Wakefield Trail (Silverton)

Site Description: The Wakefield Trail is an interesting alternate route to Idaho Peak. Switchbacking up from the Wakefield Minesite in Silverton Creek, to the Idaho Peak parking lot, one is literally walking in the footsteps of the old miners who used this pack trail to get to their mines on Silver Ridge. A sharp eye will find old shoes, tools, bottles and other remnants from miners who toiled their way up and down this trail in search of fortunes. The lower portions of the trail climb through semi-open forests of cedar, hemlock, white pine, lodgepole pine, fir and birch which offer the promise of good mushrooming in the fall. As the trail climbs, it emerges from the forest, crossing steep avalanche paths richly coloured with wild flowers. Old mine tailings and ruins of mine buildings are passed as the trail winds its way steeply upwards. As you cross the upper slopes, panoramic views of the Valhallas and the peaks of Kokanee Glacier Park dominate the landscape.

Driving Directions: From the bridge on Highway 6, in the town of Silverton, travel south one block. Turn left onto 4th Street, then left onto Alpha Street. Follow Alpha Street as it turns into gravel on the "Four Mile Creek Road" and the "Silverton Creek Forest Service Road". Follow posted signs up Silverton Creek for 4.6 km. Turn left onto a steep, narrow, dirt 2 wheel drive road. Travel 3.9 km to the trailhead parking area. If you wish to walk from the top, alternate access is from the Idaho Peak Parking Lot.