• Lake of the Hanging Glacier

There is a severe washout 3km from the trail head.  The road is now closed.
ETA for repairs is currently early to mid August.
The bridge over Hell Roaring Creek is not installed and there is no ETA at this time.

TRAILS

Enjoy one of the eleven trails that we maintain

SOCIETY

Learn about Summit Trail Makers Society

SUPPORT

Membership, Donation & Merchandise.

OUR TRAILS

The Summit Trail Makers Society maintains eleven trails in the Columbia Valley.  Through a partnership with Recreation Site and Trails BC STMS keeps these eleven trails safe and enjoyable for locals and tourists alike.

Our trails take hikers from lush meadows to craggy peaks towering over glacier fed turquoise lakes.

Pick a trail, grab your boots and head to the hills!

We acknowledge that the trails we maintain are on the unceded shared traditional Territory of the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc First Nations, their local bands of ʔakisq̓nuk and Shuswap, and the chosen home of the Columbia Valley Metis.

OUR SOCIETY

The purpose of the society is to promote safe and sustainable hiking experiences by assisting in development and maintenance of hiking trails in the Upper Columbia Valley region.

The society was created in 2001 by a small group of hikers with a desire to “give something back”.  At that time, an informal relationship was established with the B.C. Ministry of Forests. As STMS membership grew, their record of trail maintenance successes also grew, as well as their credibility with the government. A formal partnership agreement between the province and STMS was put in place in 2011 and current term goes to 2024.

Learn more about STMS.

SUPPORT US

Support us by getting a yearly membership, making a donation or buying some STMS merchandise.

Memberships run for the current calendar year and are required to attend trail work bees.

Learn more.

TRAIL REPORTS

Lake of the Hanging Glacier July 8th 2024

Attention!  The road 3km from the trail head has washed out and impassable at this time.  The bridge over Hell Roaring Creek has not been installed.  Do not attempt this hike until the bridge has been installed.

Jumbo Pass June 26, 2024

Toby Creek FSR good to km 19. Jumbo FSR good driving to 6 km bridge, creek crossing at 11.5km water level is low 3 – 6 inches deep, from Leona Creek bridge at 13.5km to trail head there are water bars. The alder clearing last season work bees improved this section considerably; no concern of vehicle scratching.  Beyond 2.5 km there is snow and wet sections on the trail.

Pinto Mountain June 12, 2024

Deadfall cut out on the lower portion of the trail. Trail reroute where avalanche covered old trail at about the 500 metre point of the trail, about 50 metres of new trail built.  Snow remains on upper portion of the trail.

Assiniboine Lake June 13, 2024

The maintenance crew has been out to clear deadfall.  Road conditions are good to the mine. Alders are growing in past this point.  The trail is clear of snow to the lake.

Swansea Mountain March 14, 2024

Early season conditions in effect!  Please stay off wet and muddy parts of the trail.  Hiking on these sections before they have time to dry out causes damage that lasts all season long.  Be patient!

McLean Creek August 2023

The road has been closed since July 6, 2022 by the Rocky Mountain District Office, so no maintenance has been done on the trail since that date.  As well there has been no road maintenance since the flood, so we advise drivers to use caution when driving the FSR road to McLean Lake.  The last year unofficial reports mention lots of trees across the trail and 3 wasp nests.  This year’s trail maintenance has been delayed by the extreme fire situation that BC has been experiencing this summer.

Welsh Lakes October 15, 2023

Primitive Campsite Established

With the funds raised by STMS and the help of RSTBC, a primitive campsite with 8 tent pads, 2 tables, a bear bin and a pit toilet has been established by Starr Trail Solutions. Starr Trail Solutions also worked on trail improvements around the first two lakes.  The tent sites can not be reserved and will be on a first come basis.

This STMS project was made possible by the support and donations from: Columbia Basin Trust, Lions Club, RSTBC, and Rotary Club.

Lake of the Hanging Glacier September 28, 2023

The bridge over Hell Roaring Creek was taken out by a work crew on September 28.  It will be put back in late June or early July 2024.  Trying to cross without a bridge is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening.

Jumbo Pass September 2, 2023

A grizzly encounter was reported near the pass.  The bear was chowing down on huckleberries and barely moved when he/she saw the hikers.  Make lots of noise and keep your dogs on a leash.

Assiniboine Lake September 2, 2023

The trail is in good shape and as well as the log bridges.  There are 4 large trees across the trail but are easy to get by.