Winlaw Nature Park

 directly across the river from the Rail Trail -  take the bridge across the river at Winlaw Station, and travel north 1km via the backroad.  The nature park has a beautiful grass and sand beach, clear shallow waters, as well as picnic tables, a gazebo, swings, and a change room.

Local Cafe's, Shopping, and Accommodations

Along the entire length of the trail, a number of small and locally owned cafe's are accessible via a short walk or ride. Marked signs on the trail will point you the way. In addition, the region has a number of small motels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts to make your stay a great one.

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Fishing, Bird Watching, and More

Both the Slocan River, and Slocan Lake are open to fishing during certain times of the year. From rainbow trout, to kokanee salmon, the waters run free and so do the fish. The Walter Clough Wildlife Area about 4 km south of the Village of Slocan is one of many points along the trail that offers excellent bird watching opportunities. From eagles, to moose, elk, deer, and more, you are sure to encounter nature's wonders.

Summer Water Use

Tubing, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and canoeing down the Slocan River - or camping on Slocan Lake - the Rail Trail offers both locals and vistors access to the Slocan River and Lake. There are many routes to take, so stop into a local cafe, and ask for some ideas!  Always play safe and seek local information before heading out on the water.

The Vallican Confluence

A little more than 1 km north of the Passmore Trailhead, the Rail Trail opens to an incredible view of the confulence of the Little Slocan River and the Slocan River. Here, the water is a deep green blue, and you can see the surrounding mountain peaks of Perry's Ridge, and Frog Peak.  Take advantage of the bench for a restful meditation on the beauty all around you!

Playground Access

Along the trail there are a number of playgrounds nearby. From North to South:

• Slocan City (2)
• Winlaw
• Slocan Park
• Cresent Valley

Vallhalla Provincial Park

This park was created to protect the diverse topography, majestic peaks and unique vegetation typical of the Selkirk Mountains. There are many opportunities here for the backcountry adventurer. Several beaches for boaters - some for waterskiers and others for canoeists. Varied and abundant hiking opportunities from short walks to wilderness treks and mountain climbing. The park has opportunities for a number of recreational activities including hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing.

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Slocan Lake & Beaches

At the north end of the Rail Trail, lies the Village of Slocan. The village rest on the souther shores of Slocan Lake, and offers 2 docks, 2 boat ramps, a large sandy beach, as well as ample parking & shopping. There is also a designated campground that has a huge waterfall in the middle of it. From here you can access Vallhalla Provincial Park trails & Slocan Lake Trails.

Village of Slocan website

Walter Clough Bird Sanctuary

Between the trailheads in Slocan City and Lemon Creek, a rich expanse of ecologically vibrant wetlands can be seen from the trail. A part of the yearly flood plain of the Slocan River, the nature reserve is a sanctuary for wildlife.  Every year, small flocks of Tundra and Trumpeter Swans winter here.  Eagles and Osprey fish the waters.  Beaver activity is evident along the Rail Trail in this area.

Archeological Sites

European settlement has existed in the Slocan Valley for only 120 years or so. During that short time, the salmon runs have disappeared, highways and railways have been pushed through the land and almost all traces of a way of life that existed for more than 3,000 years has been obliterated.

At Ka'ntca'k - better known today as Slocan Narrows, 2 km north of Lemon Creek., and at Nkweio'xten, known today as Vallican, 2 sets of interpretive panels have been created by Kaslo graphic artist and sign-maker Ian Fraser that invoke the millennia of human settlement in the Slocan Valley prior to the coming of European settlers in the 1880's.

Fish Habitat Structures

The Columbia Power Corporation has put in aproximately 13 fish habitat structures along the Slocan River between Vallican and Winlaw. The majority of them can be found along the Winlaw Rapids. They were constructed in response to CPC’s upgrading of the dam on the Kootenay River at Brilliant.  Interpretive signs about the structures can be found along the Rail Trail just south of Winlaw.

Pilings Along the River

Up until the 1950’s the river was used as a transportation corridor for saw logs. From Crescent Valley to Slocan you’ll note pilings along the river, which are the remnants from this era. Logs were trapped and stored in the river in booms before getting sawed into lumber at the many sawmills along the river.

Side Trips

There are three backroad side trips available from the rail trail. One is in Krestova, and it is called the Krestova loop. For more information, contact the Frog Peak Cafe. Another loop will take your from winlaw, north, along the rail trail, and then back along Perry's Back Road, heading South to Winlaw again. You can also ride the rail trail south from Winlaw, crossing the bridge in Passmore, and head up along the back road, North, and ending in winlaw as well.

Slocan Valley Bridges

Between Crescent Valley and Slocan Lake there are seven bridges crossing the Slocan River. The bridges are a great connection from the SVRT if you want to expand your ride. Here are some additional details on the side-trips the bridges can take you on.

CRESCENT VALLEY BRIDGE

Connects to what is called the Krestova Loop. A 7.7 km ride with some modest elevation gain.

SLOCAN PARK BRIDGE

Connected to a gentle 5km dirt backroad

PASSMORE BRIDGE

This bridge can BE USED for two different dramatic rides. One ride to take is the 30km loop Slocan River Backroad on the west side of the Slocan River, which can be exited at either the Winlaw or Perrys Siding Bridge and looped back on the rail trail. You turn right immediately after crossing the Slocan River to access this ride. Another, more adventurous ride takes you back along the Little Slocan River Forestry Road which comes out at the Village of Slocan – a 65 km loop. This route parallels Valhalla Park at it’s northern end.After crossing the Passmore Bridge stay on the main road, which heads up the hillside after aprox. 150 meters

WINLAW BRIDGE

Can be accessed to either go north or south on the Slocan River backroad. A shorter loop that’s aprox 15km in either direction. Beautiful vistas are offered along the northern ride and quiet privavcy along the southern loop.

Perry Siding Bridge

Access via Perry's Back Road which crosses the Rail Trail about 9 km north of Winlaw.  You can return to Winlaw via this road but it does not go north to Slocan.  It is a very scenic side trip using a narrow, twisty paved road that meanders up and down through small farms and communities.

SLOCAN BRIDGES

There are bridges at either end of the Village of Slocan. An easy walk or ride should you wish to park at the Slocan Lake trail head. The northern bridge is also the gateway for hiking into the Valhalla Provincial Park.