Simpson River Trail

Simpson River Trail is an out-and-back from the Simpson River parking lot on Highway 93 South. Follow it 8.8 km one way to the Kootenay boundary, then return for 17.6 km (10.9 miles); plan on about 5½ hours. The opening 1.6 km is the easy interpretive section, about an hour return. Turn around at its signs for a much shorter walk; the continuation to the boundary is rated moderate. The trail carries on into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, but that longer continuation is outside the distance here.

Cross the Vermilion River on the footbridge from the parking lot, then follow the trail toward the Simpson River. The first 1.6 km is gentle, with about 30 m of ascent and 25 m of descent. Its signs explain lightning, wildfire, regeneration and succession, so the short version still has something to follow beyond the river views.

Past the interpretive signs, the route continues another 7.2 km one way. It follows the river valley, though trees and bends hide the water for stretches. Low ground can be wet or swampy, with short boardwalks across soggier patches. The views open on parts of the walk to gravel bars, the recovering forest and mountain slopes; the boundary is the sensible turnaround for this Kootenay outing. Walking farther toward Surprise Creek is a separate, longer trip.

Burned trunks stand among young conifers, shrubs and open ground. The short section's signs explain the natural cycle of disturbance and regrowth; accounts of the walk also note red paintbrush and fireweed among the open areas. From the bluffs above the river, look back over the gravel bars with the mountain slopes beyond. That view is strongest with a little river in the foreground, which shows how wide the valley is.

The trailhead is the Simpson River parking lot, about 57 km east of Radium Hot Springs. Dogs are allowed on leash. The easy rating and one-hour estimate apply only to the interpretive stretch; the boundary route is a long return day, with a moderate extension beyond the signs.