An abandoned fire lookout converted into a comms station near the old mining town of Phoenix, BC
Swim Hole and Ruins at Cascade Falls
A fantastic adventure lies just south of Christina Lake in BC Boundary Country. It starts with some exploration of an abandoned hydro project at Cascade Falls. It is possible to walk through what used to be a spillway. This wouldn't be interesting if it wasn't for some unique rock walls that feel like a castle entrance. There are also some interesting concrete culverts to walk through. All the while, the crashing water of the nearby Cascade Falls can be heard.
At the end of the spillway and getting near the Cascade Trestle, there is a tunnel that goes under the KVR route except at first glance it looks like the tunnel is collapsed at the south end. Fear not, because with a bit of maneuvering, it is possible to crawl up through the apparent collapse and emerge on the other side.
The adventure is not over though because at the Cascade Trestle (if it is the right time of year) then a wonderful swim hole exists. August is a suitable time as the river flow has slowed. It is possible to cliff jump into the river and float through the channel for a ways before crawling up to the shore beneath the trestle. At the moment there is also a giant rope dangling from the trestle making for some epic rope swinging. There are levels of cliff jumping to suit each member of the family ranging from child size to daredevil.
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VV+E Trail to Tunnel 2
There isn't much remaining of the old Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern (VV&E) Railway. It used to begin in Midway, BC before meandering into the States for a time to Oroville, Washington. From here it reentered Canada near Osoyoos BC and travelled up through Keremeos to Princeton in order to connect with the KVR line.
Some notable remnants of the route exist like the 'red bridge' at Keremeos. Most of it lies on private property as the right of way was not publicly secured after dismantling. A majority of the Canadian route lies under HWY 3.
There is one accessible feature hiding in the forest that is worth a short adventure. The journey begins at Midway. The dirt road lies over the old route heading west. At a certain point it diverts into the forest where the hiker can pick up the trail and find an old tunnel. This is in fact Tunnel # 2 of the old rail line.
Access:
Look for Fritz Rd across the bridge south of Midway. Park here or drive as long as desired westward. A bicycle adventure is suggested as the best method from here. Follow Fritz road past a cannabis farm and the road eventually degrades a bit before veering left up a hill. Do not go up the hill but instead turn right and through a small gate. This is the point where the old VV+E route leaves the road. The tunnel is not far away now.
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It is possible to explore the tunnel and pass through to the other side. The VV+E route can be followed for several hundred more metres before there is a missing trestle over the river inhibiting further passage.
Renata Arch – Brooklyn Bridge
Visiting the Renata Arch is the perfect adventure because it is so much more than just a hike. For starters, the trailhead is only accessible after paddling across Arrow Lake. Furthermore, the whole area is quite remote, down a forestry service road.
There is some interesting history that goes along with this geological wonder. In the early 1900s, during the creation of the Columbia & Western Railway, a mining settlement called Brooklyn was established along the Columbia River near Castlegar, BC. Immigrants from New York gazed up at the nearby arch and nicknamed it Brooklyn Bridge. Flooding of the river to form the Arrow Lakes reservoir flooded most of the old townsite but the arch stands through the ages.
Directions to Trailhead:
Deer Park (45mins west of Castlegar) is the most logical spot to park and launch watercraft. There is parking available for a few vehicles and a sandy public beach to launch boats. The lake is just over 2km wide at this point and a kayak/canoe paddle takes around an hour (more depending on condition of waves/wind). The round trip hike takes at least 2 hours depending on time spent at the arch and the elevation gain is around 250m.
Given the complex logistics involved with organizing hiking and paddling, it's best to budget a whole day for this adventure. If any time remains and it is a hot day, the route to Deer Park passes by another geological wonder that's fun for the whole family - Cayuse Canyon rock waterslide.
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The most shocking discovery during our visit to the arch was that it was possible to 'walk across the bridge'. After passing under the arch, follow the rough trails that lead up to the right and there are some ropes available to assist climbing up to the arch. It goes without saying that attempting this is exhilarating partly because it is also very dangerous. Only proceed onto the arch with extreme caution.
Cayuse Creek Canyon
Cayuse Creek, 11km west of Syringa campground, is a great place to explore on a hot day. The canyon is filled with all kinds of waterfalls, rock slides, and pools. Visit in late summer because the canyon is dangerous otherwise due to spring runoff.
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Labarthe Tunnel
The Labarthe Tunnel dates back to the early days of the Columbia & Western Railway. When the Arrow Lakes were flooded during the construction of the Keenleyside Dam, a portion of the railway had to be rebuilt upslope. The Labarthe Tunnel was on one of the portions cut off during the rebuild.
Depending on the level of the reservoir the Labarthe Tunnel can be submerged, partially submerged or completely dry! For a kayak adventure, obviously partially submerged is the goal!
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Greenwood Slag + Smelter
The huge slag pile and smelter at Anaconda/Greenwood is a fantastic area to explore.
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In the early 1900s the copper-rich mountains around Greenwood were buzzing with activity. Towns were popping up to support dozens of claims and mines around the area. The huge slag pile is best know for it's Hell's Bells which come from the railway cars of the same shape that dumped the waste material. It feels like walking on an old lava flow but this material is so inhospitable, even after 100 years, plant life isn't returning. Just up the hill there is lots more to explore as you enter the ruins of the Anaconda Smelter.
Above the almost completely collapsed flue tunnel the smelter's 36m high chimney dominates the skyline. It was constructed by hand brick by brick - and a lot of them! Nearly a quarter million!
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Fisherman Falls Adventures
The Fisherman Falls area north of Grand Forks, BC drew us in for a short waterfall walk but we ended up stumbling on two tunnel adventures which we enjoyed even more than the falls!
From Fisherman Falls, detour from the loop trail and follow the river downstream to reach the mystery culvert. Late season is best by far to minimize waterflow (otherwise it might be impossible/dangerous to enter the culvert).
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Above Fisherman Falls (literally) is the Columbia & Western Railway route which is a fantastic cycling trail from the end of the KVR at Midway to Castlegar. If just exploring the Fisherman Falls area, it isn't too far just to walk up the C&WR trail to Fisherman Tunnel for additional exploring. Along they way is an old snow shed which used to house an avalanche inspector as part of the railway operations.
Boundary Falls
Not the most fantastic falls in the area but not a bad stretch-the-legs stop between Midway and Greenwood, BC. The location is a bit of a mystery. Park at the Dewdney Trail 'stop of interest' and head up river from there (10 min walk).
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Sally Mine
Up the hill from Beaverdell, BC there is a late 1800s era mine tunnel in fantastic condition. Google maps has a waypoint for the entrance. After lots of exploring around old mines in the Boundary Country I'd say this is the safest family-friendly mine we've come across.
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