The best walks and hikes in the Purcell Mountains
4.5
(363)
2,845
hikers
56
hikes
Hiking in the Purcell Mountains offers a challenging destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems. The region is characterized by high glaciated mountains, numerous alpine lakes, and old-growth forests, providing a variety of landscapes for exploration. Rushing rivers and canyons further sculpt the terrain, creating impressive natural features. This subrange of the Columbia Mountains provides a true wilderness experience for hikers.
Best hiking trails in the Purcell Mountains
- The most popular hiking route is Lower Bugaboo Falls Trail, an easy 1.7 miles (2.8 km) trail that takes about 50 minutes to complete. This path leads to a majestic glacier-fed waterfall.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail, an easy 1.4 miles (2.3 km) path. This route offers impressive views of the Kootenai Falls and a swinging bridge.
- Local hikers also love the Monica Meadows Trail — Monica Meadows Recreation Site, a 6.2 miles (10.1 km) trail leading through alpine meadows and mountain scenery, often completed in about 3 hours 30 minutes.
- Hiking in the Purcell Mountains is defined by glaciated peaks, alpine lakes, and old-growth forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to challenging multi-day backcountry routes.
- The routes in Purcell Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 100 reviews. More than 1000 hikers have used komoot to explore Purcell Mountains's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
5.0
(4)
50
hikers
2.82km
00:49
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
36
hikers
2.31km
00:39
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
13
hikers
6.10km
02:31
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
10.1km
03:37
590m
590m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
13
hikers
7.14km
02:43
480m
480m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
17.9km
04:54
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
2.42km
00:42
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
10.7km
04:48
1,020m
1,020m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
15.5km
06:12
1,160m
1,160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3
hikers
926m
00:15
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Around 2.5 kilometres before reaching Cobalt Lake, the trail passes a small alpine waterfall cascading down smooth granite slabs into a clear pool below. Surrounded by rocky slopes and sparse alpine vegetation, it’s one of the more scenic stopping points along the climb and a good place to cool off before the steeper final approach toward the lake basin.
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Set beneath glaciers and the jagged granite peaks of the Bugaboos, Cobalt Lake is known for its striking blue colour created by glacial silt suspended in the water. The alpine lake sits in a rugged basin surrounded by steep rock walls, lingering snowfields and scattered larch trees, with reflections of the surrounding peaks often visible on calmer days.
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The Cobalt Lake Trail climbs through dense forest and steep alpine terrain to a vivid turquoise lake surrounded by glaciers and the towering granite spires of the Bugaboos. Higher sections of the trail become increasingly exposed, with rocky slopes, loose terrain and expansive views across the Purcell Mountains. In late September, golden larch trees add colour to the otherwise rugged alpine landscape.
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The Loki-Baldur Trail is steep and leads through the woods, then opens up to a meadow where the trail mellows out. The trail climbs again, reaching Portman’s Notch, and Mount Loki comes into sight. Once above the treeline, the class 2-3 scramble will begin.
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The summit of Mount Loki sits at 2779 meters and provides 360-degree views from this rocky peak high above the treeline. The views are fantastic, even breathtaking, but the summit push is a scramble and not recommended for kids or beginners.
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The Loki-Baldur Trail involves a class 2-3 scramble just before the summit. Typically the route is easy to follow, but it can get tricky during this rocky scramble. The scramble is on a ridgeline and involves a few false summits. No technical gear is required, and the views from the false summits are beautiful, but if the weather takes a turn or if the scramble makes you uncomfortable, turn back.
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At the end of the Perry Creek Trail in East Kootenay, you reach Perry Creek Falls, where the creek drops over a rugged rock face into a narrow gorge. The viewpoint is set slightly back, so you’re looking across at the falls rather than right beside them, but you still get a clear view of the cascade and the surrounding forest. After following the creek the whole way, this feels like a natural turnaround point and the highlight of the hike.
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The Perry Creek Trail in East Kootenay is a short out-and-back route that follows the creek through dense forest toward a waterfall. The path is easy to follow for most of the way, with a mix of dirt trail and a few rougher sections where the ground can be uneven or washed out. You stay close to the water as you walk, with the sound of the creek alongside you, before reaching a viewpoint at Perry Creek Falls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in the Purcell Mountains?
There are over 50 hiking routes available in the Purcell Mountains. These include a variety of options, with 22 easy trails, 28 moderate trails, and 4 more challenging routes, catering to different experience levels.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in the Purcell Mountains?
The trails in the Purcell Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and the true wilderness experience it offers, from glaciated peaks to serene alpine lakes.
Are there any easy trails suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, the Purcell Mountains offer several easy trails perfect for families or those new to hiking. For instance, the Findlay Falls Trail loop is a short, easy walk. Another great option is the Swisher Lake Campground Trail to Sophie Creek, which offers a gentle path through nature.
Are there any trails that feature waterfalls?
Absolutely. The Purcell Mountains are home to several impressive waterfalls. You can experience the majestic glacier-fed Lower Bugaboo Falls by hiking the Lower Bugaboo Falls Trail. Another notable spot is the Kootenai Falls, which can be seen along the Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the trails?
The Purcell Mountains boast a wide array of natural features. You'll encounter glaciated mountains, pristine alpine lakes like those found on the Gorman Lake Trail, and old-growth forests. Rushing rivers and canyons, such as the Canyon Creek Gorge, also sculpt the landscape, offering impressive sights.
Are there any trails that lead to hot springs?
Yes, a unique attraction in the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park is the Dewar Creek Hot Springs. You can reach these hot springs via the Dewar Creek Trail, which is considered a moderate hike.
Can I find trails with panoramic mountain views or viewpoints?
Absolutely. The Purcell Mountains are renowned for their stunning vistas. Trails like the Monica Meadows Trail offer spectacular alpine meadows and mountain scenery. You can also find viewpoints such as Mount Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge Lookout and Webb Mountain Fire Lookout, providing expansive views of the range.
What is the best time of year to hike in the Purcell Mountains?
The best time to hike in the Purcell Mountains is generally during the summer months, from late June to early September, when trails are clear of snow and alpine wildflowers are in bloom. However, the region's diverse ecosystems mean that spring and fall can also offer beautiful hiking, with vibrant foliage or fresh greenery, though some higher elevation trails may still have snow or be impacted by early winter conditions.
Are there any multi-day or challenging backcountry routes?
Yes, the Purcell Mountains are known for challenging multi-day backcountry traverses, often requiring experienced and self-sufficient wilderness travelers. The Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park features rigorous routes like the Earl Grey Pass Trail, a 63-kilometer route that can take around five days. For a difficult day hike, consider the Pacific Northwest Trail from Koocanusa Bridge to Webb Mountain.
Are there any trails that lead to alpine lakes?
Yes, the Purcell Mountains are dotted with beautiful alpine lakes. The Gorman Lake Trail leads to a serene alpine lake with stunning mountain views. Another option is the Lower Welsh Lake trail, which takes you to another picturesque mountain lake.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter while hiking?
The Purcell Mountains are home to a rich variety of wildlife. Hikers might spot grizzly bears, mountain caribou, wolverines, moose, and wolves. It's essential to be bear-aware and take appropriate precautions when hiking in this wilderness area.
Are there any loop trails available?
Yes, for those who prefer not to retrace their steps, the Findlay Falls Trail loop offers a short, circular route. While many trails are out-and-back, this loop provides a different experience.
Most popular routes in the Purcell Mountains
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