The best walks and hikes around Area C (Moyie/Bull River)

Lakit Lookout sits at around 2,346 metres and has a replica fire lookout that offers free overnight stays on a first-come, first-served basis, with a small wood stove, desk, and cot inside. From here, you can look across the Purcell Mountains to the west and the Rockies to the east, with the Kootenay River winding through the valley in between. On a clear day, you can also see Fort Steele, St. Eugene Mission, Cranbrook and the ski runs at Kimberley Alpine Resort. There is also a picnic table here, making it a perfect spot to take your time and enjoy the scenery over lunch.

This trail is short but relatively steep, climbing about 480 meters over a distance of around two kilometres to reach Lakit Lookout and cabin. It begins in a forested area before transitioning to more open, rocky terrain, and as you approach the ridge, there are stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Rocky Mountain Trench. Some sections of the trail can be dry and loose underfoot, so it’s a good idea to wear sturdy footwear and carry plenty of water, especially on warm days.

This trailhead has a small parking area and a pit toilet, but reaching it requires driving several kilometres along a rough forest service road. The final section is narrow, uneven and rocky, so a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. If your vehicle isn’t suitable for the roughest section, there is a wide pullout about ½ kilometre before the trailhead where you can park and walk the rest of the way.

Bisaro Cave is one of the main highlights along Heiko’s Trail, tucked into the mountainside after a steady climb through the forest. When you reach it, you can step inside and explore a short distance, with the cave opening up just enough to feel immersive without needing any special equipment. The rock formations and cool air inside make it a unique stop compared to the rest of the hike. Just be mindful of your footing, as it can be damp and uneven underfoot, especially near the entrance.

You can drive all the way up to the Heiko Trailhead and park here if your vehicle is high clearance and suitable for rough forest service roads. From here, the trail heads straight into dense forest and quickly begins to climb, with ladders, wooden bridges, and sections that feel more adventurous than your typical hike. Along the way, you’ll pass small waterfalls and openings to mountain views, with Bisaro Cave and a canyon further along. It’s a beautiful trail from the very start and feels like an adventure right away.

Along Heiko's Trail Access Road, you’ll find a lower parking area that’s suitable for most vehicles. If your car isn’t high clearance or four-wheel drive, it’s best to park here. If you’re confident driving rough forest service roads and have the right vehicle, you can continue for about two kilometres further up to reach the main Heiko's Trail trailhead and park there instead.

At the end of the Perry Creek Trail in East Kootenay, you reach Perry Creek Falls, where the creek drops over a rugged rock face into a narrow gorge. The viewpoint is set slightly back, so you’re looking across at the falls rather than right beside them, but you still get a clear view of the cascade and the surrounding forest. After following the creek the whole way, this feels like a natural turnaround point and the highlight of the hike.

The Perry Creek Trail in East Kootenay is a short out-and-back route that follows the creek through dense forest toward a waterfall. The path is easy to follow for most of the way, with a mix of dirt trail and a few rougher sections where the ground can be uneven or washed out. You stay close to the water as you walk, with the sound of the creek alongside you, before reaching a viewpoint at Perry Creek Falls.