Driving to the Lookout at Mount Buchanan in BC
Mount Buchanan is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,910m (6,266ft) above sea level, located in the British Columbia province of Canada.
Where is Mount Buchanan?
The peak is located an hour and a half from Nelson, in the Central Kootenay region, in the southern part of the country.
When was the Lookout at Mount Buchanan Built?
Initially built in the early 1940s, Buchanan Lookout began as a simple braced-pole structure with a small viewing platform and a ground-level tent for equipment storage and living quarters. In 1949, a pre-fabricated wooden tower was added, featuring a 14'x14' standard lookout cabin with a surrounding catwalk to improve visibility. This structure was transported up the mountain by packhorses. By 1958, an access road was constructed, allowing truck access, and in 1965, the wooden tower was replaced by an 18-foot concrete block tower. Buchanan Lookout remained operational until 1982, after which it became a favorite destination for recreationists. Today, the Buchanan Lookout stands strong for visitors to enjoy. You can climb the stairs and walk around the catwalk for breathtaking views, but the tower itself is locked and cannot be entered. Inside, the tower is staged to resemble the living quarters and office setup from its days as a fire lookout.
Is the road to Mount Buchanan Unpaved?
The road to the summit is completely unpaved, rough, narrow, and brutally steep. Be cautious of traffic, as there are few pull-outs for passing oncoming vehicles. The trail has multiple switchbacks to help with the ascent. When descending, remember to stop partway to cool your brakes.
Can I Drive My Vehicle to Mount Buchanan?
This road is suitable for high-clearance two-wheel drive vehicles.
How Long is the Road to Mount Buchanan?
Starting from the paved BC-31A road, the route to the summit is 10.9 km (6.77 miles) long. Over this distance, there is an elevation gain of 1,167m, with an average gradient of 10.7%.
Is the Road to Mount Buchanan Worth the Drive?
Set high in the Selkirk Mountains northeast of Kaslo, the summit offers stunning views of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Goat Range Provincial Park, and the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains.
Pic: North Okanagan Outdoors