The destination is the unnamed peak(s) above College Creek (the high point to the southwest when viewed from the YCG airport). There are good vistas in all directions.
Difficulty: B2/C3 moderate
Distance: 5-6 km
Drive. From Castlegar, drive 8 km west on Hwy 3 and turn left onto College Creek FSR for 7 km to park. Mild water bars necessitate high-clearance vehicles. Over the years the alder has started to close in on the upper road. Fresh logging this last year means the first four km are in great shape, brush-free, and easy to drive, but the last three km are overgrown, quite narrow, and slow travel with scratching likely.
Trail/Route: Then it is an easy hike up the road another 2-3km to a saddle, and finally another 2-3km of tougher off-trail travel to the ridge leading to the high point. If there is time, climb a second peak. This has grown in considerably over the years and travel time is about double what it was 10 years ago due to denser ground cover and logging mess.
The views from the top are well worth the effort, and it is Ross Bate’s local favourite destination. Try to find the well-hidden cabin along the way.