Hike Pulpit Rock and Flagpole, BC
1.9 miles
1000 ft gain
- Out-and-Back Trail
Added by Steve Robert
This is a short, friendly for all ages and hiking experience. Take in a beautiful view of Nelson B.C. and enjoy great star gazing if you hike at night.
This local trail starting from Johnstone Road is locally famous and really well maintained. Located off the other shore of Kootenay Lake, this hike reveals a beautiful view of the town of Nelson and the surrounding mountains.
This trail is doable in all seasons and although it can be steep at some sections, the short distance and well maintained trail make it friendly for all ages and abilities. If you do go in the wet season, plan accordingly with good hiking shoes and maybe some hiking poles if you're not an experienced hiker.
To reach the trailhead, follow Nelson Ave and cross the Orange Bridge. Turn left onto Johnstone Road just after passing the North Shore Motor Inn and continue for 2.3 km until you reach a parking lot on the left hand side of the road. From the lot walk southwest toward the intersection of Johnstone Road and Boven Rd and look for a large gate with a "No Tresspassing" sign. This sign is ignored by virtually everybody - head up the dirt road past the sign and look for a trailhead marked "Pulpit Rock" on the right.
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Overall rating:
Easy Hike, Nice Path, Beautiful View
Did this hike in sandals in about 50 minutes roundtrip. Wouldn't recommend sandals but can be done. There is a beautiful view from the rock. You can continue climbing on a separate path. If hiking during the summer, watch out for bears. Make yourself known.
4.0
Slippery January Hike
This hike ended up being very difficult for us. We went in January, after the snow had fallen and after the trails had become extremely icy. We slipped our way to the top (I admittedly went over halfway and turned around out of frustration and a bad knee) and slid the whole way down. If we had yak tracks, this hike would have been completely doable. Almost everyone else had them and didn't seem phased by the slippery conditions. However, we weren't told how icy it would be and didn't want to back down from the challenge once we started. I was told the views were worth it at the top! I'd like to return in the spring when it's not icy.
3.0
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