This trail was created by an enterprising fellow who started wandering uphill on various game trails until a route was created. The trail ascends the north slopes of Mount Sentinel to a viewpoint looking over Crescent Valley and the Playmor Junction.
Difficulty: B2
Elevation gain: 330m (1083′)
Distance: 3.2kms one-way
Time: 3 hours round trip
Season: May through October
Access: Easy on pavement.
Map: 82F/5 Castlegar
Drive: From the Playmor Junction between Nelson and Castlegar, turn north on Hwy 6 and drive to the north end of Crescent Valley. Turn left (west) and cross the Slocan River and just over the bridge, turn left onto Pass Creek Road. The trailhead is difficult to see – red tape marks a route climbing into the woods between the two bridges crossing Goose Creek. Park at the wide shoulder after the second bridge.
Trail/Route: This is a route/rough trail that is occasionally faint and hard to follow, has uneven footing and some deadfall, but is well marked by flagging tape (usually red but also orange and pink). Just follow the tape. After about 1.3km, a harder route marked with blue tape is offered as an option. The trail steepens towards the end before breaking out into open forest and boulders.
Both the Slocan and Kootenay Rivers are visible below.
On the descent, it is easier to follow the route.