Koocanusa Lookout Loop

Total Kilometers
9.3

Technical Rating

2

Best Time

Summer

Trail Type

Full-Width Road

Accessible By

Trail Overview

Koocanusa Lookout Loop offers a fascinating journey along different sections of Lake Koocanusa's shoreline. The trail remains high above the water. It goes through sections of trees, lots of mud puddles, and has open meadows. The area boasts abundant wildlife, and you'll find a handful of fire rings indicating potential camping locations. The highlight of the trail is near the southern tip, atop a nice high point with an outstanding view over the lake. Cell service is intermittent, so download your offline maps. To ensure you have consistent map coverage, please download your offline maps before exploring the area. Crown Land Camping: Canadian Crown land is open to Canadian residents for free camping. Out-of-country visitors, particularly from the US, will need to obtain a camping permit from the nearest FrontCounter BC office in Cranbrook before camping on Crown land if camping outside of the paid campsite. Deer and grouse can be seen throughout the area.

Photos of Koocanusa Lookout Loop

Koocanusa Lookout Loop
Koocanusa Lookout Loop

Difficulty

Suitable for most vehicles. Expect lots of mud puddles and ruts. This area might be impassable in the wet season, and you should expect to encounter downed trees in the early season.

History

The sparkling waters of Lake Koocanusa belie a complex history. This reservoir was created by the Libby Dam, a massive engineering project that reshaped the landscape and altered the lives of those who lived in the Kootenay River valley. The lake now provides recreational opportunities, but it's important to remember the changes that occurred to create it.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

There are no status reports yet for this trail.

Koocanusa Lookout Loop can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • High-Clearance 4x4
  • SUV
  • SxS (60")
  • ATV (50")
  • Dirt Bike

Access Description

From Highway 3 turn off onto Rosicky Road. Pick up the Covalli Central Trail that is off of Rosicky Road. From here, hop onto the Covalli South Trail and take this trail all the way to the end. Instead of going into the last camping area, stay left and begin the Koocanusa Lookout Loop.

Koocanusa Lookout Loop Map

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