Backpack - Glory Basin & Kaslo Lake

2/2 updates:  Hut spaces filled.  Kaslo Lake backcountry campground spaces available.  BC backcountry camp registration timing (see below)

Beginning 1/29, leader permission requests accepted and registration open.

Be sure to read all leader and meeting time/place notes before submitting request for permission. 

Leader permission forms (use link on activity) will include complete responses with following information:  provide examples of your recent (during last 12-24 mo) Mountaineers and private 3+day moderate to strenuous backpacks (incl location, mileage, elev gain), primary interest(s) (backpacking/hiking, photography or other nature arts, natural history) in this particular trip, comfort/experience with travel over early summer snow fields and a few potential easy/mod stream crossings, comfort/experience with back country travel/camping in grizzly/moose habitat, transportation plans (drive or need ride, carpool interest), confirm your level of commitment, and that you have current passport for border crossing.  

ASAP after leader approval, reserve ACC hut space (currently filled) with leader.  Within 14 days of trip start, tenters should  register for backcountry camp (choose site on arrival).  See details below in leader notes.

Minimum 3 persons (assistant leader welcome). We’ll hike in one group (or two preferred, if small photo/naturalist interest group),  support each other, be safe, and have fun while exploring the wild natural beauty of this special area.  Practice LNT and be respectful of wildlife.   

Daily itinerary:   Leisurely pace (approx 1 mph uphill and 1.5-2mph downhill) to accommodate brief stops of interest for photos, other nature arts or natural history along trails/routes.  Expect to see subalpine/alpine wildflowers and abundance rivaling Mt. Rainier meadows.  Approx total distance/elevation change:  30-36 miles, 5500-8500' gain/loss (higher values includes optional hikes). We’ll aim to start hiking each day 8:00-8:30am, with short breaks and 20 min. lunch.

Day 1:  TH (5040') Gibson Lake via Kokanee Lake, Kokanee Pass (6675'), Keen Lake, Garland Lake, and the larger Kaslo Lake (campsites at S end) to Kaslo Lake backcountry camp or Kokanee Glacier cabin, and optional short hike approx 2 mi RT, 400' gain/loss to Kalmia Lake and historic Slocan Chief Cabin (former miner's cabin, hut, now small museum).  Approx 5-6 miles,+1635'/-235' to camp + short hike with light pack to Slocan Chief Cabin. 

Day 2:  Partial to full day hike, mostly trail and some route.  Ascend to Enterprise Pass, hike along Griffin Creek to Lemon Pass, upper and lower Sapphire Lakes and higher country beyond up to approx 8,000'.  South of Sapphire Lakes, we'll explore Glory Basin's open, open gentle terrain (offtrail or bootpath routes) filled with tarns, creeklets, rocky slabs, mossy gardens, and wildflowers.  Option to hike/easy scramble up Mount Giegerich (8035'), NW of Lemon Pass.  Time/interest permitting today or day 4, hike NW of Enterprise Pass  1.3mi +200'/-800' to Tanal Lake (has small campground).  Approx 6-9+ miles RT, 1,200'-2,000' gain/loss. 

Day 3:  Partial to full day hike, mostly trail and some route.  We'll ascend trail to Kalmia Lake/Slocan Chief Cabin +200'/-200' (1-1/4+ hr), Helen Deane Lakes +200'/-300' (3/4+ hr), Glacier Toe Trail +1200'/-1200' (1-1/2 hr), Smugglers Ridge +1200/-1200' (1-1/2 hr).  Option to hike today either or both Glacier Toe and Smuggler Ridge trails, or defer one trail to day 4.  Approx 6-8+ miles RT, 1,600'-2,800' gain/loss (high end of range includes both Glacier Toe and Smuggler Ridge).

Day 4:  Exploratory day for more time to immerse in nature/art and relax in Glory Basin and nearby higher country (or for weather reschedule of day 2 or 3 hike itinerary).  Approx 6-9 miles. 

