Darkwoods
What is Darkwoods? Well, its 63,000 Hectares of Conservation land just outside of Nelson. It’s a MASSIVE hunk of preserved wilderness, but lucky for us, there’s still some roads that go through it. It’s also known for the tiny community of Tye, sitting on an empty streatch of Kootenay Lake. If you decide to go all the way to the Lake, PLEASE be respectful in this community. Ride slow, keep the dust and the noise to a minimum. But the view on the lake is rather stellar!
The Conservation Area is a special and protected place. PLEASE respect the area and remember you need to stick to the established roads, and there’s no camping or campfires of any kind…
Click here to get more information about the Darkwoods Conservancy
The main route goes along Porcupine FSR just outside of Ymir to Highway 3 on the Creston side of the Summit. There has been a washout on Blazed FSR for a while now, but the new way in is along Bluebird FSR. It starts basically right at the Highway and runs along the other side of the creek before joining back on. From there, you head into the Mountains!
The route through Bayonne and past Arkansas Lake is for sure the spicier option! On the highway side its steepish and looseish. On the Darkwoods side its an old quad track that is a serious Alder-fest. But the camping at the lake is sooooooo worth it!! If you’re just looking to zip through Darkwoods, this option isn’t for you! Best as an out and back to the campsite from the Kootenay summit side…
Darkwoods Map
⬇️ Download the .KML ⬇️ Download the .GPX View in Google Earth
So, here’s how the map works. The massive route is broken up into smaller tracks based on the type of riding surface and difficulty. And colour-coded for your convenience!
D-0 Green is paved
D-1 Blue is smooth unpaved
D-2 Red is Rough Unpaved
D-3 Purple is Spicy, Either more technical or has something on it that may be trickier for some rider/bike combinations.
I’m never going to make assumptions about your skill level or enthusiasm, you know you. Always ride to what you’re comfortable with.
There are waypoints for Camping, fuel, beer, motels, motorcycle shops, food, and cool places to see!!
