The Englishman
Total Kilometers
6.1
Technical Rating
Best Time
Summer
Trail Type
Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Trail Overview
"The Englishman" offers an engaging, bouncy little jaunt through the dense woods, twisting its way between trees and navigating up and down loose rocky hills. This trail is teeming with wildlife; keep an eye out for deer, fox, and grouse along the way. A highlight of this route is a great little out-and-back detour to a small, serene pond, often graced by swans and offering a few primitive camping spots. Once you near the northwest end of the trail, you'll pop out onto a nicely graded logging road, offering a smoother finish to the adventure. Expect one bar of Verizon service that fades in and out along the route, making offline maps an absolute necessity. Remember the principles of "pack it in, pack it out" as there are no services. Be aware that the trail may be impassable in winter conditions due to snow or early spring due to saturated ground.
Photos of The Englishman
Difficulty
Expect a bouncy ride, loose rocky hills, and winding paths through trees. No winter maintenance means challenging conditions in colder months. A capable 4x4 vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended due to the loose, rocky hill climbs and descents.
History
"The Englishman" traverses land within the Koocanusa Recreation Management Area, a region steeped in the history of the Ktunaxa (Kootenai) First Nation, who have inhabited this territory for thousands of years, utilizing its forests and waterways. This specific route, like many in the area, likely originated as part of the extensive network of logging roads crucial for timber extraction in the 19th and 20th centuries. These paths opened the wilderness, and while their primary function has shifted, they continue to offer access to the wild beauty of a landscape dramatically reshaped by the creation of Lake Koocanusa in the 1970s. 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.
Status Reports
The Englishman can be accessed by the following ride types:
- High-Clearance 4x4
- SUV
- SxS (60")
- ATV (50")
- Dirt Bike
The Englishman Map
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