Pulpit Rock (Flagpole Trail)

If there’s only one trail you do if you visit Nelson, then it’s probably not Pulpit Rock to the Flagpole… Don’t get me wrong, its a great hike, if you like relentless trudging reminiscent of the Grouse Grind in Van.  But if you want the best, maybe wander to a nearby Giant Cedar Grove in Kokanee.

The views of the town will have you where’s waldoing landmarks like the Hume Hotel, Oso, BOB, Trafalgar or that house you once lived in.  And the view west towards the Slocan Junction and Castlegar shows the Kootenay River snaking through islands and Cedar mists.

Hauntingly beautiful in the fall and carpeted with Balsam Root in the upper meadows during the spring.  Pulpit rock is the first and most popular destination.  Flagpole is the obligatory second trip with bigger views.  And the trail to the CBC Tower is a distant, elusive beast that few approve of.

So the next time your sipping you cafe at Oso and gazing skyward to Elephant Mountains rocky pulpit perhaps consider this, think of yours truly and yonder thy wander;)

– Kaptain Kananaskis