CampHostJobsMerry Creek Recreation Site
Near Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
Who runs this site
Operated by Castlegar Parks and Trails Society under a partnership agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
About Merry Creek
Distance: loops, to a maximum of 5 km
Hiking time: 1.5 hours to do it all at a brisk pace
Elevation gain: 80 m (260 feet)
Description: The 5.5 km of trails tucked behind the hills west of Castlegar offer something for everyone, in any season. This is an area you can enjoy whether you are out for a jog or a ramble. An easy walk along the Big Cedar Trail meanders through a mixed forest of cedar, hemlock, spruce, fir and birch. Most of this trail is wide enough for two people to walk side by side and enjoy each others company in the peace and quiet of this very special place. Look for the remains of the giant cedar - truly awe inspiring. On a hot summer day, this almost level, shade dappled trail offers respite from the heat.
A little more ambitious hike up to the view point, on the Columbia View Trail, rewards one with a spectacular display of spring flowers early in the season. The fragile moss and lichen communities can be fully appreciated, as you pass right by them. This sun baked knoll offers an expansive view of Castlegar, the Columbia River and the Kootenay River. Sit down, catch your breath and take in the view. A perfect lunch spot.
For more detailed information, a Self-guiding Interpretive Brochure is available at the trailhead and at the Forest Service in Castlegar.
- Type
- Recreation site
- Campsites
- No numbered campsites listed
- Access
- Road: 2 Wheel Drive
- Nearest town
- Castlegar, British Columbia
- District
- Kootenay-Boundary (Recreation Sites and Trails BC)
- Established
- 1992
- Location
- 49.29464, -117.68154
- Site ID
- REC5109
Activities
More activities are listed on the official page.
Facilities
Getting there
From the junction of Highway 3 and 22, at the overpass in Castlegar, travel west towards Grand Forks for 3 km. Turn right onto a good 2 wheel drive dirt road marked "Merry Creek Forest Service Road". Proceed 2.2 km to the parking lot.
Official page at Recreation Sites and Trails BC
Host jobs
Hosts at BC recreation sites are hired by the site operator. Ask the operator through their website.
Host jobs near Merry Creek:
- Campground Host, Champion Lakes Provincial Park RAP Park Contracting Ltd. (BC Parks operator), 14 km away
- Campground Host, Syringa Provincial Park RAP Park Contracting Ltd. (BC Parks operator), 17 km away
- Campground Host, Christina Lake Provincial Park Quality Recreation Ltd. (BC Parks operator), 48 km away
Nearby recreation sites
- Grassy Hut 14 km, 2 campsites
- Beaver Valley X/C Ski Trails 15 km
- Bonnington Steed (Traverse) 18 km, 2 campsites
- Steed Hut 18 km
- Murphy Creek 18 km
- Blackjack Cross Country 20 km, 4 campsites
Information from Recreation Sites and Trails BC open data (BC Data Catalogue, Open Government Licence – British Columbia), retrieved 2026-10-09. Conditions change: check the official page before you travel. CampHostJobs is not affiliated with the Government of British Columbia.