Skattabo Reach: July 2017
We followed this trail from Brilliant (near Castlegar) to McPhee Creek, although the trail continues well past this point. Most of the walk is through mature forest, following along the Kootenay River but there are a few open meadow areas which can be get very hot during the peak of summer. Of historical note is a great length of metal hoops hugging the ground, the remains of a Doukhobor water line from many years ago. The most picturesque part of this stretch of trail are the Little McPhee Falls. A short climb from the main trail brings a hiker right up to the plunge pool. Not much further along the main trail one descends to McPhee Creek proper and, here too, one can see a cascade of smaller falls, though one has to bushwhack a little to get a good view.
In spring there is a great variety of wildflowers along this trail but, by late July, most are long gone, with the notable exception of rattlesnake plantain which seems to like the hot, dry weather.
In spring there is a great variety of wildflowers along this trail but, by late July, most are long gone, with the notable exception of rattlesnake plantain which seems to like the hot, dry weather.