Day 5:  Return same route as Day 1 to TH mid-afternoon or earlier.  Approx 5-6 miles, +235'/-1635'. 

 Trail description/photos links:  https://hikebiketravel.com/the-stunning-hike-to-the-kokanee-glacier-cabin/

 https://kooteneer.wordpress.com/category/trail-review/kokanee/ :  select Kokanee Lake Trail, Sapphire Lakes, Mt Giegerich/Sapphire Lakes Loop.

Link to the quiet landscape of Kokanee --“A naturalist journey through Kokanee Glacier Park”  : https://wildwithnature.com/2023/12/01/kokanee-glacier-park-nature/  

Conditions report (online):  Current conditions beginning in June.  All/most likely snow free by late July).  Also look for leader update to be posted here.    https://nrs.objectstore.gov.bc.ca/kuwyyf/kokanee_glacier_park_trail_report_62815749ec.pdf 

Weather/smoke/wildfire:  Trip may be rescheduled or canceled if adverse weather forecast (high temps, very rainy), hazardous smoky air quality or nearby wildfires.  Leader will monitor current and forecast conditions.  

See BC Wildfires app for wildfire info, Accuweather for Nelson/Kaslo air quality, Spotwx.com for 7-10 day pinpoint weather Kokanee park location (ie, Mt Giegerich BC).  Link to Spotwx.com for Mt Giegerich:  https://share.google/4wSYsIsxqHsAxDaBg

Leader will have 2-way radios for communication between hut and camp, and along trail.  

Kaslo Lake campground has wooden tent platforms, cooking shelter, food/gear steel storage bins cabinet (inside shelter), creek water nearby, and outhouse toilet.   Backcountry camp sites at 6470' Kaslo Lake ($10Can/night, $40Can/4 nights), payment in advance online preferred, or Can$ payment to Kokanee Glacier hutkeeper first evening.  Overflow camping available.

Kokanee Glacier ACC cabin (Leader staying here 7/28in-8/1 out); contact leader for available hut space (leader will have hut wait list for campers).  Leader has filled 4 hut spaces on reserve all nights & filled and 1 space for 7/30&31 nights. All other hut spaces sold out for 7/28-8/1.  $108Can/$80US 4 nights (or $27Can/night) due to leader or ACC.   Be prepared to tent at Kaslo Lake campground for any or all nights with no hut spaces available.

You may also have option to book your space (if ACC cancellations) online with alpineclubofcanada.ca (select from pull-down menu: lodging, BC Provincial Parks Huts, Book Now, Select dates (arrival July 28 2026 or later & departure August 1 2026), # Adults, Next,  Availability #, Show Rates, Book Now, Payment).   ACC members and non-member guests may reserve hut space at Kokanee Glacier and other provincial parks (Bugaboo, Elk Lakes) up to 180 days in advance.  Space goes quick, close to 180 days.  Participants may start 7/29 with hut space (if avail) or book available hut and/or camp space for duration of trip.  This is a deluxe ACC hut:  filtered running water, electricity (lights, heat, kitchen appliances/utensils & dinnerware/pots incl stove & refrig), bathroom sink/shower, enclosed pit toilet (a few steps from hut). Capacity: 16 bunk spaces with foam mattresses.

Hut cancellations by Mountaineers group before mid-July, approx 1 night cost; after mid-July no refund.  Up to full refund if a replacement registers and pays for hut.  

Backcountry camp permit registration is payable up to 14 days in advance (of arrival date) at camping.bcparks.ca (set up account at website, if necessary), then log in and select Reservations (upper R on screen), select Backcountry  Registration, select park Kokanee Glacier, input arrival/departure dates, party size (1), entry/exit point Gibson Lake Trailhead, Search button, List for available dates, available dates check-marked (includes arrival/departure dates), press Reserve button (fee is $10/Can per night).  At end of online registration, backcountry camp registration confirmation including permit issued.  After permit issued, no changes  or refunds for cancellation.  Bring copy of permit during visit, printed or cell photo.  Register for backcountry campsite up to 14 days in advance of arrival if camping at Kaslo Lake or pay park operator in evening at Kaslo Lake.

