ZEMS BLOG

The beautiful Kaslo River Trail is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike. It is a fun hiking trail with lots of variety despite its short length. Easy access on foot from Kaslo city centre. There are two small parking lots near the covered bridges at either end of the trail.

You can walk along both sides of the Kaslo River, stopping at scenic benches along the way. The river itself is beautiful – a beautiful clear turquoise blue. At the far end of the southern trail, concrete sculptures of hide-and-seek are a pleasant surprise.

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Kaslo River Trail Summary

distance: A loop with a length of 2.7 km

Height gain: 111 m (364 ft)

Time needed: 60 – 90 minutes

difficulty: easy

Best time for hiking: Early April to late November. Pack small spikes in case there is snow or ice on the ground.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Wildlife: I carried my bear spray just in case.

Draw a map: I would suggest taking pictures of the maps in the hallways.

Road head location

If you walk down 5th Street from downtown Kaslo, you’ll come to the first parking lot just before the Unity Bridge. Continue a short distance to another small parking lot located at the start of the northern end of the Kaslo River Trail.

There is more parking nearby Welcome to Kaslo Pull off onto Highway 31A, approximately 1 mile from the intersection of Avenue A and Washington Street. If you just want to visit the Trailblazer Bridge and see the concrete sculptures, it’s a good place to park your car.

Visiting Kaslo is an excellent place Kaslo River Trail Map In a PDF format.

Parking at the trail head - note the kiosk with maps on the right — Parking at the trail head – note the kiosk with maps on the right

Description of the course of the Kaslo River

You can hike the trail in either direction but because I found a parking lot next to the lower trail I started there. I immediately crossed the magnificent beet-red Solitude Bridge to follow the south bank of the Kaslo River.

There are several short climbs on this part of the trail. Most come with a rope handrail in case it slips. I’ve also seen trash cans filled with salt in the winter to help keep the trail walkable.

Near the end of the South Loop, I came across the fun Hike and Seek sculptures. Children will love this part of the walk.

Unity Bridge – So named because donors from all over the world contributed — Unity Bridge – so named because donors from around the world contributed to the project – is the closest bridge to downtown Kaslo

The Kaslo River is low in late September but is still very beautiful

Note the ropes on the right in case it gets cold in the winter

You'll find well-placed benches at many locations along the way in Kaslo — You’ll find well-placed benches at many locations along the way

The first character you encounter if you are on the south side of the Kaslo River Trail — The first character you encounter if you’re hiking the south side of the Kaslo River Trail

I found signs in all the right places on the Kaslo River Trail — I found signs in all the right places

After walking 1.9 kilometers on the southern section of the Kaslo River Trail, descend to the Trailblazer Bridge – where you’ll find some interpretive panels. The Kalsu River is particularly frothy and beautiful here.

Turn right at the end of the bridge and follow it for 1.3 km back to the second parking lot on Higashi Road. Turn left if you have parked on the highway.

Trailblazer Bridge is an overhead pedestrian bridge

On the north side, the slope is steep for a short section but there are plenty of handrails to help

The bin at the bottom holds salt left so the Kaslo River Trail can be hiked year-round but you'll probably need small spikes — The trash can at the bottom contains salt so the trail can be hiked year round but you will likely need small spikes

A small side trail winds through the trees

We reach the end of the Kaslo River Trail on the north side of the river — We reach the end of the Kaslo River Trail on the north side of the Kaslo River

Hide and seek characters along the way

In September 2020, eight large reinforced concrete sculptures were scattered around the upper end of the South Kaslo River Trail, near the Trailblazer Bridge. The sculptures are “Koots” – whimsical creations designed and made by him Coates Artist Collection Members Christopher Peterson and Yvonne Boyd.

I think they are a great addition to the trail. No matter how old you are, you can relate to playing Hide and Seek when you were a kid.