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The Gliders' Trail in the Creston Community Forest, BC GLIDERS’ POINT The Creston Community Forest has completed the extension to the West Ridge Trail that was built in 2019. This new trail provides a more direct and scenic hike to Gliders’ Point (the old hang gliding site). The West Ridge Trail now starts at km 1.5 on the Sullivan Creek Trail (look for post sign). The Sullivan Creek Trail starts at km 1.7 on the Mt Thompson Forest Service Road. Total distance to Gliders’ Point is 3.3 km (1.5 km on the Sullivan Creek Trail and 1.8 km on the West Ridge Trail). For more adventurous hikers, the West Ridge Trail continues to the top of Mt Thompson and the Rim Trail (total one way distance of 6 km). Enjoy the new trail and the picnic site at Gliders’ Point. Use the trail with care. In May of 2020, a picnic table, fire ring and bench were flown via helicopter to the old hang gliding site now known as Gliders’ Point. The site provides a beautiful view of the valley. It is often frequented by wildlife and is a habitat for Mountain Goats. The historic hang gliding ramps were built from wood in the early 1980’s as a launching site from Mount Thompson. Tricky winds posed a problem for many of the hang gliders and therefore this site was not frequently used. Do not litter; pack out all garbage Do not cut live trees or dead snags Do not gather downed woody debris Build fires only in fire ring with provided firewood or bring your own Make sure campfire is out before leaving Practice bear avoidance (hike in groups, make noise) and carry bear spray Do not disturb the wood from the old hang gliding ramps Be aware of steep drop offs at view points and picnic site Please note there is no washroom at Gliders’ Point or on the trail If any issues or concerns with Gilders’ Point, please call the Community Forest at 250.402.0070 . Trails Lady Slipper Trail Thompson Rotary Trail West Ridge Trail Thompson Rim Trail Thompson Pack Trail Billy Goat Bluffs Big Bear Viewpoint Gliders’ Point STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter

The Thompson Rotary Trail in the Creston Community Forest, BC THOMPSON ROTARY TRAIL The Thompson Rotary Trail is a short, yet scenic trail that was developed by the Creston Rotary Club in 2012. The trail was located and laid out by Bob Griffith with the whole club involved in the building of the trail over weekend work bees throughout the summer of 2012. Another Rotarian, Werner Allmeritter built the beach that is anchored to solid rock at a major view point. This trail takes you through beautiful Douglas Fir–Ponderosa Pine forests with several viewpoints overlooking the Creston Valley. Red-tailed hawks, Arrow-leaved Balsalm Root and many other features are present that make this trail a great afternoon hike. The bench and best viewpoint is .5 km from the upper trailhead off of the Mt Thompson FSR or .8 km from the lower trailhead off of the Pack Trail. Access: From the Creston Valley Visitor Center, head southeast on Highway 3 towards Cranbrook. At roughly 5.8 km, turn right at Canyon-Lister Road. Continue on this road, and turn left onto Whimster Road after about 1 km. Follow Whimster Road until it’s end – keep left to continue onto Mount Thompson FSR. For access to the lower trailhead, park at 1.7 km on the Thompson FSR at the access point for the Sullivan Creek Trail. Go right or uphill on the Pack Trail immediately in front of the kiosk. Continue on the Pack Trail to about 2.5 km (or about 1 km from the kiosk) to the intersection with the Rotary Trail. For access to the upper trail head, follow the Thompson FSR to the large parking area at about 3.5 km marked with a large sign “Thompson Rotary”. Trailhead access from town: 20-30 minutes Hiking Time (Return): 1.5 hours Elevation Gain: 310 meters Distance (Return): 2.6 km Trails Lady Slipper Trail Thompson Rotary Trail West Ridge Trail Thompson Rim Trail Thompson Pack Trail Billy Goat Bluffs Big Bear Viewpoint Gliders’ Point STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter

Get involved with the Creston Community Forest! Join our Board, Volunteer, Come on a Field Trip, Check out our trails, and keep up to date on current events. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, for the most recent happenings! Get Involved Explore Nearby Trails Explore the scenic trails of the Creston Community Forest and immerse yourself in nature's beauty! We proudly manage and maintain a variety of trails in the Creston area, including Lady Slipper, Thompson Rim Trail, Thompson Rotary Trail, Thompson Pack Trail, Big Bear Viewpoint, Billy Goat Bluffs, Gliders’ Point and the West Ridge Trail. Out There: The Creston Community Forest Trails ‘Many of the local trails pass through varying terrain including forest cover, below cliffs and scree slopes, and through other natural landscapes and terrain.’ By Ed McMackin, a biologist by training and a naturalist by nature In its initial years, the Creston Community Forest was committed to several goals, among which was to return into the community a major part of its profits. That was a difficult goal to meet in its beginning years, but now the tables have turned, as the Creston Community Forest has grown and been allotted more timberland, profits have increased, and now recreational aspects of the Kootenay Lake and Creston area are benefiting from a fresh supply of support and funding. Not only have existing trails been improved and new trails opened up, but there are enhancements including kiosks with descriptive maps, benches, picnic tables, and sturdy bridges. Signs along the trails also display information on the natural history of the area. Trails are alsocleared each spring, maintained, and regularly checked on as quickly as possible after storms. Many of the local trails pass through... (full article here ) STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter Join us on a Field Trip Are you ready for an immersive adventure that will take you deep into the heart of our Community Forest? Our field trips offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and witness the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, come join us on a journey of discovery and unlock a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty in our very own backyard. For more information on forest education, email Daniel Gratton at: dgratton@crestoncommunityforest.com or call 250.402.0070 Volunteer with Us Volunteer on Work Bees: Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, grab a shovel, and make a tangible difference in our Community Forest? Our work bees offer an exciting opportunity to actively participate in the creation and maintenance of hiking trails. As a work bee volunteer, you will: Get hands-on experience in trail building and maintenance. Join our team of volunteers during scheduled work bees. Contribute to the development of hiking trails in our Community Forest. Learn practical skills related to trail construction, such as trail design, clearing vegetation, and installing trail markers. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating recreational opportunities for our community while preserving the natural beauty of the forest. Events While there may not be any current events or opportunities, we are continuously working on new initiatives and projects in our Community Forest. We value your interest in getting involved and appreciate your patience as we strive to create meaningful ways for you to contribute to our conservation efforts.

Latest News Creston Community Forest Aug 12 1 min Temporary Trail Closure ROTARY TRAIL CLOSED: The highlighted section (see attached map) of the Rotary Trail will be closed until further notice due to safety... Creston Community Forest Aug 8 1 min Mt. Thompson Forest Service Road disruptions and delays. Safety is essential: Please be very cautious and aware of active operations while using the road. Follow all posted signage and use a radio, Creston Community Forest Jul 28 1 min Clearing the Trailhead on the Pack Trail This past Friday, Erich Endersby and Eva Sommerfeld spent part of the morning attending to the trailhead of the Pack Trail that starts at... Creston Community Forest Jul 21 1 min Fire Ecologist Kira Hoffman weighs in on escalating B.C. wildfire conditions and what to have ready for an evacuation. Hear Fire Ecologist Kira Hoffman share what to have ready in your home if you need to quickly evacuate. These tips will help you and... Creston Community Forest Jul 7 1 min 2024 Ralph Moore Memorial Bursary Award Congratulations to Ashlyn Yanciw as the 2024 Ralph Moore Memorial Bursary Award recipient. On behalf of the Creston Community Forest,...