Mount Evans Trail (Kimberley)

Site Description:This historic mining trail is named after the Evans brothers who operated a mine in the upper basin of Mt. Evans from about 1915 to 1940. Although the trail to Mt. Evans is very distinct, history buffs will be interested to note the (now overgrown) original Mallandaine Mine trail that continues straight ahead 0.4 km from the trailhead. After this first switchback, the Mt. Evans trail climbs steadily upward, eventually passing through a boulder strewn basin, at the foot of the Mt. Evans headwall. Remnants of the Evans cabin can still be found in the basin, if you look closely. Beyond the basin, the trail climbs onto the ridge, offering great views of the surrounding Purcells and distant views of the Rockies to the east. Although there is not a trail along the ridge, it is possible to reach the summit of Mt. Evans at 2730 m (8950 feet) by following the ridgeline. Please note due to a wildfire in the summer of 2022 and subsequent fire salvage logging in February of 2023, the first 1km of trail has been impacted at the trailhead and into the new cut-block. Trail is status quo beyond the new cut block. Trail crews will be repairing in summer of 2023.

Driving Directions:Main Access: Commencing at the junction of Hwy 3/95 and Hwy 95A, follow Hwy 95A for 23.4 km to the north end of Marysville. Take a sharp left (south) onto the St. Mary Lake Road. Set your odometer at "0". Follow this road for 16.3 km to the junction with the St. Mary River Road. Turn left, onto the St. Mary River Road and cross over the bridge. Within 0.6 km, cross a cattleguard and turn right onto the Hellroaring Creek Forest Service Road. Follow this road for 1 km, then turn right onto the Meachen Creek Forest Service Road. Reset your odometer to "0". Follow this good, 2 wheel drive, gravel road for 13.8 km, (40.5km sign marker) then turn left onto the Fiddler Creek Road. Follow this rough 2 wheel drive road for 1.2 km to the trailhead sign on the left hand side of the road. Park in the wide part of the road, just beyond the trailhead sign.