Kaslo River Trail - A Short, Fabulous Hike

The pretty Kaslo River Trail is a favourite of both locals and visitors alike. It’s a fun trail to hike with lots of variety despite its short length. It’s easy to access on foot from downtown Kaslo. There are two small parking lots, close to the covered bridges at either end of the trail.

Hike along either side of the Kaslo River, pausing at benches with scenic viewpoints along the way. The river itself is a beauty – a lovely clear turquoise blue. And at the far end of the south trail, the hide-and-seek concrete sculptures are a delightful surprise.

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The Kaslo River from the Trailblazer Bridge

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Kaslo River Trail summary

Distance: 2.7 km long loop

Elevation gain: 111 m (364 feet)

Time needed: 60 – 90 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Best time to hike: Early April until late November. Pack microspikes if there is snow or ice on the ground.

Dogs: Allowed on a leash.

Wildlife: I carried my bear spray just in case.

Map: I’d suggest taking pictures of maps at the trailheads.

Trailhead location

If you walk up 5th Street from downtown Kaslo you’ll reach the first parking lot just before the Unity Bridge. Continue for short distance to reach another small parking lot located at the start of the north end of the Kaslo River Trail.

There is more parking by the Welcome to Kaslo pullout on Highway 31A, about 1 km from the intersection of “A” Avenue and Washington Street. If you just want to visit the Trailblazer Bridge and see the concrete sculptures, it’s a good place to park.

Visit Kaslo puts out an excellent map of the Kaslo River Trail in a pdf format.

Parking at the upper trailhead - note the kiosk with maps on the right — Parking at the upper trailhead – note the kiosk with maps on the right

Kaslo River Trail description

You can hike the trail in either direction but because I found parking by the lower trailhead I started there. Immediately I crossed the gorgeous beet-red Unity Bridge to follow the south bank of the Kaslo River.

There are several short climbs on this section of the trail. Most come with a rope handrail in case it’s slippery. I also saw garbage cans that are filled with salt in winter to help keep the trail walkable.

Near the end of the south loop, I came across the playful Hike and Seek sculptures. Kids will love this part of the walk.

The Unity Bridge - named because donors from all over the world contributed — The Unity Bridge – named because donors from all over the world contributed to the project – it’s the closest bridge to downtown Kaslo

The Kaslo River is low in late September but still very pretty

Note the ropes on the right in case it’s icy in winter

You'll find well-placed benched in numerous locations along the trail in Kaslo — You’ll find well-placed benched in numerous locations along the trail

The first figure you come across if you're on the south side of the Kaslo River Trail — The first figure you come across if you’re hiking the south side of the Kaslo River Trail

I found signage in all the right spots on the Kaslo River Trail — I found signage in all the right spots

After hiking 1.9 km on the south part of the Kaslo River Trail descend to the Trailblazer Bridge – where you’ll find some interpretive panels. The Kalso River is especially frothy and pretty around here.

Turn right at the end of the bridge and follow it for 1.3 km back down to the second parking lot on Higashi Way. Turn left if you’ve parked on the highway.

The Trailblazer Bridge is the upper pedestrian bridge

On the descent on the north side it’s steep for a short section but there are lots of hand rails to help

The garbage can at the bottom holds on the left salt so the Kaslo River trail can be hiked year round but you probably would need microspikes — The garbage can at the bottom holds salt so the trail can be hiked year round but you’d probably need microspikes

A little side trail snaking through the trees

Coming to the end of the Kaslo River Trail on the north side of the river — Coming to the end of the Kaslo River Trail on the north side of the Kaslo River

Hide and seek figures along the trail

In September 2020, eight large reinforced concrete sculptures were scattered around the upper end of the south Kaslo River Trail, close to the Trailblazer Bridge. The sculptures are “Koots” – whimsical creations designed and built by Koots Artist Collective members Christopher Peterson and Yvonne Boyd.

I think they are a wonderful addition to the trail. No matter what your age you can relate to playing Hide and Seek as a kid.