| Two geographical
features dominate the Kootenays region of British Columbia: mountains
and water. Four parallel mountain ranges, running in a generally northwest
direction, march successively across the southeastern British Columbia
landscape.
The most westerly
are the Monashees, followed by the rugged Selkirks, defined on their
western flanks by the Arrow reservoir system and Slocan Lake, and
on the east by the spectacular waters of Kootenay Lake. These two
mountain ranges and accompanying lake systems define this district.
The major north-south
water system in this district is formed by the Kootenay River and
Kootenay Lake, which at more than 105 km long, is one of the province's
largest freshwater lakes. The Kootenay River flows south and enters
the United States about 40 km south of Elko on Highway 3. It then
loops through part of Montana and Idaho to return to British Columbia
some 16 km south of Creston. The southern portion of the river offers
good fishing for ling cod, and rainbow, cutthroat and bull trout.
The Kootenay
River then widens to form Kootenay Lake. Sixty-four kilometres to
the north, the west arm of Kootenay Lake carries the main flow of
the river past Nelson and on to the Columbia River near Castlegar.
A pleasant
canoe route in the area is a 2 to 3-day trip along the Kootenay
River from Canal Flats, south of Fairmount Hot Springs, to Fort
Steele. The Kootenay River trip passes through scenic wilderness
unsurpassed anywhere in the province, wildlife is abundant and there
are few hazards along the way.
To experience
the thrill of the Kootenay River, contact one of the local outfitters
in the area - see below.
Nearby
Services:
Kootenay
River Runners, Radium Hot Springs
We
introduce adventurers to the delights of river rafting, guiding
you down the First Class whitewater Kicking Horse River, and the
pristine Kootenay and Columbia Rivers - some of the most impressive
mountain landscape in the Canadian Rockies. We will take care of
you, whether your interests are challenging whitewater, family rafting,
or an extended wilderness adventure.
Nearest
Towns: Radium Hot Springs,
Canal Flats, Skookumchuk,
Fort Steele, Creston
Nearest
Lake: Kootenay Lake
Nearest
Parks:
Kootenay National Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Canal Flats Provincial Park
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