So I got going on hikes in my area early this year. We have had a few really great days, so I took advantage and got on my gear! When leaving Castlegar towards Grand Forks there is a well-marked Forest Service Road to the Merry Creek Trail parking area. After 2.2km up the dirt road, which can be travelled by just about everything, you come to the parking area.
This year I did the Columbia Valley view trail, and looking at the map above, I kept to the right and followed the loop that way. It was about 5km in total length. This is a fairly easy “hike” with room for two, but it does have some good inclines that make you work. Nothing too long though. I went on the 3rd weekend in April this year, and it was still pretty sloppy up there and there was even snow. With the month of March we had this year, I would guess this is not the norm.
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There are lots of trees and shade for the hike, and one other really fun surprise! Over 1.2km away from the beginning, we could hear something. Keeping in mind it was about 12:30 when we heard this…..
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Lovely little frogs! I had hoped we could see them, and after walking a bit more I was able to see the “pond”. So I left the trail, the pond was not far off, and try get a look at the frogs. They must be big right? Not so much.
I’m pretty sure he was just a little tree frog. They were pretty vocal while I was moving around trying to find them. When getting closer to the view-point the flowers start to show up.
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The view from the top is lovely, as you would expect. Being such a great day as well just makes it even better.
As I said it was sloppy outside so there were lots of hoof prints in the muck, as well as some other “evidence” of their presence.
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Once I made my decent, there were more bridges and more slop, plus a few more points of interest. The giant cedar has a sign for the offshoot of trail, and it’s really neat to go and see. As well you will also come across the log cabin.
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The walk is really enjoyable. Birds are almost constantly chirping, and you can usually hear Merry Creek flowing, especially this time of year with spring run offs happening. At the beginning of the hike where the map is, is also a lot of information about the different flora and fauna so you can have an idea of the types of birds singing to you.
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Easily this is a fantastic hike to do if you can put in the 5km. It would be great to run because the ground is pretty even as well. Either way, this is a great hike in the area. If you have already done this, get out and do it again!
It is now time for me to get on my bike and keep pedalling!
Merry Creek Trail April 2019 So I got going on hikes in my area early this year. We have had a few really great days, so I took advantage and got on my gear!
