Kootenay – British Columbia

 

Date of Visit: July 21-22, 2019

How we got there: Drove from Kalispell, MT airport. Just under four hours to Radium Hot Springs.

Lodging: The Gateway

Favorites:

• Radium Hot Springs Pools – Nothing beats a good soak after a long day of travel. We headed here on the first night of our vacation following a flight, a three hour drive and the stress of lost baggage. Admission provides access to two pools, one is about 102F (39C) and a cooler one that runs about 84F (29C).
• Juniper Trail – 3.2 mile (5 km) loop with about 350 ft (105 m) of elevation just inside the park near Sinclair Canyon. We hiked from the parking area just inside the west entrance and hiked down to a waterfall view and then up to a viewpoint over the canyon and road. The other end of the trail is at the hot springs pools, so we walked back to the parking area on the sidewalk for close up views of the narrow Sinclair Canyon.
• Paint Pots – 1.6 mile ( km) out-and-back hike with minimal elevation to spring-fed pools tinted by ochre and minerals.

Tips: While not as well known as other Rocky Mountain parks, Kootenay is worth visit for it’s stunning scenery, relaxing hot springs, and less-crowded vibe.

Local Dining: The Old Salzburg

Local Drinking: Arrowhead Brewing, Invermere

Next time: Stanley Glacier day hike, visit Marble Canyon (parking lot was closed in the summer of 2019 for repairs), Hike The Rockwall multi-day backpacking trail.