Kuskanax Mountain Trails

New switchbacks and improved trail tread have made this steep climb fun. Along the way there are amazing views over the lake and through a dense pine forest in the lower section which bears testament to a forests’ regenerative power after wildfires. The coniferous forest slowly thins out to stunted alpine spruce and craggy rock. The trail then follows a mostly treeless rocky ridge with few trail markers so keep an eye out to the peak for direction.

4X4 or high-clearance AWD is required. Drive north out of Nakusp, cross the Kuskanax Creek bridge and turn right onto the Hot Springs Road, turn left after 3.5km onto the Kuskanax Mountain road/Mac’s Trail. Drive up this steep, rough road for 4.2 km, passing Vicky’s View along the way to the trailhead kiosk on your left.

Hike

The Kuskanax Mountain road (Mac’s Trail) was hurriedly built in 1973 to fight a wildfire that raced up the mountain, scattering embers and ash onto the town and valley below.  In those days, local logging contractors managed most forest fires and this fire was named the Hufty Fire for the main contractor Wilf “Hufty” Hewat. You may still hear locals calling the mountain Hufty Mountain. The road was then called Mac’s Trail for the contractor who built the road. Most of this work was volunteered by the logging contractors. One of the viewpoints along the way has seen wedding ceremonies. Another viewpoint was the launch pad for hang gliders in the 1970s until aviation regulations put a stop to the fun to protect the airport. Dense pine forests, pine (matsutake) mushroom beds and huckleberry bushes can be found along the road.  A communication tower for internet services was erected on the summit in 2019, its blinking red light can be seen at night.

The Kuskanax Mountain South Trail is in good summer condition with a few small deadfalls mid-way up at around 1870 m Elev and some unstable sandy sections below. Take care at the switch-back corners where stone or log steps may be eroded.

The access road to the trailhead via the Vickie’s View road is passable in a high clearance 4X4 but quite rough in places, especially as it starts to climb from the Hot Springs Road. Parking and turn-around space are limited at the South Trailhead above Vickie’s View.

Try Kimbol Lake Trail and the Hot Springs Trail.