Trails in this area. The Kootenays stretching from the Monashee Mountains in the west, and the Purcell Mountains in the east, consists of snow capped mountains, clear bubbling streams, forest covered valleys and large inland lakes. The climate in this region is shared by most of the interior of British Columbia .
Winters are usually cold and dry, while summers tend to be hot, dry and low on humidity.
Wildlife here thrives, so don't be surprised if you encounter deer, elk, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, both grizzly and black bears. Overhead fly both bald eagles and golden eagles and in the lakes there's waterfowl galore. Take time out to visit the many heritage building, old mining ghost towns and abandoned railways. The Kootenays offers a diversity of both summer and winter recreation such as down hill skiing, fishing, canoeing, whitewater rafting, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain climbing and hiking. The hiking terrain is strenuous with steep switchbacks, the first camp site which is at Spectrum Lake is a long five hour hike.