1 m away
The Rockwall: Helmet-Ochre Junction
An easy overnight backpacking trip, or one end of the difficult Rockwall trek.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 6.1 km
- Ascent
- 212 m
- Descent
- 144 m
Paint Pots
Short walk among culturally significant mineral pools.
Hiking Easy
- Distance
- 1.9 km
- Ascent
- 52 m
- Descent
- 52 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 1.4 km
- High Point
- 1.5 km
- Gradient
- 4˚
Beginning in shady forest, the trail soon crosses a bridge over the Vermillion River, with excellent mountain views removed from the highway. On the other side of the river, forest gives way to meadows where the paint pots seep from the ground. These reddish pools are natural mineral springs, rich with iron oxide, which the native people used for dyes.
Description
The trail is always muddy, but planks help to cross the soggiest sections. Be sure to continue across the first, broad meadow to find the smaller clearings farther on, where the largest paint pot is found. This is the turnaround point for walkers interested in a short outing, but the path can be continued to link with Helmet Falls Trail.
Sources: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/kootenay/activ/randonnee-hike/courte-short https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KootenayNationalPark#PaintPots
Difficulty
Easy
Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.
Low Exposure
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Dog friendly
- Water features
- Family friendly
Similar routes nearby
2.5 km away
Marble Canyon
Walk along a remarkably narrow gorge flowing with water.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Ascent
- 39 m
- Descent
- 40 m
5.2 km away
The Rockwall: Helmet Creek to Helmet Falls
Hike to a backcountry campground near a huge, double-forked waterfall along The Rockwall trek.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.2 km
- Ascent
- 408 m
- Descent
- 154 m
7 km away
The Rockwall: Tumbling Creek to Numa Creek
Between Tumbling and Numa Creek camps you’ll cross steep avalanche slopes and a high pass with breathtaking views of the Rockwall.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 7.5 km
- Ascent
- 379 m
- Descent
- 729 m
7.1 km away
The Rockwall: Numa Creek to Floe Lake
Up and over Numa Pass, the highpoint of the Rockwall Trek.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 9.4 km
- Ascent
- 811 m
- Descent
- 318 m
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Guidebooks in this area
6 routes · Hiking
The Rockwall Trek in Kootenay National Park
5 routes · Hiking
Kootenay National Park’s Best Day Hikes
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