Archive for the ‘biking’ Category

This weekend, how about taking a trip down the  Old Coach Trail?

The Old Coach Trail is a successful Greenways project, making up a trail segment which will eventually form part of the Upper Columbia Spine Trail Network. The next two phases of this project will involve extending the trail another 10 kms, to connect Invermere to Radium.

The Old Coach Trail is a 9 km walking or bicycling route that runs between Radium Hot Springs and Dry Gulch. This historic route used to be traveled by Model Ts in the 1920s.

The Old Coach Trail was restored in Spring of 2007, thanks to the efforts of local residents, contractors and agencies. This work included removing old cars and metal debris from dump sites along the route, trail bed rehabilitation and improving public access

For thousands of years, this valley has provided living space and a movement corridor for many species of animals – including humans. Perfect for the whole family to bike or hike, it winds along the bench lands above the Columbia River, allowing for outstanding views of the Columbia Wetlands National Wildlife Area, which is part of one of the longest contiguous wetland systems in North America. Natural hoodoos are visible from the trail, and it passes through grasslands which are habitat to ungulates such as Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

The Old Coach Trail companion brochure is available online or can be picked up at the Radium Hot Springs Information Center.

For more information on completed CRGA projects, and for updates on the progress we are making on completing the Upper Columbia Trail Network, visit our Trails page.

Great news – the Athalmere Trail has been cleared! Improvements on the
trail leading from Athalmere up to the Cemetary Road junction involved removing
overgrown weeds and gravel that had accumulated over the past winter/
spring. A special thanks to the District of Invermere, who led the
multi-party effort to rejuvenate this popular pathway!

Now that the snow has melted off many valley trails, remember to check out the newly opened Old Coach Trail, which runs 9 km.  between Dry Gulch and the Village of Radium Hot Springs.  Perfect for the whole family to bike or hike, it winds along the bench lands above the Columbia River, allowing for spectacular views and a number of interpretive stops of interest along the way.  The companion brochure is available at the Radium Hot Springs Information Center.

The connector trail between Athalmer and the crossroads has been cleaned of the winter gravel, and plans are to have the last bit to the crossroads constructed to gravel standard by May long weekend.

Columbia River Greenways Alliance is proud to be partnered with the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club for the Whiteway initiative on Lake Windermere.  It has been a remarkably long season with excellent grooming which started mid-December and is expected to continue as long as winter conditions prevail in the Columbia Valley.  This outstanding winter recreational venue has drawn accolades from increasing numbers of locals and visitors alike.  The Whiteway has seen a surprising variety of users on skiis, skates, snowshoes, bikes, runners, strollers, and walkers.  People have been raving at how great the track has been this year!

CRGA continues to support the Whiteway as part of our vision and encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the rich experience to be had on the Whiteway!