Continuing on the Selkirk Loop, we turned the corner at Nelson, and headed south. We stopped briefly in the tiny community of Ymir (pronounced why-mer). The Hotel Ymir & Saloon has been operating since 1896.
South of Ymir, we came to the town of Salmo, where we stayed next to the baseball field. (Hey, it worked in Nelson, didn't it?) The story of the town is chronicled in a most unique fashion.
Seven elaborate stone murals paint a picture of the community's mining and forestry heritage, as well as the local big game, all created by students at Salmo's Kootenay Stone Masonry Training Centre.
We took a side trip up to Kootenay Pass and did a short hike in Stagleap Provincial Park on the Cornice Ridge Loop.
A loop leads up the hill, then back down to Bridal Lake.
The area is a migration route for the threatened Woodland caribou, but we didn't see any.
From there we crossed over the border and arrived at the cute town of Metaline Falls, WA. We stayed at Waterfront Park, and tried to stay away from the "No Camping" signs. :-))
We then took the loop road that goes over to Sullivan Lake, down to Ione, and back to Metaline Falls. Along the way are Sweet Creek Falls -
And Box Canyon Dam. From there we moved on to Priest River, ID, where we stayed by another athletic field. I think we've got this down pat!
I know I'm racing around the loop, but I'm really behind blogging... Having too much fun, I guess.
From Priest River, we did a day trip up to Priest Lake, where we did a walk on the Lakeshore Trail. Although there were some nice views of the Selkirk Mountains -
Most of the trail was like this.
We did another stop along the lake to see the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars. Some of these trees are 2000 years old!
There is a short walk there to Granite Falls. Very pretty, with the water sliding down an inclined rock under a rocky overhang. Unfortunately, the pictures don't do it justice.
Well, that's the end of the Selkirk Loop trip. If you're ever in the neighborhood, I highly recommend it.
Quite a trip around that loop, but we're still happy to have you home. :c)
ReplyDeleteWow! That was a terrific trip with some really beautiful scenes. Sure would like to see that Granite Falls in person. Take care.
ReplyDeleteGotta have respect for those big ole trees. Just love to walk between them. makes me feel adequately small and insignificant. :-)
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