4.1 miles
Distance
485 ft
Climb
-480 ft
Descent
00:40:19
Avg time

Elk Rim Loop 3 Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Baynes Lake
    , British Columbia
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (1 vote)
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
  • Global Ranking
    #76196 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #8761 in Trail Running
    • #25430 in Hiking
  • Local Popularity
    90 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 90 in Trail Running
    • 85 in Hiking

This is the 3rd loop of the Elk Rim trail network. It is moderatley more difficult than the first two. Doing all three makes it a 20 kilometer, 400 m elevation gain/loss loop.

The trail is in great shape and there is good signage. This loop takes you closest to the confluence of the Elk and Kootenay Rivers with a great viewpoint.

Be aware that dirt bikers (although forbidden) may be seen.

This route is believed to have been used in 1897 by two bicycle riders coming from Kalispell to provide a much-needed communication link between the East Kootenays and the wider world.

A traditional Ktunaxa trail, this trail was first used by Europeans in 1864 to carry supplies to the gold rush at Wildhorse Creek and smuggle gold back to the US to avoid the 25% BC Tax.

Trail was also travelled by David Thompson (1807-1811), Father De Smelt (1850s), Blackiston and John Palliser (1858 ). Lots of history at this location.

NO EBIKES ALLOWED

Access Info

From Fernie, drive towards Cranbrook, turning left onto the 93 heading South for about 15km. You will cross the big bridge over the Elk River, and climb steeply up the highway. After crossing the Elk River Bridge climb 1.2 kilometers to the top of the south bank and turn right onto a dirt road and across a cattle guard. Will see the parking lot and toilet at the trailhead.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Elk Rim Loop 3 multi-use trail trail
  • Altitude change
    5 ft
  • Altitude min
    2,501 ft
  • Altitude max
    2,864 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,835 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,838 ft
  • Grade max
    -31.8%
  • Grade min
    31.1%
  • Distance climb
    2 miles
  • Distance down
    2 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,303 ft
  • Avg time
    00:40:19
  • Avg reverse time
    00:48:44
  • view trail stats
Status:
on Apr 23, 2025
Ideal
Avg: 4.07 (6 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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      Directions to elk-rim-loop-3 trailhead (49.153500, -115.194310)
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      Elk Rim Loop 3 Trail Reports

      statusdatedescription
      Apr 23, 2025 @ 2:07pm
      3 days
      Mar 27, 2025 @ 6:11pm
      Mar 27, 2025
      Good news - the massive amount of deadfall on Elk Rim Trail has all been cut, and the trail is fully rideable and the dirt is in great shape. ...
      Mar 27, 2025 @ 6:44am
      Mar 27, 2025
      Well done FTA, and all log movers all loops are clear!
      Mar 20, 2025 @ 6:59am
      Mar 20, 2025
      The entire Elk Rim network had a massive amount of deadfall since last season. Loop 1 has been cleared of deadfall and is rideable - with a...
      Mar 19, 2025 @ 6:44am
      Mar 19, 2025
      There has been a ton of deadfall on Elk Rim this winter. The trees have been cut on loop 1, but there is still some debris on the trail. Loop 1...
      view all reports »

      Recent Ridelog Activity on Trail

      Past Week
      • 6 rides
      • 20 miles avg distance
      6 Months
      • 22 rides
      • 18 miles avg distance
      All
      • 213 rides
      • Last: Apr 24, 2025

      Photos

      more »
      90 |
      Aug 26, 2021 @ 8:44am
      Aug 26, 2021
      147 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021
      122 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021
      144 |
      Apr 9, 2021 @ 8:56pm
      Apr 9, 2021

      2 Reviews & Comments


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      Videos

      more »
      Early Spring Riding! Elk Rim Trail
      21:00 | 357 | Apr 9, 2021 , Baynes Lake
      • By skibum6969TF Pro FTA VR SAR & contributors
      • #295583 - 10,690 views

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