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Mount Midgeley Trail

Located on the west side of the Creston Valley, the Mount Midgeley Trail offers a serene hiking experience with sweeping views of the valley floor for much of the route. This historical trail follows the path to an old trapper’s cabin, originally built in the 1980s, and continues to serve as a base for adventurous hikers aiming to reach the summit.

Mt_Midgeley5 .jpg
Mt_Midgeley.jpg

Trail Overview

  • Distance: Varies based on hiking goals (trail to cabin + optional summit)

  • Elevation: Summit reaches 2150 meters

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (summit route is unmarked)

  • Trail Type: Out-and-back

  • Season: Best from early July to October (snow may linger into summer)

Trail Description

The trail begins with a short flagged section (75m) through an old clear-cut area. Soon, it merges into a well-established forest trail with a comfortable grade and valley views throughout.


Once you reach the trapper’s cabin, you’re greeted by open meadows and the towering ridgeline of Mount Midgeley to the south. Though the summit route is not yet officially cleared, it's a visible and fairly straightforward bushwhack—just head left (south) from the cabin toward the ridge. Once on top, enjoy a stunning panoramic vista stretching over Kootenay Lake and, on a clear day, all the way to Bonners Ferry.


⚠️ Please note: The area near the cabin includes a licensed trapping line—no hunting is permitted. Motorized vehicles for hunting are prohibited beyond 12.5 km on Topaz Road.

Mt_Midgeley5 .jpg
Mt_Midgeley.jpg

Trail Directions

  • Start in Creston and head west on Highway 3.

  • Immediately after crossing the Summit Creek bridge, turn right onto Topaz Creek Forest Service Road.

  • Set your odometer to track key waypoints:

    • 3.4 km: Turn left at the Newington Road sign.

    • This is an active logging road—use caution and, if available, turn on Huscroft Channel to listen for truck traffic.

    • Continue along Topaz Creek Road:

      • 13 km: Take the middle fork at the 3-way split.

      • 15 km: At the next fork, go left (watch for a high TRAIL sign).

      • 16.5 km: You’ll reach a level landing with space to park and turn around. The trailhead signpost is located here.

Trail Tips and Tricks

  • Google Maps satellite imagery may be outdated and does not reflect recent logging activity.

  • ​There is no access to Midgeley Lake from this trail. The lake lies on private property managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Visit their website for access details to the Darkwoods conservation area.

    Seasonal Highlights
     

  • Early July: Trail to cabin typically snow-free

  • Autumn: Stunning golden larch trees, fewer bugs

  • Late Fall: Excellent for quiet hikes before snow returns

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