This trail is often not maintained, but because of its scenic potential and history, it should be mentioned. It has been blasted out of the canyon and is spectacular.
Difficulty: moderate depending on windfall
Elevation gain: 200m+ (650 ft +)
Distance: 2.5km +
Time: 2 hours one way
Season: late June to early October
Access: a long drive
Map: 82K/11 Trout Lake
Drive: From Lardeau north of Kaslo, 6km north, turn off Hwy 31 onto the Duncan Lake FSR and drive 67.9kms north. Before Hall Creek, turn left on the spur road for .3km. Park.
Trail: Follow the ribbons to the trail at the edge of the cut block overlooking the creek. The trail is not cut out often, but it is worth going up the trail bed at least 2.5km. The trail has been blasted right out of the canyon. The canyon is spectacular, as much as Hamill Creek or Fry Creek Canyons.
In the early days, the rail provided a route to gold properties at the head of Hall Creek and also connected with the trail down Healy Creek to near Gerrard. Considerable work went into the trail as, at one time, it was 1 to 1.5m wide.
With difficulty, one may continue farther up the valley. The difficulty may be moderate to difficult depending on how much windfall has occurred since 1989.
From the same trailhead location, a short trail meanders down to Coot Lake. The lake is small but usually ducks and sometimes osprey can be spotted. The trail beside the lake is part of the old trail system that once stretched from Duncan Lake or Healy Landing north up the Duncan River to the Westfall River and on up the Duncan to Houston Creek. Mainly used by trappers and prospectors, it is now replaced by the Duncan Lake Forest Road.
