This large network of trails provides possible year-around hiking with some winter snowshoeing. The trails include interpretive walks along the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. Because of high water levels in the Kootenay River during the spring freshet, many waterside trails are impassable or soggy for a few weeks each spring.
Selkirk College’s Recreation, Fish, & Wildlife students and staff proudly maintain these trails to a high degree of excellence.
Rating: ♦♦◊◊◊
Location: On the south east side of the confluence.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gained: N/A
Distance: 15km
Season: Year-round (some sections plowed in the winter)
Access: 2WD low clearance
Map: 82F/5 Castlegar
Drive: Turn off Hwy 3A across from the Castlegar Airport towards the college on Frank Beinder Way. Users can park at the Rosedale Road/Frank Beinder Way intersection to access the ‘Death Valley’ trails loop. Other access points are on the east side of the college gymnasium at the east end of the parking lot or from the top of the hill by the Doukhobor Museum. There are many places to park and access the trails anywhere on campus.
Trail: The Castlegar campus of Selkirk College is the location of over 15 kilometres of walking trails at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers. The college lands are home to a large variety of species, some of which are considered rare, such as the Rubber Boa, Western Grebe, Tiger Salamander and Great Blue Heron. The trails make for ideal early-season walks and a long hiking season due to their low elevation. Interpretive signs installed along two loops link the cultural and natural history of the area with the confluence of the two great rivers. These trails can also be accessed from the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, Russian Bistro, and Kootenay Gallery area which is across from the airport.
For more ambitious hikers, the campus trails connect to the Trans Canada Trail route to the City of Trail, along the east side of the Columbia River.
Bike and dog friendly.
Facilities: Washrooms, picnic tables, benches, interpretive signage. Washrooms are available in the college and the gym during business hours.
Map Friends of Trails
References: https://friendsoftrails.org/?page_id=843