This trail connects Castlegar to Trail on the east side of the Columbia River. It spans across several forest types. A shuttle is necessary.
It makes for a great shoulder season hike as it is clear of snow earlier than anywhere else in the WK. It has a variety of terrain types and ecosystems and offers great views of the Columbia River and the rocky hillsides to the west. The birch, aspen and larch among the pines and fir make it spectacular in the fall.
It is commonly biked, usually down and then back.
Difficulty: Intermediate/advanced (unstable trail surfaces and a few steep climbs, long)
Elevation gained: 90m (Castlegar to Trail)
Key Elevations:
Distance: 22km (from the end of Waterloo Rd in Ootischenia, near Castlegar, to the water tank in Sunningdale in Trail). 18km from the road and picnic site (2kms inside of the Popoure gate) before the Champion Creek Village Site.
Time: 5-6 hours
Season: Possibly all year long but June to October is the best. In spring, high water may prevent crossing otherwise dry creeks. Loops at the north end of the trail are used year-round. This is a long one-way trail. Although there are many opportunities to be in the shade, some sections are very exposed. Bring plenty of water.
Map: 82K/5 Castlegar
Drive: Refer to trailheads below.
History: The Doukobour Champion Creek Village site was originally called Blagodatnoe, meaning Benevolent. The cemetery is very interesting. There are still lots of remnants of the village.
Trail:
Castlegar End Access: Just south of the Castlegar Weigh Scale on Hwy 3 to Salmo, turn SW and follow the signs for the landfill. Proceed past the landfill to the end of the pavement on Waterloo Road in lower Ootischenia. Continue along the sandy road along the river for another kilometre until a locked gate is reached and park off the road. The gate is to keep out all motorized vehicles. Foot or bicycle access has been provided around the gate.
Explore the interesting cemetery and some of the old home sites.
Hike along the dirt road, bearing left, left and right at junctions.
A new trail ascends the north side of Champion Creek to join a segment of the Trans Canada Trail. In 45 minutes, cross Champion Creek and then Jordan Creek (17 culverts). After lunch and 3 hours, return to the original trail.
Original Trail: The road drops down an embankment and crosses Champion Creek. Cross the washout at Jordan Creek and continue hiking along a partially overgrown logging road, turn right down another old logging road, and find the trail as you approach the river.
Trail End Access: Drive to the north end of the Trail suburb of Sunningdale and then up a gated road that gives access to the water tower and a gravel pit. Keep to the right past the gravel pit and junkyard and generally bear right at junctions, keeping away from the edge of the terrace overlooking the Columbia River. Follow the dirt road as it turns east and drops into the ravine of Billy Creek and then swings west as it climbs back out. Avoid two turns to the left, and follow the road to the end where the terrace narrows and gives way to steep rock slopes dropping down to the Columbia – about 4km from the water tower.
Dog and bike-friendly.
Facilities. Pit toilets at the picnic site, and benches along the trail.
Note to Cyclists:
Trip time total: 3h20min
Total Dismount time Castlegar to Trail: 25min
Total Dismount time Trail to Castlegar: 35min
Trail Difficulty level: Intermediate (due to some steep technical sections/unstable trail surfaces)
Note: Bike travel on the Columbia trail is not recommended on wet or rainy days, wider cross-country bike tires are strongly recommended.
CHAMPION CREEK – Blagodatnoe
Perhaps the most isolated area in which the Doukhobors settled was Champion Creek Situated eight miles south of Castlegar on the east side of the Columbia River, it was accessible by walking from Castlegar, then rowing a boat across the river from Blueberry Creek, and horseback riding from Ootischenia. In later years, you could risk your life by driving a vehicle, because the banks were sandy and there was the possibility of landing jn the Columbia. It is opposite the Poupoure Railroad siding and often has that name also.
There was a thriving population of five hundred people among its five Doukhobor villages. Because of isolation, the men came home only on weekends and holidays. Most worked for the CPR, in lumber camps or mines. The women did the bulk of the farming on slopes high above the Columbia, growing fruits, vegetables, berries and hay.
By the mid-1950s, all that remained were three rundown sparsely populated villages. The school closed in 1958. Electricity arrived in 1960, the road was paved, and phone and cable services were installed.