There’s a new hiking trail in town. The Kuskanax Trail (elevation: 2158 m or 7080 ft) is now ready for your hiking pleasure.
Thanks to the hard working members of the local trail society and funding from CBT, the trail was completed two weeks ago connecting Mac’s Trail to Turner Road, a hike of some 11 km. The work took two summers to complete with the lion’s share of the work being done by Barry Rein, Ry Grogan, Wulf Mense and Barb Chwachka. The inaugural hike on Sept. 11 was christened ‘The Senior’s Expedition.’ (Of the nine folks pictured above, six are over 60 years of age and two of those are over 70).
The summit can be accessed from the north or the south. From the north, take Turner Road (9 km north of the Kuskanax Creek Bridge on Hwy. 23) and drive 15 km to the road’s end (a rough logging road; 4-wheel drive recommended). The trailhead is well marked and a leisurely hike to the summit of 2 km (stopping to rest, take pictures, etc.) will take about two hours.
From the south, take the Nakusp Hot Springs Road 3.5 km from Hwy. 23 to the trailhead that is well marked with a sign reading: “Kuskanax Mountain Trail,” “Mac’s Trail” and “Vickie’s View.” You can drive to Vickie’s View (1.5 km) or to a higher parking area (another 3 km). This, too, is a rough road and 4-wheeled drive is recommended. The hike to the summit from that point is 5 km.
The total hike from the Hot Springs Road to Turner Road is 11.5 km and the degrees of difficulty to the summit vary: from Turner Road it’s moderate and from the Hot Springs Road it’s difficult.
The 360 degree-view from the top is spectacular. If the weather is clear, you can see for miles in every direction. In addition to good hiking shoes (flip flops not recommended) pack a lunch, water, binoculars and a camera to fully experience this beautiful hiking trail. You won’t be disappointed.
