Kimbol Lake Trail

Trail Description

The first leg of the journey follows the 0.8 km trail to the Hotsprings’ source, the site of the original hotsprings resort. Cement forms remain where once sat the pools to which tourists trekked by packhorse from the paddlewheelers docked in Nakusp. Poison ivy, uncharacteristic in the area, thrives on the open ground at the source.

In the far southeast corner of the clearing, a brown wooden sign marks the beginning of the Kimbol Lake Trail. Immediately, the trail begins a steep climb, but levels out 50 metres later to amble through stately stands of cedar and hemlock, with a rich undergrowth of Devil’s club, huckleberries and ferns. As the trail winds deeper up the Kuskanax River valley, the cedar/hemlock forest remains uniform, with abundant underbrush where logging or blow-down enables more sunlight to penetrate the canopy of trees.

The trail grade is slight at first, but as the trail dips down to cross numerous creeks and draws, there are steep pitches; a 40% grade is the steepest. About halfway there, the trail crosses an old logging road, which provides a view of the old growth “Cedar Grove” across the valley. The trail then climbs steadily up and around the mountainside, as it enters the small Kimbol Lake valley, where it again levels off. A watchful eye on the steep trail sections will help avoid their exposed tree roots and loose rocks. Cresting the hill and entering the Kimbol Lake valley, the relationship between geography and biology is profound, as here the flatter, moister land hosts magnificent trees and a rich undergrowth layer. Devil’s club thrives due to the underground drainage from Kimbol Lake; rhododendron and huckleberries are abundant. Excellent habitat for bears and other large mammals results from the plentiful berries and roots, ample drinking water and prime den sites amongst tree roots and the rockslide boulders.

The trail winds toward Kimbol Lake for the last half kilometre, accessing its western shore from the rocky talus slope. Here, some time for a rest, lunch or casting for small rainbow trout or mountain whitefish is in order. A walk around the lake will reveal an old trapper’s cabin at the southeastern end of the lake. Wilson Lake Road previously provided road access to the cabin, but it is now washed out. After enjoying the scenery, the quick walk back to the Hotsprings leads to a relaxing and well-deserved soak.