The Creston Valley’s country roads and terrain with its wide valley of bench and delta lands is ideal for cyclists because it makes for an abundance of cycling routes (beyond what is listed here) and roadside activities (e.g. rivers to wade or fish in).

The valley’s charming farms, vistas, forests and rivers contribute to some spectacular and varied scenery.

The Creston Valley is noted for its mild winters, often making cycling possible all four seasons for the avid cyclist. The photos posted here were taken in November 2003 unless otherwise posted.

*Please see my roughly sketched map for illustrative directions.
Map opens with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded here.

 

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“Water and Fowl Loop”

23 km Return Trip Through West Creston: Follow along Hwy 3 from Creston to West Creston Rd and Nicks Island Rd then back to Creston.

  • Rest Stop: Creston Wildlife Center or Esso
  • Picnic: Wildlife Center or Summit Creek Park or along Kootenay River banks or Old Kootenay River Ferry Landing (near bridge at the end of Nicks Island Rd)
  • Excursions: View Indian Paintings on rock cropping at Reclamation Rd and Granary Rd., Cool off in Corn Creek, Hike Balancing Rock Trail, Tour Wildlife Center and Summit Creek Park trails.

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“Rolling Farmland Loop”

23km Return Trip Through Canyon-Lister: Follow Along Hwy 3 from Creston to Canyon Lister Road (ride over the canyon) to 24th Street and Back Along Hwy 21.

  • Rest Stop: Canyon Country Store or Creston Golf Course or Canyon Park (turn up 48th Street)
  • Picnic: Goat River Canyon or in along route or Lower Goat River
  • Excursions: Lengthen or shorten route with other Canyon/Lister paved roads. Bring a bathing suit or fishing rod or gold pan as Goat River activities.

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“Blossoms to Bounty Loop”

7km Return Trip Through Erickson: Follow along Hwy 3 from Creston to 33rd Ave to Beam Road to 36th Ave that crosses over Hwy 3 to Erickson Street and ride back into town (to 20th Ave or 16th Ave).

  • Rest Stop: Fruitstands
  • Picnic: Fruitstands
  • Excursions: Turn off Erickson Street to the end of Goat Canyon Road for a hike down the trail to the Goat River Point (summer swimming hole * Note: may be hazardous!); try lengthening the route by touring Erickson paved roads.
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“Nestled Behind Goat Mountain Loop”

26km Return Trip Through Arrowcreek-Lakeview: Follow along Hwy 3 to Lakeview-Arrowcreek Rd from Creston and back along Hwy 3A. The narrow forested valley and altitude keeps this route cooler than the rest of the valley. Travel east and then north to avoid climbing up the steep hill off Hwy 3A and instead enjoy the ride down it.

  • Rest Stop: Fruit Stands
  • Picnic: Along roadside or Fruit Stands
  • Excursions: Extend route with mini paved loop – Wenger Rd to Lepitski Rd to Cardinal Rd and back onto Lakeview-Arrowcreek Rd, Turn on to Foster Rd and head up the rough forestry road for vistas and “Lady Slipper” trail.

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“Vista to Coasting Loop”

15km Return Trip Through Wynndel: Follow along Hwy 3A from Creston to Wynndel and back along Lower Wynndel Rd.

  • Rest Stop: Wynndel Store
  • Picnic: Along shady Duck Creek (up Duck Creek Rd)
  • Excursions: Turn onto Pump House Rd and follow to the grassy dike trail that leads to the Kootenay River (hike or mountain bike); Also, try one of the 2 rugged Duck Lake Loops (The first route takes approximately 2 hours to do and starts at Duck Lake Road which proceeds to the dike on the banks of the Kootenay River. This dike meets up with Channel Road and leads back to Duck Lake Road. The second loop starts at Duck Lake Road and meets the dike. Turn right and follow the dike around the lake to Hwy 3A and follow back to your starting place. Flocks of Swans and Blue Heron sightings are common here.)

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“Kootenay Lake Dip and Return”

32 km Return Trip: Follow along Hwy 3A from Wynndel and backtrack on Hwy 3A. Add 16km more if coming from Creston.

  • Rest Stop: Sirdar Store or Pub
  • Picnic: Duck Lake View Point trail (unofficial) or Waterfall (north of Sirdar at crest of hill near highway mileage signs); Kuskanook Harbor mini beaches
  • Excursions: Mountain bike Duck Lake route along dike to Duck Lake or Bass fish the rock out cropping on Duck Lake in Sirdar.

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All those who use this cycling loop listing do so at their own discretion. The cyclist must consider seasonal road conditions and natural hazards when traveling along routes. Extra care must be taken when riding with children, as traffic is heavier along the highways. During the summer months highway routes also experience an increase in traffic due to tourism and summer activities. It is mandatory that helmets be worn in BC. Roadside activities must consider water levels and regulations (provincial fisheries). Please leave the countryside as you found it or better.

Have fun and be safe!

Debby Johnson,
Another proud resident