Balancing Rock

This trail is a very popular trail close to Creston. The trail provides beautiful views of Creston Valley and bird activity. The large rock for which this trail is named is awkwardly balanced on the ground. Intrepid kids often climb up the rock for a photo opportunity. The name YaqanNukiy literally means “where the rock stands” and refers to an important place in the Creston Valley. Head west out of Creston on Hwy 3 for 10.1 km, turning left on West Creston Rd. From the turn it is about 100m to the parking lot for Balancing Rock on the west side of the road.

Challenges include steepness, loose rock, and overgrown sections. Reviewers recommend sturdy shoes and taking your time. Poles are handy, especially coming down. The trail goes up the mountain under the power line and consists of some long switchbacks until you get near the top where there is a bench to enjoy the beautiful view. A little further on is the ‘Balancing Rock,’ then the trail goes over the back to intersect with Mount Creston, where the trail leads you to Hollie Falls and junctions off to Fern Forest trail. You can use the Fern Forest trail to make it a loop trail, which goes to Summit Creek area, then walk through the WildLife Management area to get back to the Balancing Rock parking lot. 1 way is 30-45 minutes at a steady pace.

Family-friendly; all dogs must be kept on a leash, and pet owners must pick up after their pet(s).

History of the Trail

In Spring 2025, Trails for Creston Valley Society officially added the Balancing Rock Trail to our managed trail network under our Partnership Agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails BC. Recognizing its popularity and historic significance, we’re committed to maintaining trail quality, ensuring safe public access, and integrating this trail into our ecosystem of interconnected paths. With this addition, TCVS now manages yet another valued corridor—helping preserve Creston’s trails for the future.

Balancing Rock Trail — Skunk Cabbage Swamp Gets an Upgrade

In spring 2026, volunteers completed a long-overdue transformation on the Balancing Rock Trail: a brand new floating boardwalk now carries hikers safely through the marsh section we've affectionately named Skunk Cabbage Swamp.

The project came together over two volunteer work bees, with 9–10 people showing up each day. The first crew hauled materials and equipment up the trail; the second returned to assemble the new structure in place. Considerable work also happened behind the scenes — planning the build, sourcing materials, and preparing everything before a single boot hit the trail.

The project was made possible entirely through the generous support of two outstanding community organizations: Creston Community Forest and the Creston Valley Community Foundation. Their investment in this trail is a testament to what a community can accomplish when it decides something is worth doing right.

The boardwalk is entirely volunteer-built, community-funded, and long overdue. We couldn't be more grateful — or more proud of how it turned out.