Radium Hot Springs/Redstreak Campground Hike to Pool

I'm going to start my first hike post, with one of the very first hikes I can recall ever doing, and one of my most favourite hikes I've done. 

If you've been to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia, Canada, you know this tiny village is packed with amazing scenery, incredible wildlife, and an energy that truly cannot be beat.

I've been going to Radium with my family, for as long as I can remember. It's been a long standing tradition, actually starting with my grandparents on their honeymoon many, many years ago. After that, they fell in love with this tiny town and decided to start bringing their children every summer. Obviously (if you've been there, you know I'm right) their children followed suit, and every year since the age of 1, my parents have brought my sister and I to camp for a couple weeks of the summer each year. I happen to be incredibly blessed, as I have married a man who's grandparents started the exact same tradition (weird, right?) with their kids many years ago, and his parents too, brought him to camp in this tiny town. Funny thing is, we didn't meet until University...but that's another story. 

The campground we have always camped in is known as Redstreak Campground. This is based off of the fact that the mountain the campground originated on, has a red tinge to it, due to the different minerals in the rocks. The campground was later moved (many years ago, it's the only one I have ever known) to a beautiful spot up on the side of a mountain, overlooking the valley below, and even though you are a mere 2 minute drive from the town, it feels as though you are far away from civilization. To say I love it would be an understatement. 

Radium is also incredibly well known for their hot spring fed pool that is open year round. 

There just so happens to be a short, but sweet hike that takes you from the campground atop the mountain, down to the pool in town that is packed with beautiful views. It's not a hard hike to do, however if you aren't used to an elevation change at all, the first 15 to 20 minutes of the hike may be a bit challenging for you. Once you get past the initial climb however, it's pretty much level terrain (unless you go off the trail, which you are NOT supposed to do, especially in a National Park). It is short, as I mentioned, with at a steady pace of just quicker than a stroll, will take you less than an hour. Seriously guys, easy peasy. AND SO WORTH IT. 

Look out at the start of the hike, where you can see the valley below and stop for some scenic pictures. (My husband and I, days before we became husband and wife!) 

Just a few examples of the terrain on the hike. It's been recently re-done so that it's safer and easier to hike on. 

Second photo is at a common resting place with benches, a creek, and a stone with a memorial plaque explaining the history of the area. 

Once you've finished your hike, there is a concession at the pool to buy food, alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, and many knick-knack type souvenirs for the many travellers that pass through their doors. Then you can find yourself relaxing in the healing waters of the hot springs below, with a "cool pool" (as we've always called it) to cool off in when the hot pool gets to warm for you. What an awesome way to treat yourself after taking in such a beautiful hike! 

If you have done the hike, or end up doing the hike, I would love to hear about your stories and see some pictures! Enjoy and PEACE.