MERRY CREEK TRAIL
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This popular trail was conceived and developed by Harry Killough with the
Forest Service contributing significant funding and manpower to improve it
and construct bridges, safety fences and instal toilets. Students from the
Selkirk College Renewable Resources Program developed an interpretive
brochure which covers spots of historic, ecological, and geological
significance.
The trail system is comprised of a couple of loops, one of which stays along
the upper
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watercourse of Merry Creek. There are many wildflowers to admire
in their proper season, as well as the stumpy remnants of a huge cedar.
Part of this area was burnt by the Wesley fire of 1925 and its effect can be
seen. There are also remnants of human habitation, dating back to the
pioneers who eked out a living at such a remote homestead.
The second loop is formed by a branch trail which climbs onto a small ridge
to the east from which one can admire views of Castlegar, or observe
geological features such as a balanced erratic boulder and some ancient
kettle-holes which link the contemplative hiker to the glacial window into
the Earth's recent history.
Total length of trail system is about 5 km. The trail-head is reached by
driving 2.5 km. up the Merry Creek Forest Service Road which joins Highway 3
just west of the Timberlane Motel.
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