Six years after a washout ended easy access to a popular Slocan Valley lookout, the provincial government still hasn’t decided what to do about it.
In early 2025, the Ministry of Forests unveiled five options for the future of Idaho Peak, known for its spectacular views. One would be to repair the road, another to decommission it entirely, and the other three to build a new access road and bridge downstream of Sandon.
Asked for an update, the government provided a one-line response: “The Ministry of Forests is still considering all options for the Idaho Peak forest service road, and field work will be conducted this season.”
But that means the road will remain impassable for another year.
A Silverton village councillor who used to provide a shuttle service to Idaho Peak has said the provincial government should restore the existing access road rather than build a new one.
Don Broughton feels it’s impossible for the public to properly assess the options without cost estimates, but he believes fixing the existing road will be the cheapest and quickest solution. The ministry has said this will require buying land because the road trespasses on private property.
