This is a lengthy hike with very little
elevation change, and compared to other hikes in the area, it has fewer natural
landmarks. For the most part, it does as the title suggests: it is a trail that
follows the Simpson River. The burnt forest from the Mount Shanks forest fire
in 2001 allows scenic viewing not possible through the normally dense forest
that would otherwise be here. Although the trail begins in Kootenay National
Park, the destination at the Surprise Creek shelter and campground lies within
the borders of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia. So, make
sure that you pay your camping fees for the appropriate park.
The shelter is first-come,
first-served, and overflow camping is on non-designated pads in the meadow
beside the shelter. Because of this system, it is advisable to bring a tent and
not depend on the availability of the shelter. The metal bear boxes outside the
shelter are to be used for tenters and not just the occupants of the shelter.
More details are at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_assiniboine/
DIFFICULTY ****
DISTANCE: 10.6 km
ELEVATION GAIN: 175 m
Trailhead:
GPS:
N50 58.708 W115 56.895
Elevation:
1235 m
Surprise Creek Shelter and Campground:
GPS:
N50 58.071 W115 49.298
Elevation:
1410 m
Trailhead: The large highway
sign marking the Simpson River Trail is 46.8 km down the Banff–Windermere
Highway from Castle Junction and 6 km south of Vermilion Crossing. The
gravel pullover is on the east (left) side of the parkway, with minimal
parking. The pleasant setting of Vermilion Crossing contains the Kootenay Park
Lodge, Kootenay Park Visitor Centre and a day-use picnic area.
Surprise Creek Cabin |
From the trailhead, cross the steel bridge
over the Vermilion River to access the backcountry trail and the forest of
burnt spruce and pine. The long-lasting effects of the fire that ravaged this
area are immediately evident and will continue throughout most of the hike.
Once more, due to the minimal blockage by the burnt-out forest, you can see
Hawk Ridge directly ahead of you, due east.
You’ll see a trail marker sign, the first
of many to come, within the first couple of minutes. The straight line will
take you down the Mount Shanks trail, with a marked distance of 6.9 km.
This same sign will direct you to make a 90° right turn to the desired Simpson
River Trail. The sign is a tad confusing, as it states that it is 8.6 km
to the “Simpson River Trail” when 8.6 km is actually the distance to the
boundary of Kootenay National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. The
Surprise Creek shelter and campground are in fact 10.6 km away.