Old Homestead

Trail Overview

The "Old Homestead" offers a twisty and engaging route through a diverse landscape, featuring open meadows with grazing cattle and dense forest sections. Approximately midway through, the trail makes a notable turn at an old homestead. All that remains are the outlines of a log cabin, but judging by where the windows were placed, it's clear why this picturesque spot was chosen. East of the cabin, the trail presents loose rocky hill climbs and descents, interspersed with narrow sections that demand attention. North of the cabin, you might encounter sloppy mud holes, especially during wet periods. Despite the mild challenges, the area is beautiful and well worth exploring, making the homestead itself a perfect, scenic spot to stop for lunch. Be prepared for animals, particularly cattle, in the area. Expect one bar of Verizon cell service that can be inconsistent, so downloading offline maps is essential.

Photos of Old Homestead

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Difficulty

Expect a mix of conditions, including loose rocky hills, narrow sections, and potential sloppy mud holes. Be prepared for varied terrain. A capable 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended due to the seasonal mud holes and loose, rocky hill climbs and descents.

History

This "Old Homestead" trail leads you through lands traditionally inhabited by the Ktunaxa (Kootenai) First Nation for thousands of years. The presence of the cabin remnants tells a more recent story of early European settlers - perhaps loggers, trappers, or ranchers - who ventured into this rugged landscape to carve out a life. These pioneers would have relied on their wits and the land's resources, enduring harsh winters and often solitary existences. Many of the trails we use today, including parts of this one, originated as their access routes or logging roads. The broader region was forever changed with the creation of Lake Koocanusa by the Libby Dam in the 1970s, which transformed the Kootenay River valley into the expansive recreational area it is today. The KRMA was established to manage and enhance recreational opportunities in the Lake Koocanusa area while protecting natural resources. The KRMA encompasses a large area of Crown land and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and off-roading. The KRMA is managed by the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development. It is important to check their website for any closures or restrictions.

Technical Rating

Old Homestead can be accessed by the following ride types:

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