Mount Ida is the craggy, palisade-like mountain that dominates Salmon Arm's southern skyline. Rising to 1,574 metres, it's known to the Secwépemc people as Kela7scen — a name referring to its unusually coloured rocks — and is considered sacred ground. For hikers, it's the big local objective: a long climb rewarded with sweeping views over Salmon Arm, Salmon Arm Bay and Shuswap Lake.
Good to know
- Routes to the top use forest service roads and informal trails that can be rough, steep and washed out in places — high-clearance vehicles are recommended if driving any of the approach.
- Expect a full-day outing if you hike from the valley; carry water, bug spray and a map or GPS track.
- The mountain's trails are currently the focus of the Kle7scéñ (Mt. Ida) Working Group with the Shuswap Trail Alliance, so check shuswaptrails.com for the latest route and access information before you go.
Please treat Kela7scen with respect as a culturally significant place and stay on established routes.
Mount Ida is public land rather than a business, so there's no owner to claim this page. Trail stewards are welcome to contact The Shuswap Loop to add official trailhead and route details.