- Muddy Trail Alert!
- Muddy Trail Alert!
Spring is springing! Please be mindful of trails that are wet and muddy.
Hiking on these parts of a trail before they dry out damages them for the entire summer. Patience!
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.
Learn more.
Mail a cheque payable to Summit Trail Makers Society:
Summit Trail Makers Society
PO Box 2437
Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
Email e-transfer to:
When making an e-transfer please include your email in the message box.
STMS also gratefully accepts donations.
TRAIL REPORTS
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.
Azure Lake 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 Azure 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.
Jumbo Pass July 19, 2023
The road to Jumbo Pass is in relatively good shape, but a high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended for the creek crossing.
A STMS work crew spent the day (the 19th) cutting back the vegetation on the road the last 2 km. The fire danger was such that motorized brushsaws could not be use and the work had to be done with hand-held loopers, which slowed the work considerably. The crew started clearing both sides of the road but switched to the left side only knowing they would not finish both side at this pace. They hope to return in September to finish the job.
Brewer Creek July 18, 2023
A STMS work crew went in on the 18th to brush back the vegetation on the road and on the trail. A grader has been at work on the road which will help with some of the potholes, but may have pulled up a rock or two in the process. Drive with caution. The last 2 km a high-clearance vehicle is still required.
Chalice Creek June 24, 2023
A crew of 8 STMS members spent the day removing fallen trees on the trail and brushing back the vegetation on both the road and the trail. The road and the trail are in good condition and the trail is clear of snow up to the ridge.