Marble Canyon to Paint Pots

Overview

This is a mellow connector between two of Kootenay’s crowd-pleasers: the narrow bridges and blue water of Marble Canyon and the vividly colored ochre pools of the Paint Pots. The official connector is 2.9 km one way (about 5.8 km/3.6 mi out-and-back), rated easy, and typically takes around 2 hours return. Going Marble Canyon → Paint Pots is a net descent of roughly 45 m, with about +65 m/−110 m on that one-way direction.

Highlights along the way

You’ll follow the Vermilion River through a mix of mature forest and open, fire-affected areas that are rebounding with new growth. At Marble Canyon, peer into the tight limestone gorge carved by Tokumm Creek from a series of short bridges. At the far end, the Paint Pots’ iron-rich springs stain the earth a striking orange—beautiful but often muddy near the pools.

How to hike it

Start at either trailhead on Highway 93 South. Do it out-and-back for 5.8 km total, or set up a simple car shuttle for the 2.9 km point‑to‑point with a gentle net downhill from Marble Canyon to the Paint Pots. If you want more, tack on the short side walks: Marble Canyon is about 0.9 km one way from its lot, and the Paint Pots are about 1.0 km one way from their lot.

Practical tips

These are popular stops—arrive early or late for easier parking. Expect mud that can stain around the Paint Pots; wear shoes you don’t mind dirtying and stay on boardwalks and signed paths to protect the sensitive ochre beds. There’s no cell service in this area, so download maps ahead of time. In winter, the connector and viewpoints can be icy; light traction helps. Dogs are allowed but must stay leashed, and keep them out of the ochre areas.

Wildlife and safety

This is bear country. Make noise, carry bear spray, and keep food secured and out of reach. The Paint Pots area also serves as a trailhead for the challenging Rockwall route—handy if you’re scouting for a future big trip.

Best time to hike

Year‑round works. Summer brings the most color and easiest footing (and the most people). Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light in Marble Canyon and calmer crowds. Winter adds dramatic ice in the canyon, but bring traction and warm layers.