Panther Lake

Distance: 3.9 km

Hiking time: 2 hour one way

Elevation gain: 335 m (1100 feet)

Description: The trail into Panther Lake has been worn deep by the miners and pack animals who used this route in the early 1900's to access the Bayonne and Sunshine Mines. Now, anglers keep the tread open as they climb the steep trail to Panther Lake, where they share the fishing with osprey. At the far end of Panther Lake, a terminal moraine creates a peninsula that is perfect to cast from. There is a good trail around the lake.

Hikers and history buffs can still find traces of the original trail that the old miners used as they led their pack animals over the pass at the end of Panther Lake. Listen for whistling marmots as you work your way up these passes. Ridge walkers will enjoy the Three Sisters Peaks.

Set at the foot of the Three Sisters Peaks, Panther Lake, with rock slides to it's shores and sub-alpine forests surrounding it, is truly beautiful. There are no facilities at the lake, but campers have cleared 2 small tent sites, one at each end of the lake.

Road access. First come, first served.

Getting there: From the junction of Highway 3B and 3/6 in Salmo, travel south on Highway 6 towards Creston for 7.2 km. Turn left onto "Airport Road", opposite the Kootenay Stone Centre. Travel 2.3 km north, crossing over the Sheep Creek bridge. Turn right onto "Sheep Creek Road". This road is paved for the first half kilometre, then turns into good 2 wheel drive gravel road. There are many roads branching off the Sheep Creek Road, choose the most travelled route that follows along the valley bottom, on the left side of the creek. (Most junctions will have a sign directing you up the Sheep Creek Road). Stay left at 6.5 km. Left again at Sheep-Waldie FSR (11 km). Left at 14 km and start climbing away from creek, 4x4 from here on. Turn right at bridge (15km) and take the next right in ~1 km at small logging spur rd. Trailhead begins at the end of the logging block.