This starts at the Slocan Chief Cabin and gives access to the northern toe of Kokanee Glacier. It reaches a panoramic view of the park.
Rating: ♦♦♦◊◊
Difficulty: easy A1
Elevation gain: 289m (950′)
Key elevations:
Distance: 1.6km one way
Time: 1 hour one way
Season: mid-July to early October
Access: easy once in the core of the park
Map: 82F/14 Slocan
Trail: The signed “Smuggler Ridge Trail” starts just east of the cabin. It climbs steadily south through the subalpine forest for .4 km to a sometimes-signed junction “Trail to Glacier”. Take the left fork, ascending the terminal moraine through rock gardens of alpine fireweed and dwarf arica. At the top of the rise, you will reach an ideal resting spot beside a large boulder. The sprawling toe of the receding glacier and its tiny silted tarn lies just ahead. The spectacular view is well worth the climb.
Going on the glacier requires crampons, a rope, a harness and the knowledge of how to use them.