Koocanusa Info

Getting There.

 

The Koocanusa riding area is located 17km South of the Highway 3 & 93 junction near Elko, on Dorr Cutoff Road. It is a 40 minute drive west of Fernie.

There are 2 staging areas on Dorr Cutoff Road. The first is as soon as you turn off the highway onto Dorr (there’s no signage on the highway), the other is 6.3 km SW on Dorr Cutoff Rd then 3 km West (keep right at the fork) on Dorr Rd, on the right after the cattle guard.  There is a kiosk sign board at both staging areas, which is the start of the trailheads. 

Find both staging areas on Google Maps:

Staging #1: 

49.16091053406697, -115.13040364380277

Staging #2:

49.116235326285874, -115.20038195450245

There are no facilities at the staging areas yet, please pack all garbage out with you. Staging area #1 has a dirt bank that can be used for unloading bikes.

There are no maps displayed yet so download them ahead of time. Please do not rip up the land around these staging areas, only ride on the trails.

 

Camping.

 

There are two free user-maintained campsites in the area:

Western Pine Rec Site

Grasmere Rec Site

*The Grasmere rec site is off a dirt road South of the pinpoint.

All camping is "pack in and pack out" Campers are solely responsible to remove all their garbage on departure.

There are also many pay sites around the riding area, including lake front.

Camping options:

http://www.koocanusarecreation.ca/camping-in-koocanusa

Useful link for Recreational Sites and Trails BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/camping-hiking/sites-trails

 

Trail Etiquette.

 

  • Stay on the designated trails.

  • Use the designated staging areas.

  • All trails are two-way, so use caution as there might be another rider coming around the corner.

  • Slow down and use hand signals for oncoming riders.

  • Do not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • Slow down to 20km/h around campsites and staging areas.

  • Keep a safe distance in between riders. Beware of low visibility caused by dust!

  • Do NOT spook animals.

  • Leave cattle gates CLOSED behind you, unless otherwise posted.

  • When meeting horseback riders, stop and shut down your engines. Ask the horseback riders how they would like to proceed.

  • Thread lightly! Try not to create new ruts. If the ground is very soft or muddy ride elsewhere or ride another day. No braiding.

We need YOU.

By purchasing an annual membership you’re supporting riding in the area, now and for generations to come.