West Fork of Kokanee Creek

Take the road to Kokanee Glacier Park. About 2/3 of the way up there is a fork to the left. You cross Kokanee Creek, then another fork, turn right. 

Google Maps

The road is rough, with water runoffs, rocks and trees. Sometimes inaccessible. But with persistence you come to the end. This is the headwaters of the west fork of Kokanee Creek.

This is a well watered shallow valley with lots of flowers, insects and birds. Be prepared for bears. A 1km hike north to the creek is easy, flat and lots to see.

The valley runs NNW, and up the western slope above the parking area there are two small lakes. They are unnamed, there is no trail. Climb the hill on the south side of the small creek, through a clearcut, then bushwhack your way to the first lake.

This was a smokey day in Aug 2018. The first lake is small, it looked like a stock yard with elk and deer prints.

The second lake is higher up the mountain. From the first lake there is a talus slope to the SW. I climbed towards the west up that slope and came to this.

It is a lovely spot. There were toads in the lake,  Pikas on the talus slopes, bear and cat tracks in the mud. 

It was about an 6-7 hour hike up and back for me. It is very steep and slow going. I spent some time at both lakes. I plan to get back this fall.