Lake of the Hanging Glacier trail is closed due to an unstable and unsafe section of trail.
OUR TRAILS
OUR SOCIETY
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TRAIL REPORTS
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!
Click here.
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.
Memberships run for the current calendar year and are required to attend trail work bees.
TRAIL REPORTS
Lake of the Hanging Glacier October 7th, 2025
Bridge removed for the season.
Trail is closed due an unsafe and unstable section near the beginning. Do not attempt to hike this trail until further updates have been posted in the spring.
Chalice Creek Aug 31, 2025
Trail Closed due to wildfire area restriction. More info at BC Wildfire Service. *Update* Trail is open.
Assiniboine Lake August 14, 2025
Recent Grizzly bear encounter near the lake. The bear approached an occupied tent. Please be bear aware and avoid strong scented foods/objects when visiting this area.
McLean Creek Aug 3, 2025
Picnic table installed at trail head and lath placed on 2 of the 4 bridge log crossings.
The Francis Creek FSR is in good condition with no visible signs of deterioration at the erosion sites.
Lake of the Hanging Glacier Aug 2, 2025
Mudslide at the 45.5km mark on Horsethief Creek FSR. Road closed until further notice. Updates on FSR closures can be found here.
*Repair work planned for Sunday Aug 3rd* *Repair work completed Aug 4th*
McLean Lake July 27th, 2025
Four volunteers, 2 with chainsaws, hiked the trail to the lake cutting approximately 10 trees that blocked the trail. Four volunteers walked the access road with 2 brush saws clearing overgrowth to the junction with the Shangri-la Trail access road. The trail through avalanche slope overgrown with fireweed was cleared grass trimmer. Trail is in good condition.
The Francis Creek FSR is in good condition with the usual number of potholes. The erosion point just past the 48 km mark that was recently repaired by B.C. Forestry has remained stable with no further erosion.
Francis Creek FSR July 22, 2025
Francis Creek FSR which provides access to both Azure Lake and McLean Lake trail is open. There has been some confusion around washouts and repairs earlier in the spring but the road is repaired and open. A Road Closed sign is still posted on the road as of July 22 but STMS can confirm the road is open and the sign will be removed in the coming weeks.
Welsh Lakes July 16, 2025
Forster FSR has the usual potholes and deep ruts around the 30km mark. High clearance vehicles recommended particularly for the last 1.5 km of road, or park at the bottom of the access road. Trail in good condition. Mosquitos at campsite are active!
Chalice Creek July 12, 2025
Trail in good condition. Road ok with some pot holes. New picnic table installed and stucco wire installed on bridges.
Lake of the Hanging Glacier July 9, 2025
Road is washboard from Radium to crossroads, good till turnoff to LOTHG sign, deep water bars to trail head. The bridge over Hell Roaring Creek has been installed and the trail is safe to hike. Please note this brdige will be removed in the fall and it is not recommended to cross Hell Roaring Creek without it.
