Selkirk Mountains Mountains

The Selkirk Mountains are a major subrange of the Columbia Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, extending into parts of northern Idaho and northeastern Washington. The range is noted for high, rugged peaks, extensive glaciation and heavy snowfall.

Alpine routes, technical climbing lines and large backcountry ski areas draw mountaineers and skiers; established national parks and wilderness areas provide access to glacier-fed valleys and alpine passes. Valley towns such as Revelstoke, Nelson and Golden function as gateways for recreation and backcountry logistics.

The mountains were formed by tectonic uplift and sculpted by Pleistocene glaciation, creating deep glacial valleys and sharp summits. Mineral prospecting, forestry and later recreation have been the primary human uses of the range over the last two centuries.

Geographically the Selkirks lie mainly in southeastern British Columbia with extensions into the U.S. states of Idaho and Washington, occupying a corridor west of the Rocky Mountain trench and east of the Interior Plateau.

• Extent: The range extends from southeastern British Columbia into northern Idaho and northeastern Washington, making it transboundary in scope.
• Snow and glaciers: Renowned for heavy snowfall and extensive glaciation, the area is a major destination for backcountry skiing, alpine climbing and glacier travel.

What to See#

• Mount Sir Sandford: The highest summit in the range, rising to 3,519 metres and dominating the north-central Selkirk skyline.
• Glacier National Park (BC): Glacier National Park (Canada) preserves large tracts of Selkirk high country and glacier systems, offering established mountaineering and backcountry routes.
• Mount Revelstoke National Park: Mount Revelstoke National Park protects subalpine and montane landscapes on the western edge of the range and is a common access point for lower-elevation hikes.

Access via the Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke and via Highway 3 toward Nelson; from these towns, forest roads and trailheads lead into the range. Permit and route information available from provincial parks and local alpine clubs.

• Plan multi-day trips-many of the better routes in the Selkirk Mountains require backcountry camping and route planning.
• Hire a local guide or register planned routes with park authorities-weather can change rapidly in the Columbia Mountains.
• If travelling for fishing or river trips, check closures and spawning seasons-conservation rules vary by river.