A great walk to this overlook and great views down the Columbia and Kootenay river valleys and of the Castlegar Golf Course.
Warning: ticks are common here especially in the spring. Give yourself a good checking over when you get home.
Difficulty: B1
Elevation gained: 350m
Key Elevations: SR trailhead 440m (1443’); Communications tower 900m (2952’)
Distance: 3km one-way (from Brilliant Substation to the summit), 4.6 from the Park & Pool.
Time: 2 hours one-way. Summit is a great place to spend time.
Season: Potentially year-round (but beware the extremely hazardous conditions that may arise in winter due to melt-freeze cycles)
Map: 82F/5 Castlegar
Drive: Start at either the Park & Pool, the Castlegar Golf Course or the Brilliant Substation and access the Skattebo Reach Trail.
Access from Mt Elsdon: An alternate is to follow the directions for the Brilliant Substation but keep to the right at the 2km fork and follow the now deactivated forestry road for another 4km to a parking lot on the left and the TH. This road may be closed, could have very dangerous conditions and is not recommended.
Trail: TH: 2.3 km from Park & Pool on Skattabo Reach Trail passing the Substation, 1km from Brilliant Substation, also on the SR trail.
A challenging climb up 330 metres up back of the bluff on the east side of the Kootenay River, which overlooks the Brilliant Dam. Handrails and other aids make the climbing easier. The view of the two river valleys from the top is incredible. There is no water on any of these hikes.
From Mt Elsdon: 1.3km to intersection of the other Brilliant Trail Overlook. Turn left and it is 10 minutes to the summit.
This trail is quite steep in some sections. Use extreme caution and be sure of your footing. There is no water available on this trail so bring plenty of your own.
Dog and bike friendly.
Facilities: pit toilet at the Brilliant Substation.
Descent. Take the old road down, access the road to the Substation going towards the entrance of the golf course. A ribboned trail accesses the old road again and walk through the third tee of the Golf Course.