yet another small border crossing, you should be back to Canada in no time and preparing for a short but steep gravel connection to the Seven Mile Dam Road. Enjoy the mildly trafficked road and gravel ride along the Pend d’Oreille River. People of the Kalispel First Nation were the first to live in the Pend d’Oreille Valley, thriving on the area’s abundant plants and animals. The valley’s name, meaning “earring,” was given by settlers in reference to Indigenous Peoples they met who wore dangling shell earrings. Flooding of the area took place in 1979 by BC Hydro. There are plenty of dam vistas and informational signs along this section, so take time to read them and understand a bit more about this history. Tonight’s destination is the Buckley Campground, established and maintained by BC Hydro, and it is an effort to compensate local communities for the habitat lost through flooding. There are little trees in this campground, so be ready to see and hear your neighbors. You will find pit toilets and garbage bins here. Finish the day with yet another swim in the river.

locationBuckley Campground-Nelson

Day 9 (87 KM +921 M / 54 MI +3,021 FT)

A high kilometer count. A mix of pavement and rail trail. And multiple towns along the way. The final day will have you laughing and crying, yet ending with tasty food back in Nelson. From the campground to the Nelson Nelway Highway, you will be blessed with gorgeous river views, little-traveled gravel, and climbs and descents. Take this section in, as it is so peaceful. Once you make it to the Nelway border crossing and hop on the highway, you’ll be graced with a long paved descent before turning onto the larger Crowsnest highway and Salmo Airport road. This section is mostly flat and will take you to Salmo for lunch. Stop at the Dragonfly Cafe for milkshakes, sandwiches, and plenty of treats. There are plenty of picnic tables around the side of the cafe, and you can bring your bikes as well. If you feel cheeky, check out Eerie Creek Brewing for a mid-day delight. Salmo has a municipal campground if you’d like to extend the adventure one day. If you are ready to move on, hop over to the Great Northern Trail, your final connection to Nelson. Between Salmo and Ymir, this rail grade is quite bumpy as it is used by ATV commuters. It is short-lived and worth it because you get a mid-way break in the beautiful community of Ymir. Spend time at the Ymir Store and take a peek at the Ymir Hotel, which boasts the largest collection of original Canadian art found outside a major gallery. Hopping back on the rail grade, you gently climb along the Salmo River until you reach the Nelson Nordic Ski Club. This is where the final rail grade descent begins into town. Before heading to Nelson, you will pass Cottonwood Lake. Often used as a fishing lake, many people bring families here for picnics in the summertime and ice skating in the winter. When you make it to the outskirts of Nelson, you will get a short amount of singletrack through what locals call the “Graveyard Trails.” Follow the steep road down to Baker Street and head straight to dinner to celebrate an epic route.

Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route.

FILED IN (CATEGORIES & TAGS)

Canada

British Columbia

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.