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Talus Hill
Warfield, B.C.
June 22, 2025
Distance: 3.0 km (1.9 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 240 m (787 ft)
We wanted a quick trip, so Dinah and I turned to Talus Mountain. With low clouds in the morning and a chance of thunderstorms in the early afternoon, we had only a brief window of good weather for a hike. The previous day had been rainy, and we awoke to see clouds extending to the base of the mountains. We waited for the clouds to lift before heading to the trailhead.
Talus Hill sits at the edge of Warfield, nestled between the better known cities of Trail and Rossland. A small parking area accommodates four vehicles. The trailhead is situated behind a condominium.
The trail starts in the woods but quickly transitions through meadows filled with dogbane. At the base of the hill, switchbacks ascend a talus slope. After the switchbacks, the trail veers left towards the summit. Just before the top, we found a memorial bench and a Canadian flag.
Although it was mostly overcast, we enjoyed a brief sunshine at the top before descending. Then the clouds closed in. Halfway down, the sky darkened, and we heard thunder. Before reaching our car, it started raining lightly. As we began driving back, the rain grew heavier. It poured heavily for the entire 30-minute drive back to Castlegar.
The trailhead is at the back of a condominium
The trail winds through a bit of forest at first
Spreading dogbane filled the meadows
When you break a stem or leaf of spreading dogbane, the sap that emerges contains cardiac glycosides that are toxic to humans.
Talus Hill appears ahead
Peaks taller than Talus were hidden by clouds
Drawing closer
Approaching the base of the hill
Starting up the switchbacks in talus
Looking back
Starting up the last switchback
Approaching the ridgetop
One of two hummingbirds that we saw
The summit flag is barely visible in the centre
Looking back
Memorial bench near the summit
Standing on top. Columbia River in the background.
Partway down, we heard thunder and soon after, it began raining lightly
