The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site
4.3
(326)
2,412
hikers
15
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site traverse a diverse landscape of dense forests, undulating terrain, and areas with views of the broader mountainous region. The site features well-maintained paths that wind through varied scenery, including forested sections and singletrack. Hikers can explore trails near water features like Begbie Falls and the Columbia River, offering a mix of natural environments. The elevation changes across the trails provide varied experiences, from gentle slopes to more challenging ascents.
โฆLast updated: September 29, 2026
4.2
(12)
25
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
5
hikers
5.86km
01:45
180m
180m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
12
hikers
9.75km
02:32
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
18
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Nice waterfall. Unfortunately, lots of mosquitoes.
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Begbie Falls is an impressive double waterfall surrounded by gorgeous, mossy forest and towering cliffs. They're easy to reach: you can hike here on the Bluff Trail that starts at the nearby highway, or you can drive on the service road and park quite close to the falls. On the way here, you pass a few viewing points, mainly from above, but this spot gives you the best frame of the falls; it's stunning.
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Here, you can see Begbie Creek run into Columbia River. The views are great, and there's even a picnic table in case you want to relax and enjoy the view a little longer. The river with Mount Cartier in the background is really postcard perfect.
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The Illecillewaet River flows 62 kilometers before meeting the Columbia River. The turquoise color comes from glaciers at the river's starting point at Rogers Pass. This river is home to rainbow trout, bull trout, and mountain whitefish, and the all-important beavers, building dams along its course.
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The Marc Kingsbury Memorial Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning the Illecillewaet River, connecting downtown Revelstoke to the Illecillewaet Greenbelt and trails on the riverโs south side. It was named after Marc Kingsbury, a beloved Revelstoke resident and outdoor enthusiast who passed away in a kayaking accident. Stop in the middle of the Marc Kingsbury Bridge on clear evenings and watch Mount Begbie glow pink with alpenglow, and in the spring.
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The Illecillewaet Greenbelt runs through cottonwood and spruce forests and marshland, offering great riverside views. The trail is wide and well-maintained, open to walking, jogging, cycling, dog walking, birdwatching, photography, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing in winter. The greenbelt creates easy access downtown for dining and shopping.
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The Columbia River flows through Revelstoke and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery with views of Mount Begbie and the Selkirk Mountains. This stretch of the river is heavily controlled by dams and reservoirs and provides power through the Columbia Basin hydro system. Animals such as bald eagles, ospreys, and herons call this river home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site?
There are 16 family-friendly hiking trails in Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site, offering a variety of experiences for different ages and abilities. Seven of these are rated as easy, and seven as moderate, making it simple to find a suitable adventure for your family.
Are there any easy, short loop trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, for a pleasant and easy loop, consider the Hemlock Grove Trail loop from Begbie Falls Rec Site. It's just under 6 km with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a shorter family outing. Another easy option is the Revelstoke Town Centre โ Revelstoke Railway Museum loop, which is also around 6 km with very little elevation.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in the Mt. Macpherson area?
The trails in Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site offer diverse terrain, from rolling paths winding through dense forests and cutblocks to well-maintained singletrack. You'll find undulating landscapes that keep the walk interesting, with many paths suitable for families.
Are there any trails that feature waterfalls or other water attractions?
Yes, the Begbie Falls โ Columbia River loop from Begbie Falls Recreation Site is a great option. This moderate 9.4 km trail leads you through forested areas directly to Begbie Falls, offering a beautiful natural feature to enjoy. During spring, you might also encounter more substantial creeks along various trails.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails here?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 277 ratings. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained trails, the diverse scenery ranging from forests to river views, and the accessibility of the site from Revelstoke, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for families.
Can we find trails that offer scenic views or viewpoints suitable for families?
While some of the more challenging routes offer expansive alpine views, many family-friendly trails provide lovely scenic spots. Trails along the Columbia River, such as the Columbia River โ Revelstoke Town Centre loop, offer pleasant river vistas. The diverse forest landscapes also provide beautiful natural settings for a family walk.
Are there any longer, moderate family hikes for older children or more active families?
For families looking for a longer adventure, the Begbie Falls โ Columbia River loop is a moderate 9.4 km trail with around 250 meters of elevation gain, offering a good challenge. Another option is the Columbia River โ Revelstoke Town Centre loop from Laforme Blvd, which is over 10 km and offers scenic river views with minimal elevation.
Is the Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site easily accessible from Revelstoke?
Yes, the recreation site is located just a quick drive from Revelstoke, making it very accessible for families staying in or visiting the town. Its proximity to Revelstoke adds to its convenience as an outdoor destination.
What is the best time of year to visit for family hiking?
The Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site offers year-round opportunities. For hiking, spring, summer, and autumn are generally the best times. Spring brings lush greenery and fuller creeks, while summer offers warm weather. Autumn provides beautiful fall colors, making it a picturesque time for family walks.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly trails?
The Mt. Macpherson Cross-Country Trails Recreation Site is generally dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and to check specific trail regulations before heading out. Ensuring your dog is under control helps protect wildlife and ensures a pleasant experience for all trail users.
Are there any trails that are particularly flat or suitable for strollers?
While specific stroller-friendly trails are not explicitly highlighted, routes with minimal elevation gain and well-maintained surfaces would be your best bet. The Revelstoke Town Centre โ Revelstoke Railway Museum loop, with only 29 meters of elevation over 6 km, could be a good starting point for families with sturdy strollers, though some sections might still be uneven.
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