The Paint Pots in Kootenay National Park are a short interpretive trail off Highway 93. This trail is mostly flat, with beautiful views along the way. This trail also marks the beginning of the Rockwall Trail, a 54 km trail that links Paint Pots to Floe Lake.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly trail, or a quick stop while driving through, Paint Pots is a great trail for a thirty to forty-minute excursion.
Paint Pots Hike Summary
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 2 km round trip
- Elevation: 35 metres
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Time: 30-45 minutes
- Trailhead: Paint Pots Trailhead
The trailhead is off Highway 93, about 20 km from the Trans-Canada. It’s clearly signed.
Detailed Trail Description
We hiked Paint Pots after Boom Lake, as the trailheads are very close and we wanted to take advantage of being in Kootenay. The drive out is about 2 hours from Calgary, so it’s nice to make the trip feel worthwhile.
The trail begins along a wide gravel path that slopes gently downhill to the Kootenay River. Climb to steps up and over the bridge, then follow the path left. This trail leads through the trees towards a red-orange wetland. Then, follow the boardwalk across the wetland towards the falls.
This is the last section of the hike and involves a short push up the hill alongside a wide but shallow creek filled with red earth. The ground here is iron-rich, giving it a red colour. The vibrance of the bright earth contrasts beautifully with the green of the trees and shrubs.
The Paint Pots themselves are three green pools at the top of the hill. These pools have ochre deposits that were used by Indigenous people to decorate their clothes, teepees, and bodies. As you would with any natural space, be sure to leave it as you found it. Pack out all garbage and take nothing but pictures.
Wander between the pools and marvel at their bright colours. Then, make the return hike down to the bridge and enjoy views of the valley. The full trail took us about 35 minutes.
