Bikepacking Adventures at For-rest Retreat

Nestled on the outskirts of Salmo, British Columbia, along the scenic Great Northern Rail Trail, For-rest Retreat serves as the perfect launchpad for your next bikepacking journey. Here, where the trail weaves through lush valleys and connects to an expansive network of roads, singletrack, and forest service paths in every direction, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore the wild beauty of the Kootenay’s. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day traverse or a leisurely day trip, our retreat invites you to start and end your adventure with us—recharging in nature’s embrace, gathering around the fire, and nourishing your spirit before or after the ride.

Discover the Trails from Our Doorstep

The Great Northern Rail Trail, a former rail line turned gravel pathway, stretches 48 kilometers from Salmo to Nelson, offering car-free riding with stunning views of the Salmo River Valley, historic trestles, and surrounding peaks. From For-rest, you can hop directly onto the trail and link up with larger routes like the 1,200-kilometer BC Epic Bikepacking Route, which spans southern British Columbia from the Fraser Valley to Fernie, blending rail trails, gravel roads, and challenging singletrack. For a loop closer to home, try the Bonnington Scrambler—a 125-kilometer mix of doubletrack, hike-a-bikes, and overgrown paths that circles back to the Great Northern Trail, showcasing the rugged Selkirk Mountains.

Our location opens doors to diverse terrain: pedal north toward Nelson’s vibrant scene, south into the Purcell Wilderness, or east and west onto connecting networks like the Kettle Valley Rail Trail extensions. With over 3 kilometers of our own hand-built trails on the property—ideal for mountain biking, hiking, or a gentle warm-up—adventure truly begins at your tent or cabin door. The best time to ride? June through September,(although October is quite lovely as well) when the snow has melted & wildflowers bloom.

Featured Routes to Inspire Your Ride

We’ve curated a selection of bikepacking routes starting right from For-rest Retreat, detailed on Ride With GPS for easy navigation. These are designed for all levels, from beginner-friendly out-and-backs to epic overnighters. Here are a few highlights:

Erie Creek to Bombi Loop 71km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53725184

Salmo to Pend d’Oreille loop 100km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53173439

Darkwoods 200km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53865443

Huckleberry Pass Loop 60km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53865481

For-rest Retreat to Huckleberry Pass to Jubilee Pass Loop 73km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53865481

For-rest Retreat to Erie Creek to Stewart Creek 53km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53165960

NOT from For-rest Retreat but in the general area

Winlaw to Little Slocan Lake to Winlaw 77km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53173617?privacy_code=gFLvBv7D92Rr5hl6kaWofV13920YLA2u

Blazed Creek to Bayonne Creek 65km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53172558?privacy_code=I12iKziNPhS9KeHYx00ep99jxwklMZNQ

Phoenix Super 8
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36544816

BC Epic 1000
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16603335

These routes emphasize the region’s natural wonders, from alpine meadows to old-growth forests, and can be customized for your group’s pace and preferences. Download the GPX files from Ride With GPS and let the exploration unfold.