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EMMA MINE AT COLTERN
The PIF trails are marked with cloraplast signs, approximately 4"X6" every kilometer and at each major intersection.
OUTSIDE LOOP
To enter the PIF trail at 0km and follow the OUTSIDE LOOP trail, (also see map) access the Phoenix Ski Hill Road from Highway #3, west of Grand Forks and proceed to KM4 on the Phoenix Road. You will need a 4X4 from this point. (You may also enter at KM1 on the Phoenix Road, which will place you approximately 3km into the trail system.)
Proceed following the km markers. At 5km you will come to the Oro Denoro Junction (in some books this landmark is also called Coltern) and the spectacular remains of a mine shaft. At this point you may continue on the PIF trails or join the Thimble Mountain trails and/or the Trans Canada Trail. NO VEHICLE ACCESS (Your crossing on Highway #3 to the BC Mines Road is on a blind corner, for a safer crossing we recommend the Eholt Link.)
Continuing on the PIF trails, at 8.5km you will come to the Glenside Creek trestle. Once the largest trestle site in the Phoenix area, today part of the trestle is still standing across the canyon. When in operation, the trestle was 200 m long and 60 m high. DANGER--DO NOT CLIMB THE RELICS
TRESTLE AT GLENSIDE
This trail,(no access to motorized vehicles) starting at the old trestle site will lead you to the Rock Oven Camp at 11.5km (site is marked). Please do not remove artifacts. Please use caution, this trail is narrow and there are some steep sections.
Rock ovens were widely used by people living in the bush in the railroad era. Just imagine a cook using the oven you are looking at to prepare the meals for a crew of hungry men working on the trestles or the rail grades. Those ovens were a marvel of efficiency. Early in the morning a large fire was built inside and when the rocks reached the required temperature, the coals were scraped out and the entrance carefully sealed to allow several hours of baking, roasting and heating the food.
There are many other trails through the Phoenix Forest. Consult the map to select a trail of your choice. Also see the Driving Tour for other options.