Crown Point (lower)

Crown Point is favorite amongst Rossland riders, providing an advanced, freeriding trail with a hints of 'North Shore' style, amidst a lush, mountain forest. The ride entertains from start to finish with sections of fast, flowy singletrack, mixed with tight, techy sections, and many log rides, booters, bridges and the occasional rock garden. Originally built by local riders in the early 90's, Crown Point has withstood the persistent pressures of logging to retain its stunning, natural setting above the fast flowing, Tiger Creek. The ride itself is greatly diversified and caters to wide range of abilities, from advanced x-country riders to the downhill, shuttle crowd, who typically park a vehicle in Warfield. For others, the long pedal to and from town is easily justified, especially during the height of a dry, hot summer, when Crown Point will remain cool and tacky.

To reach the upper trailhead, proceed approx. 2 km up Malde Creek FSR to Birch Main FSR. Ride (gradual climb) almost 3 km to the end of Birch Main FSR where the singletrack commences. Crown Point begins with undulating traverse through open cut blocks, before a short descent to meet Branch 3000 (or 007) FSR. Turn right onto the road and pedal 400 m to where the main descent of Crown Point begins. Drop the seat and bomb down towards the tall, dark forest ahead. The trail stays close to a featured ridgeline at first and then falls imperceptibly towards the valley bottom, where it stays for the remainder of the ride. The trail is intersected half way with the crossing of Tiger Main FSR which is often a good place to regroup, before dropping across the high banks and featured benches above Tiger Creek, and finally ending in an open cut block above the Gas Line Rd.

Hints: For shuttle riders with a parked vehicle in Warfield, proceed across the Gas Line Rd, follow the dirt road on the west (left) side of Tiger Creek for 500m to Switchback trailheads. Turn right onto Lower Switchback trail which flows in fast, wide arcs down to the Railgrade trail. Turn right (straight) and descend towards to Warfield.

Riders returning to Rossland have several options. The quickest route, but least ascetic, is to pedal back along the Gas Line Rd to where it joins the Railgrade trail and continues into Lower Rossland. Its a 5 km, hilly return on logging roads back to Rossland. Another option is to cross the Gas Line Rd at the end of Crown Point, follow the dirt road on the west side of Tiger Creek for 500m to Switchback trailheads. Take the Upper Switchback trail which joins Railgrade further down the valley. Climb the Railgrade back (turn left) towards town which will curves slowly into Lower Rossland. On the Railgrade you will encounter the Rubberhead trailhead which provides further options into Lower Rossland.