Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenay

The Premier Trails in Southeast B.C.
near Kaslo and Nelson

Like beads of sweat on straining, bulging muscles, water trickles down from the Kootenay mountain summits. Rivulets gather speed and volume, cascading into the region's inland fiords. In this part of British Columbia, if it's not submerged, it's vertical. Three distinct mountain ranges give the area, generally referred to as the Kootenays, a tightly pleated, accordion topography.

From lakeshore level, you'll barely glimpse alpine country above the soaring, densely forested slopes. Where are the rugged peaks, meadows, and glaciers? The 55 hike descriptions in Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenay will guide you through the most rewarding dayhikes and backpack trips in SE British Columbia's West Purcells, Selkirks and Monashees. Includes Valhalla, Kokanee Glacier, and Goat Range provincial parks.

304 pages, full colour throughout, with 250 photos
Boot-tested and written by Kathy & Craig Copeland
Trailhead-locator maps, and a trail map for each hike
All new 3rd edition July 2012
ISBN 978-1-927462003

• Summary
• Excerpts
• Map
• Reviews

YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

Hiking and camping in the wilderness can be dangerous. Experience and preparation reduce risk but will never eliminate it.

Information published in a book or on a website—regardless how authoritative—is not a substitute for common sense or sound judgment. Your safety is your responsibility. The unique details of your specific situation and the decisions you make at that time will determine the outcome.

When hiking, threats to your wellbeing are unpredictable; you must always be aware. In the backcountry, risk is subjective; you must gauge it for yourself. Away from civilization, small mistakes can have severe consequences; you must vigilantly prevent injury and avoid becoming disoriented.

Never hike alone. Before setting out, check the weather forecast and current trail conditions; adjust your plans accordingly. Always carry a map and compass, a first-aid kit, extra clothing, a personal locator beacon, plus enough food and water to survive an emergency.

If you doubt your ability to negotiate rough terrain, respond to wild animals, or handle sudden, extreme weather changes, hike only in a group led by a competent, licensed guide.

The authors and the publisher disclaim liability for any loss or injury incurred by anyone using information published on this website or in the books presented on this website.