Devil’s Hole (East Kootenay BC)

The hike to Devil’s Hole in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia is short, sweet and leads to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking a deep precipitous gorge. From this spot, look down to that little blue/green pond far below in a rocky trench or take in surrounding mountains. It’s a treat for the senses and doesn’t take much effort at all.

The trail is an old road, gentle in slope and for the most part easy going. This is one of the shortest hiking reports we’ve published and even Team Slow (us) did the round trip in almost no time, even with a lengthy lunch stop. We’re always a last off the trail…except for this day! High five!

Getting there is half the fun and to arrive at the trailhead take Highway 93/95 to a point roughly six kilometres north of Fort Steel (see: After Hours @ Fort Steele BC), then turn east on Lakit Road. Come to a T-intersection, turn right on Holmes Road and in under a click, left on Lakit Forest Service Road (gravel). In just under three kilometres and where the trees thin due to logging, turn right on the cart-track marked Branch C (on a tree) right where Lakit FSR bends northward-ish. Assuming the sign is still there when you visit.

Now it gets a bit rough and while the road is described as suitable only for high clearance vehicles, the mighty BIGDoer-mobile did it no problem. Slowly, that is and even so, it didn’t seem that bad. Some big protruding rocks had to be avoided, but otherwise it held few challenges. This is a former logging road and you’ll see evidence of harvesting on the way in.

The trail begins at a gate less than a kilometre away and is a continuation of the road you came in on. First things first, cross little Lakit Creek – thanks whoever put in that makeshift log bridge – then enter a series of meadows. Based on other trip reports, bears sometimes frequents this low area, but seems to avoid the dryer slopes higher up (where you’re headed). No one mentioned having runs-in or trouble otherwise, but it still pays to be alert.

The trail/road is sometimes lost in the grass, but the way is always clear. At strategic points, there’s arrows pointing the way and navigation is pretty much as simple as it gets. Make a big bend and start climbing. The grade is never steep and the going always pleasant.

Leaving the logged area behind, come to a cut-line and bend right, then after a few minutes of climbing leave it and go left (north). Just an FYI: this old road is also used by ATVs, so keep eyes and ears open. Don’t be surprised to come across hunters in fall either, and for the love of God, don’t wear a novelty antler hat at that time unless you have a death wish.

The trail’s pretty much been in the trees the entire way up (sometimes they’re so thick that it’s like you’re in a tunnel) but don’t worry, a view awaits. There’s a few old roads up here and watch for those trail markings at any junctions so you don’t get off track.

Then out of nowhere, a side trail branches off to the right and head ups steeply (no arrow that we recall). You’re almost there! The other trail will also reach the same spot but with a gentler grade, and we’d use it when coming down. That’s the little loop you seen on our GPS track.

One steep push and you’ve arrived! Devil’s Hole is a steep-walled deep scar, impenetrable looking, rocky and barren. The little pond, we suspect, gets it colour from algae and on hot summers, we wonder if it completely dries up. You can see water lines suggesting it changes size depending on rainfall and heat.

In some older posts we found some people called the gorge Devil’s Cauldron and in another (which we like) Devil’s Punchbowl. Now there’s a name with more zing!

Lakit Mountain is that big wall directly east and there’s an old fire lookout somewhere up there on top that you can hike to (from the far side). Mount Baker is that prominent grassy bump almost directly south and it’s sort of alone and out that way, there in the middle of the Rocky Mountain Trench. Cranbrook (our homebase) is in that direction too, but a low hill blocked it from view.

A rocky ledge affords one a chance to stand on the edge but it’s a long drop down, so be careful.

Wild Mock Orange shrubs – we’ll we think that’s them – rim the gorge. They seem to like the conditions here and luckily we caught them at full flower.

We make a this our lunch stop (Fort Steele gas station junk food because we forgot our eats back in Cranbrook) and take in the scenery for a half hour or so. You never want to leave…hmm, does Skip the Dishes do drone deliveries yet?

Return via the same route. The Devil’s Hole hike is a pleasant stroll in the woods (in spite of the ominous name) and getting out like this sure does a body good.

We had the trail to ourselves, until the very end when two separate parties showed. The driver of one of the big 4x4s had a big laugh at our expense. That’s your car? You crazy Albertans!

Not so loud…it thinks it’s a Jeep…

This was just one of many hikes we did in the East Kootenay region around Cranbrook and Kimberley this year, so stay tuned for more trip reports from out this way in the coming months. We’ve always taken a liking to the area, but we’ve never really hiked around that much (always history exploring instead). The trails here really captivated us on recent visits and already we’re itching to get back.

Know more (new windows): Cranbrook BC Hiking.

They’re saying…

”Great people and great articles! I am honoured to know both Chris & Connie and to also have collaborated on photo trips or helped with research. Top Notch!” Jason Paul Sailer (and we’ve always had a great time together).

Short hikes….
Ford Knoll Loop.
Deer Ridge.
Long Prairie Ridge.

If you wish more information about this route or if you love to chat don’t hesitate to contact us!

Date of adventure: July, 2022.
Location: Near Cranbrook BC.
Distance: 5km total there and back.
Height gain maximum: 180m.
Height gain cumulative: See above.
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).

Crossing Lakit Creek right at the start.

On the trail to the Devil’s Hole.

Mount Baker to the south.

Arrows mark the way.

The trail is an old road.

Balsam Root.

Almost there!

Arrive!

The Devil’s Hole is little pond in a deep rocky gorge.

It’s a long drop down.

Looking roughly southwest-ish.

A little tree on the edge.

Small but colourful.

The view to the east.

Lakit Mountain.

Wild Mock Orange?

An easy stroll through the woods.

At the big bend.

Back into the meadow near the end.

As we finished, others were starting out.

One of these things is not like the other…

On the “4×4” road out.

5km round trip and not much elevation.