Accessed by the White Water Resort road, White Queen Mountain can be climbed from three directions, 1. From the west – Silverking Ridge, From the east – Humminbird Pass It is a favourite in Nelson, both in the summer and winter (especially snowshoeing). Many new trails connect White Queen locally and to Mt Ymir.
1. WHITE QUEEN VIA SILVERKING RIDGE
White Queen is a scenic off-trail hike. Starting at Whitewater Ski Resort, cross ski runs, ascend to a ridge with big views to Kokanee and the Valhallas.
Difficulty: B2 moderate
Elevation Gain: +666 m
Key Elevations: Whitewater Lodge , top Silverking lift, White Queen summit
Distance: 9 km round trip
Ascent Time: 2 hours
Season: mid-June to late September
Map:
Drive: 20 minutes from Nelson to Whitewater Ski Resort.
Trail/Route: From Whitewater Ski Resort, ascend on either the ‘Lower Sluice Box’ run or the ‘Silverking Ski Way’ to the top of the Silverking lift, using an old road or summer trail. Use the backcountry ski route through the forest switchbacking to the top of the ridge. The Five Mile drainage, a popular backcountry ski area is on the other side.
Head north-west along the open ridge over a small bump to the White Queen summit – 2 hours. There is a radio tower on the summit.
Views are to the Kokanee Range, the distant Valhallas, Toad Mountain and the Bonnington Range peaks. Ymir Peak dominates the east view.
Return the same way or take the Bird Queen Trail to make a big loop around White Queen.
Snowshoeing. On simple avalanche terrain, the ski runs can’t be used so use the snowshoe route near Hummingbird Pass.
Return. Three options:
1. Retrace your steps back down Silverking Ridge trail to loop past the Whitewater Ski Resort
2. Head west on the ridge towards the Bird Queen trail to Hummingbird Pass.
3. Connector Trail to Mt Beattie and descend to Hummingbird Pass
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2. WHITE QUEEN VIA HUMMINGBIRD PASS
Follow a mining road to Hummingbird Pass and the “Bird Queen Trail” that follows the ridge line to the summit. Good views, wildflowers in July and gold larches in the fall.
Difficulty. B1- modert
Elevation change. +691 m
Key elevations. Trailhead, top Strawberry Pass, White Queen summit
Distance, round trip: 10.2 km
Ascent time.
Season: late June to late September
Map:
Drive 6.9km up Whitewater Ski Hill Road. Park at Hummingbird Pass before the main ski resort area.
Trail. Look at the White Queen trail map. The extension to Beattie isn’t marked, but the first half of the hike follows the same route.
Descend the road past the winter kiosk, cross the bridge, and continue on Hummingbird Pass Road.
0.8km – turn left away from the road at the sign “Cat’s Paw”.
1.4km – switchback right.
2.2km – the road fades into a trail, that contours east above Hummingbird Pass.
2.6 km – pass the Friendship Tree.
a. BIRD QUEEN TRAIL to White Queen Summit
The Bird Queen Trail (name derived from “Humming Bird Pass to White Queen) was built in 2019-2020 by the Kootenay Mountaineering Club. Phase 1 goes to the summit of White Queen generally following the White Queen Snowshoe Route. Phase 2 loops over Mount Beattie.
At 2.7 km, as the trail approaches the mine tailings of the Hummingbird Mine and before you cross the creek, take the signed White Queen/Bird Queen Trail on the right, and switch back up the ridge. The climb continues steadily on the ridge over some false summits to a wide grassy mound and a rock path to the top of White Queen – 2 hours. White Queen has a radio tower, flowers in the summer and gold larches in late September.
Landmarks include Kokanee Glacier, Mount Grohman, and the Valhallas to the North. the Bonnington Range peaks of Toad, Red, Copper, Siwash, Emperor, Commonwealth, Dominion, and Territory mountains to the West. Ymir Peak dominates to the East with the Emna and Embla peaks along the near ridge to the North-East.
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b. MT BEATTIE – WHITE KING LOOP via the Connector Trail
Mount Beattie in the Whitewater backcountry is a moderate hike with moderate views along a forested ridge line.
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 11.2km
Elevation: +499m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail.
At 2.7 km – stay left to Mount Beattie (right is the Bird Queen Trail to White Queen). Pass the old Hummingbird Mine with tailings, rusted artifacts, and the footprint of old cabins, with a rusted stove, kettle, and bedsprings. Ascend through forest and Meadow.
4.5 km – either turn right 0.1km to Beattie’s true summit and the Connector Trail south to White Queen. Five Mile Basin is on the left. or left to North Beattie for another option. From Beattie’s summit, take the Connector Trail
5.6 km – saddle between the peaks. 230 m gain to the summit with some steep bits and meadows with flowers in July and gold larch in September.
7 km – White Queen summit. Great 360-degree views and to Ymir Bowl. Great lunch spot.
Return. Descend 400 m and 2.5 km back to the Hummingbird Mine junction. Views across are to Evening Ridge. Turn left back to the road and the final 2.5km to the trailhead.
NORTH BEATTIE
The 5.6 km trail to North Beattie is new. Views are over Five Mile Basin and an old burn along the ridge. 2-2.5 hours to a large flat clearing.
Return down the Beattie Trail and the Hummingbird Pass Trailhead.
