One of the few locations where public land reaches Highway 6 in the lower Slocan Valley is the three kilometres between Slocan Park and Passmore. This is also where the power line coming from South Slocan crosses to go up Koch Creek. Park at the electrical substation at Passmore.
Difficulty: B2
Elevation gain: 400m +
Key elevations: Highway 6
Distance: 1km +
Time: 4-6 hours
Season: April to November
Access: Easy (paved highway)
Map: 82F/12 Passmore
Drive: From Nelson or Castlegar. Hwy 3A/Hwy 6 – 15.6km to Upper Passmore Rd
Start at the Playmor Junction, the junction of Highways 6 and 3A between Nelson and Castlegar. Turn north on Hwy 6 up the Slocan Valley.
The southern Valhallas are accessed from Upper Passmore Road. There is a large transformer station at the turn. This is 12.1 km south of Winlaw on Hyw 6.
Route: There is no trail. Exploration reveals a low elevation, steep hike with great views. It can be done early or late in the season. Wildflowers in season are on the open meadows. Easy bushwhacking when necessary. There are lots of opportunities to explore. Mountain goats are frequently seen in this area from below.