Ryan Rexin’s BC Road Trip

Leaving Edmonton, Alberta, Saturday July 13th 2024

The route includes (in no particular order):

Grey Creek Pass (from Kimberly to Grey Creek)

Columbia & Western Rail Trail (Castlegar to Christina Lake)

Hopefully, the fire bans and weather cooperate a bit for this, but if we need to make changes so be it. I’m also open to checking out other trails or summits along the way.

Grey Creek Pass: Opens July 1, I’ve never done it so don’t really know what to expect. sounds fairly simple from everything I read on it.

Lavina Lookout: this gives a beautiful view of Kootenay Lake and Duncan Lake. Will be on part of an Active logging road to access. I’m planning on tenting at the lookout.

Marblehead Quarry: A small marble mine covered in colourful graffiti. We can do this either before Lavina or after (most likely before)  And yes, you can park in it. but it’s small.

Buchanan Lookout: is a quick little climb, giving a great view of Kootenay Lake.

Sandon: is a little ghost town, they have a museum there as well as BC’s 1st hydro plant, which is still running and we can walk through it. Sandon is more a touristy thing, but worth it. Idaho peak is accessed through Sandon, but to my understanding, you can’t drive to the peak anymore. and I’m not sure how far the hike is.

Columbia & Western Rail Trail: Hopefully, I can get the club to open the gate in Castlegar for the full trail. The rail trail is very easy: 2WD, fairly flat, but has some amazing views. Crosses a few trestle bridges and passes through a few tunnels, one of which is around 1km long. Its really neat to drive through.

Whipsaw: I’ve never been to yet, so I’m winging that one. It sure sounds interesting.

Camping:

I plan on just Crown Land camping. I may consider a campground with showers between the Rail Trail and Whipsaw, as we may start smelling a bit ripe by then. Could always spend some time at a beach and go for a swim to de-sweat as well.

I’m not really sure where to camp, so I am open to ideas. I spoke with the campground by Kimberly for the Grey Creek trail, they are $50 a night to tent, but she said there’s all sorts of crown land camping.

Fuel-wise, we’ll stop when needed, I’m carrying 22Ls just in case.

Dates:

Departing Edmonton on July 13, 2024 (Saturday); not sure what time yet, gauge that based upon the level of interest.

I’m estimating this will take five days. so add in a day for side trips, slow days, or just in case. I’m expecting to be back in Edmonton around July 19th. Of course, that could change. I booked the 15th to 19th off.

If you are interested in tagging along, please let me know.

Things you’ll need:

Food.

Drinks/Water.

Camping gear.

Swimwear/camping clothes, stuff like that.

And whatever you have for recovery gear.

Some trails we’ll air down for. Play that as we go.

thanks

Ryan