Skattebo Reach
Difficulty Level: Hiking Intermediate / Biking Advanced
Distance: 12km one-way (from the Brilliant Park and Pool to Glade)
Elevation Gain:60m
Dog Friendly: Yes
Bike Friendly: Demanding trail for biking. Only experienced x-country riders
Facilities: Pit toilets at the substation and the McPhee Canyon trailhead, benches
Season: Year-round
To find out about the current plan to upgrade Skattebo Reach trail for bicycle use please read more here.
This is fairly long, sometimes rocky trail that follows the Kootenay River to Glade. Bridges over rushing creeks and the cool forest makes this trail a delight even on a very hot day. This trail can be used to access Dove Hill/Elk Cut-Off, Doukhobor Waterline, Brilliant Overlook, and McPhee Creek trails.
Note to Cyclists
Bike travel on the section of Skattebo Reach from the Brilliant Park and Pool beside highway 3A to the substation is not recommended. This section is quite rugged and steep with some fragile trail surfaces. Starting from the Brilliant Terminal station east of the Castlegar Golf Club and travelling to Glade is recommended. Cyclists should have advanced level mountain bike skills. Please be courteous and give right-of-way to foot traffic.
Skattebo Reach Access
Access from the Brilliant Park and Pool:
•Leave Castlegar heading towards Nelson on Hwy 3A
•Just before the Brilliant bridge, turn left on Rosedale Road
•The Brilliant Park and Pool is the immediate right bordering the Highway
- Hikers may wish to start from here. Cyclists should start at the Brilliant Terminal station
Access from the Brilliant Terminal station Parking Lot:
•Leave Castlegar heading towards Nelson on Hwy 3A
•Before the Brilliant bridge, turn right on Ootischenia Road and head up the hill
•Follow signs to the golf course, turn left on Corrigan Road turning into Columbia Road
•Turn left on Aaron Road
•Turn right on McPhee gravel road with gate (note gate closure times), follow for 4km, keep left at fork
•Turn left into parking lot before the Substation
Access from Glade:
•Head North on Hwy 3A towards Nelson
•Turn right after lumber yard at Glade Ferry sign
•Cross the Kootenay River on the Glade Ferry
•Take the first right on Glade Road
•When this road turns to gravel, continue on for 2.7km. Gravel section may not be completely driveable at times.
•Park at glacial erratic (large out-of-place rock on right)