Kokanee Glacier Hut (ACC) opened 2003 for overnight guests (reservations required for summer and winter), 10 minutes beyond Kaslo Lake campground.  Open to public daily 10am - 2pm. 

Grizzly/moose safe travel and camping practices required.  Bear spray required.

Highly recommended are illustrated journals “In the Alpine” and Further in the Alpine” by Petra Hekkenberg, a Kokanee Glacier hut keeper and park ambassador.  Her passion for nature and keen observations in the park during a recent year are captivating.  Books may be available for purchase at Kokanee Glacier Cabin or Kokanee Creek Visitor Center gift shop.  Leader has a copies to share, or view cabin/cook shelter copies.

Hiking Guidebooks:  

West Kootenay Hiking, Abby Wilson. 75+ trails including Kokanee Glacier and Valhalla Parks.  Available at Valhalla Pure outdoor store Nelson, BC).  Also see website, alternative to book:  westkootenayhiking.ca (brief descriptions free; or full descriptions and more for monthly/annual fee.

Where Locals Hike in the West Kootenays (60+ hikes/backpacks); Don’t Waste Your Time in the West Kootenays (opinionated, rated trails), Kathy and Craig Copeland.

If you have time for further exploration pre/post Kokanee Glacier Park in West Kootenay's Selkirk Range, consider a 2-3 day backpack to the very beautiful Valhalla Provincial Park's Gwillim Lakes, west of Nelson and Slocan Lake.   Other W Kootenay options (no fees or permits) are day hikes or 1 night backpacks to premier scenic backcountry Monica Meadows, Macbeth Icefield (if spur road to TH and trail open), or Jumbo Pass, via Glacier Creek Rd E of Argenta. Also consider contacting Radium Hot Springs Visitor Centre by phone, website, online or in person for recommendations of premier scenic backpacks/hikes options in BC's East Kootenay Purcell/Rockies.  Following Kokanee Glacier backpack, leader will be backpacking/hiking in East/West Kootenay.

HEADS UP >>   Possible Mtnrs (or private) Lake O'Hara multi-day photo/naturalist-oriented hiking trip.  Early August/wildflowers to mid/late-September/larch gold, with base accoms at Elizabeth Parker ACC Hut (hut space lottery results after 2/1 requiring  ACC memberships for all participants; or Lake O'Hara campground  (see parks Canada for online lottery reservations).  

Tuesday, July 28 7:00am (Pac Time) Jct Kokanee Glacier Park Road turnoff (via hwy 3A, E of Nelson, BC).  Arrive TH 7:45-8:00am.  Uphill Kokanee Glacier gravel/dirt access road (approx 10mi)  in fair condition, rougher near upper sections (AWD/hi-clearance advised). 

All vehicles parked overnight at/near Kokanee Glacier trailhead (for Kokanee Lk-Kaslo Lk) required to have chicken wire wrap (see route/place link for details) to prevent porcupine/marmot damage, and recommended for most other Selkirk/Purcell backpacks.  

Be aware of 7.5 - 8 hours approx drive time from Seattle to Nelson BC area.  High clearance vehicles (and at least 1 full spare tire) recommended for travel on gravel/dirt forest roads accessing trailheads in Kootenay region.  Estimated drive times are 20-30 minutes from Nelson east to Kokanee Glacier turnoff, and 30-45 minutes to Kaslo Lake TH (Kokanee Glacier PP). 

Reserve your front country camping pre/post trip:  3 month in advance at Kokanee Creek Prov Park (near jct of Kokanee Glacier road and hwy 3A), Nelson City Campground, or other post trip options (Kaslo city park campground, or non-reservable Glacier Creek Regional park N of Kaslo near S end Duncan Lake and Argenta).