Plan St. Marys Alpine Park near Kimberley with remote alpine lakes, waterfalls, route-finding, fishing, climbing, hunting, winter touring, and washed-road access.
St. Mary’s Alpine Park is a remote Kootenay wilderness area for experienced backcountry travellers. BC Parks describes numerous lakes and tarns set against rugged granite cliffs, tundra, lingering snowfields, seven draining creeks, and waterfalls or cataracts that can reach 150 metres.
This is a place for route-finding, bushwhacking, and self-reliant alpine travel.
Why Visit St. Mary’s Alpine Park
St. Mary’s Alpine is for visitors seeking solitude in a hard-to-reach alpine basin, not a developed trail experience. BC Parks says experienced hikers willing to expend considerable effort may encounter few, if any, other people.
The park supports hiking, remote climbing for well-equipped parties, fishing in Spade Lake and the lower reaches of White Creek, hunting during open seasons, and extended winter ski touring. Snow machines and aircraft are not allowed in the park.
Things To Do
Hike with route-finding skills, fish with the proper licence, climb only with remote alpine experience, hunt under current regulations, ski tour in winter, and study map and access documents before committing to the trip.
Planning Notes
There are no supplies, equipment, potable water, or public communications in the park. Weather can change suddenly, with lightning, hail, and snow common in summer. Wear strong waterproof boots, carry rain gear, warm layers, food, emergency shelter, and a lightweight stove, and rope up for glacier or snowfield travel only if trained in crevasse rescue. BC Parks notes the logging road is washed out about two kilometres before the kiosk and is impassable to motor vehicles; yield to industrial traffic on access roads.