Choose one of these two summit hikes to enjoy spectacular 360 views of the Goat Range Provincial Park (Selkirk Mountains) to the east, the Valhalla Range to the south, the Monashee Range to the west and the snow-covered twin peaks of Mount Grady and Mount Burnham to the north.
There is no water on this trip so take all you need.
ROUTE 1: Turner Road Trailhead to the Summit
Elevation gain: 357m
Key elevations: Summit 2143m
Distance: 2.4 km one way
Time: 3 hours return
Drive: From the 4-way stoplight in downtown Nakusp, drive north on Hwy 23 for 11.5 km. Turn right onto Turner Road (gravel). Follow the wooden “TRAIL” signs for 15 km (50 minutes) to the end of the road. In a large clear-cut at the end of the road you will find the signed parking area/trailhead. Note: A 4 WD or high clearance all-wheel drive vehicle is necessary on Turner Road.
Trail: This trail takes a modest climb through Engleman spruce and lush underbrush of rhododendrons and ferns. After crossing a boulder slope you will continue on through an alpine meadow – please remain on the cairn-marked trail to protect this delicate meadow. From here, a short climb will take you to the summit at 2143m.
ROUTE 2: Kuskanax Mountain Road Trailhead to the Summit
Difficulty: C1 difficult
Distance: 5.3 km one way
Elevation: +911m
Key elevations. TH 1232 m, Summit 2143 m
Time: 6+ hours
Season: late June to early October
Drive. From Nakusp, drive north on Highway 23 and then turn right onto Nakusp Hotspring Road
0.0 km. Hotspring Road. At 1.5 km, pass “Vicky’s View”, a scenic stop with a bench overlooking the valley.
3.6 km. Watch for a signed gravel road on the left “Kuskanax Mountain Trail”. 4WD recommended.
8 km. The trailhead.
Trail. There is a logbook at the trailhead. Trail-runners so it in under 3 hours.
Start up a steep overgrown road to a signed junction and the trail on the left. It switchbacks steeply through sub-alpine forest with little shade on a south-facing slope.
It’s a brutally steep ascent with most of the elevation done in the first 2km. Rest at viewpoints on bluffs at 1.3km and 1.
Finally, the steep grade relaxes as you crest the ridgeline. The ridgeline briefly breaks for a steep descent and another steep ascent. The summit views are great down to Nakusp and Arrow Lakes.
There is an alternate easier north trail up Mt Kusianaz from Turner Road (above). A shuttle would allow a traverse.
Return the same way.
Loop Route:
The Kuskanax Mountain Trail can be made into a loop route by leaving a vehicle at one trailhead and starting your hike at the other trailhead.
Distance: 6.8 km
Time: 5-7 hours, one trailhead to the other