Kootenay Lake / Lost Ledge Campground
We will welcome campers starting April 8th, 2022 to Lost Ledge. Please obey all in park signs, limit your campsite to 8 people total 24/7, work to maintain physical distancing, frequently wash your hands and most of all, be kind to all.
The beautiful spring days enhanced with plenty of sunshine are a great time to explore the north end of Kootenay Lake. Lost Ledge is the perfect base camp for hiking the trails in the area, paddling the shores or just staring out at the lake. Campfires are allowed, firewood is available on site for $10 a generous basket full. We will be providing service to Lost Ledge from mid April to the end of October. Regular rate $23, Seniors 50%
Lost Ledge is a small secluded campground with 18 sites situated on the north-western shore of Kootenay Lake, 25 Km (16 miles) north of Kaslo on Hwy. 31, 5 kms south from Davis Creek Campground. Lost Ledge is known for outstanding views of the Purcell mountain range and lakeview sheltered campsites. It is popular with anglers and is equipped with a concrete boat launch and parking for boat trailers.
Offering a true opportunity to get away and relax in a beautiful setting with easy beach access, Kootenay Lake makes kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding an ideal way to pass the day. When the wind is up the area is also well known for windsurfing and kite boarding. Early in the summer swimming is refreshing as the lake can still be cold.
Kootenay Lake Park is also an excellent base camp for hikers wanting to explore the many trails in the area, read on for more info.
Local Places to Explore:
Kaslo Tourist Information Centre is located in the restored SS Moyie in beautiful downtown Kaslo. SS Moyie National Historic Society
Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism provides a full listing of just about everything the southwest Kootenay area has to offer including upcoming events. Click through for the full tour.
Meadow Creek Spawning Channel Located at the north end of Kootenay Lake of Hwy 31, 4 kms up the Meadow Creek Rd.
Lardeau River Adventures offers unparalleled whitewater rafting down the crystal waters of the Lardeau River. The breathtaking scenery is home to an abundance of Rocky Mountain wildlife. The river offers a mix of exciting class 2+ rapids, deep pools, waterfalls and mountain vistas. 4-6 hour guided trips geared for the novice and experienced rafter.
Cody Caves 1.250.359.CAVE (2283) Cody Caves Provincial Park was re-established in June of 2013. Since then Cody Cave Tours Owner / Operator Lee Hollis and his professional guiding team have been escorting hundreds of individuals and families through a fascinating journey of this fragile underworld. For children age 5 and up to adults who enjoy a more physical adventure, there is a tour just for you. All bookings are confirmed by phone only.
Ainsworth Hot Springs 1.800.668.1171 / 1.250.229.4212 The pools provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the west Kootenays majestic scenery. Gallons of hot mineral water flows through the pools that changes the water naturally about 6 times a day. The Hot Springs feature a unique horseshoe cave, main lounging pool and for the brave of heart, a stream-fed cold plunge.
Natural & Cultural Values
History
Lost Ledge is 43 hectares in size and lies in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa and Sinixt First Nation traditional territories. These native populations used the lake and associated river systems as part of their seasonal migration and trading routes.
These resourceful people left few traces on the land, but pictographs can be seen from the water in a few locations, arrowheads and other artifacts indicate favorite camping grounds.
Located in Lost Ledge is an 80 year old trapper’s cabin that adds historic value to the park. The Lardeau Historical Society contributes volunteer hours/labor for renovations and upkeep of the cabin.
With the closing of Kootenay Forest Products, the land was reverted to the crown and Lost Ledge / Davis Creek, formerly log dumps, were established in 1987.
Wildlife
Eagles, Osprey, Loons, Mallards and Canada Geese are often observed on the lake or along the shoreline with small mammals such as squirrels and chipmunks seen amongst the campsites and forest.
In late August the Kokanee Salmon return to spawn in Davis Creek, Lardeau River and the Meadow Creek spawning channel, all of which can be easily viewed.
View wildlife safely by following a simple code of Conservation Ethics:
Please be considerate of wildlife, use binoculars to view from a distance rather than approaching them to closely.
Be considerate of habitat. Plants are important habitat for wildlife, please do not damage, pick or trample and stay on the designated trails.
Control pets by keeping dogs on a leash and under voice control at all times in order to protect wildlife and preserve their habitat.
Bears and Cougars frequent the area around the west Kootenays. Please read the information given on the BC Parks Web site, know before you go.
Canoeing, Kayaking and Stand up Paddle boarding
There are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the lake. Access is from the lake front at Davis Creek or the boat launch at Lost Ledge. Shoreline canoeing is recommended, due to unpredictable winds and sudden squalls. Stand up paddle boards, kayaks and canoes for rent at Davis Creek. Please see the Camp Host to reserve yours!
Fishing
Situated on Kootenay Lake, the park features great fishing from the shore or by boat. Kootenay Lake supports record-sized rainbow trout.Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate license. Check the BCFishing Regulations Synopsis for restrictions and quotas. The purchase of your freshwater fishing license pays for the stocking of lakes across the province. For more information on how to obtain a license please log on to “go fish BC” Check the BC Fishing Regulations Synopsis for quotas and restrictions.
Swimming
The beaches are pebbly with course rock and the water is considered cool to refreshing but perfect to sit, relax and enjoy the surroundings. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
Cycling
Cycling north of the campground up Hwy 31 into the Lardeau Valley is reasonably flat with spectacular views though the shoulders can be a bit rough. In the parks, bikes must keep to roadways and helmets are mandatory.
Hiking
Davis Creek / Fishhook Lake – The trailhead access is across Hwy 31 from the park entrance. This 5.2 km (3.2 mile) round trip, is rated moderate and should take 2.5 to 4 hours. The trail is steep but the efforts are worth it once you glimpse the view of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains. The trail takes you through a stand of impressive hemlock and cedar groves and ends at Fishhook Lake.
Monica Meadows – The trailhead is access from the upper Glacier Creek Valley, east of Duncan Lake, approximately 1 hours drive from Davis Creek along dirt roads. The trail is 8kms round trip and should take 5 hours which allows time to explore the beautiful meadows.
Jumbo Pass – The trailhead is a bit further past the turn off for Monica Meadows along the Duncan Lake Forestry road. The trail is 8.4 kms (5.2 miles)
Mount Buchanan Lookout Trail – From Kaslo, head west on highway #31A for 3 km to the Blue Ridge Forest Services Road, then follow signs. Follow the main road for 11.9 km to the lookout, staying right at the 7.0 km junction. The trail is 4 kms round trip and offers magnificent views and leads to a decommissioned fire lookout.
Golfing
Kaslo Golf Club – 2,824 yards, Par 35. This meticulously groomed 9 hole course offers a unique challenge for golfers of all level. For information on tee times call 250.353.2262