The Bee Line Cranbrook BC

The Bee Line Cranbrook BC is a fun, albeit relatively short hike, in loop form, and goes up and over a low hill just outside town. It’s in the Community Forest Network and if you want to do more afterwards, there’s an endless number of connecting trails to help round out the day. We had a little extra energy and did just that (not shown on our GPS track).

For this outing, we did the trail in a counter-clockwise direction, but it would be just as fine and interesting, the other way. Once up at the top there’s pleasing views of the Kootenay Ranges and Rocky Mountain Trench – cherry on top stuff. There’s two fine viewpoints and each looks out in a different direction.

The adventure begins at a paved pull out just a few clicks east of Cranbrook (where the passing lane starts) and off the eastbound lane of Highway #95/3. Drop down to the Chief Isadore rail-trail and proceed east for a short while, before coming to Bee Line proper, there on the right.

In a few moments there’s a junction and go right again – left will be used when coming down. Almost immediately, the climb begins but it’s rarely steep. The hill is a mix of forest and grassy meadow, plus it can be quite rocky in places.

A bee-line is typically in reference to something arrow straight, but this trail is anything but. It follows the lay of the land and the resultant track a squiggly line. There’s a number of offshoot trails along here, but the route is pretty obvious and just keep heading up to keep on track.

The summit is quickly reached and from the first viewpoint, one can look west towards town. It’s sort of obscured by a low rise, but not terribly far away and behind, there’s many wooded hills.

Hobgoblin Lake can sort of be seen below, but it’s more clear from the second viewpoint, which is not far from the first. That’s Mount Baker in behind and if you look close, you can see a bunch of communication’s towers up there. A prominent wall of rock called the Steeples is off in east and the tallest of the group goes by the name Fisher Peak.

The broad flat area below is the aforementioned Rocky Mountain Trench and a mix of pasture land, cultivated fields and forest. A haze hangs in the air and colours our scene a dusty blue. The rail grade mentioned earlier, runs at the base of our hill, but is unseen from this angle.

Once you’ve had your fill, head back down and while the descent begins right away, it’s not all that different from the ascent section done earlier. Not too steep, not too hard and quite enjoyable.

There’s one final view, of a hill to the north, with distant peaks as the backdrop, and then it’s back into the trees. Note the bike features along this stretch and they look fun but a bit scary.

BTW, always keep an ear open for two-wheelers on Bee Line and while we saw none, it’s clear bikes frequent the trail. The only people we saw on this outing, was one other group of hikers and no one else, for what it’s worth.

Trend this way and that, all the while dropping down further. It’s a quick and easy descent, then when back at the old rail line, simply retrace your steps back to the car. This was a short trail and done in no time.

Not wanting the fun to end, we delay the inevitable and take to the rail trail instead. It’s flat and easy, but helps use up a little excess energy. An out and back east to Isadore Canyon seems about right. It’s just shy of a few clicks each way and ends where they punched the railway roadbed through a rocky outcropping. The rail trail does not end there, but it’s where we turned back.

This stretch of track was abandoned about fifty years ago, for a new route a bit to the east and all this was caused by the filling of Lake Koocanusa reservoir. The water flooded out a section of track and they had to find a new way around. This line belonged to the Canadian Pacific Railway and dates back to the 1890s.

If you listen close you can hear the horn and clickety-clack of an approaching freight. The trains still run but only if you imagine it so.

The Chief Isadore rail trail is well packed down and nicely scenic in its own right. There’s trees and rock formations, little marshes, and plenty of nature to take in. While arguably better suited for biking, it did the trick and was thoroughly enjoyed.

It’s one final push up to the parking spot and another good time hike comes to an end. We hate this part, but we all know there will be more to come and that’s a good thing. Hope you enjoyed Bee Line as much as us and we’ll see you soon.

So much to do, so little time (new window): Cranbrook Community Forest Trails.

They’re saying…

”Adventurers with a true heart, in a soulless world.” Peter Sisgo.

In the area…
Mother’s Day Hill (East Kootenay BC).
Kimberley BC: Magic Line – Moe’s Canyon.
Devil’s Hole (East Kootenay BC).

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

Date of adventure: September, 2022.
Location: Near Cranbrook, British Columbia.
Distance: 5km loop.
Height gain maximum: 280m.
Height gain cumulative: 300m-ish
NOTE: all distances and heights are approximate and may differ slightly from other trip reports (including our own).

About to turn right off the old railway line.

The climb begins but it’s never that hard.

This is the Bee Line Trail Cranbrook, BC.

Crossing a decommissioned road.

It’s a pleasant stroll to the top of a low hill.

A long dead tree.

Cranbrook is just over that rise, but sort of hidden from view.

Cheers!

A wall of rock called the Steeples.

Fisher Peak is the tallest of the group.

Little Hobgoblin Lake and Mount Baker.

There’s a bit of haze in the air – pointing south here.

Turning more east-ish now.

Looking north up the Rocky Mountain Trench.

A mushroom atop a burned stump.

A little hill to the north.

Back into the forest.

Another old road.

Watch that drop.

Almost at the bottom.

Wanting a bit more fun, we take to the Chief Isadore Trail.

Learn about the little marsh.

Welcome to Isadore Canyon.

As far as we went along the former railway line.

The fun is almost at an end.

A little fun out near Cranbrook BC.