Sproule Creek Bridge Replacement Project
0% complete
$4,977 raised of
47 donations
Protecting a Historic Trail Near Nelson, BC
The Sproule Creek Trail, located just outside Nelson, BC, follows a historic route first established in the early 1900s during the mining and logging era. This beautiful valley once featured a wagon road and a narrow-gauge railway built by the A.G. Lambert Lumber Co. between 1919 and 1930. Today, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers enjoy this multi-use trail system; walking through a living piece of West Kootenay history.
The Friends of Pulpit Rock Society is proud to hold the contract to maintain the Sproule Creek Trail system. We are now raising funds to complete a critical safety upgrade: replacing three aging trail bridges.
Why This Project Is Needed
The trail is currently closed, as an engineering report has identified that Bridge 1, Bridge 3, and Bridge 4 must be replaced to ensure public safety and long-term trail sustainability.
These bridges are essential crossings along the trail and provide access to:
- The historic Millsite Trail (4.5 km main route; only 200 m elevation gain)
- Westside Loop (starts 1 km up main route; popular for cross-country skiing)
- East Fork Trail (short 1.5 km, one-way trail of moderate difficulty)
- The historic millsite and early logging features
Without replacement, these crossings may become unsafe and unusable.
The Plan – August 2026 Construction
Our goal is to complete construction in Fall 2026.
Bridge 1
- Will be relocated approximately 100 meters upstream
- A new section of trail will be built on the west side of the creek
- Constructed using locally sourced logs. Using local trees will maintain the historic character of the trail while minimizing environmental impact.
Bridges 3 & 4
- Replaced near their current locations
- Adjusted slightly to improve safety and long-term stability
- Built using traditional log construction similar to the existing bridges. Using local trees will maintain the historic character of the trail while minimizing environmental impact.
Ultimate Funding Goal: $10,000
Partial funding for this project has already been secured.
We are seeking an additional $10,000 to complete:
- Materials and local log preparation
- Equipment access and construction support
- Trail realignment and finishing work
- Safety measures and environmental protection
Every dollar raised will go directly toward completing this bridge replacement project.
Why It Matters
The Sproule Creek Trail reflects:
- Decades of recreational use by residents and visitors, along this pretty, pristine creek with minimal elevation gain which can readily be hiked in spring, summer and fall and even in winter by elderly people and children alike
- Early logging and railway history, including the legacy of prospector Charles Clark Sproule (1891)
By replacing these bridges, we protect both public safety and a meaningful piece of Nelson’s heritage.
This project ensures the trail remains open, accessible, and safe for future generations.
How You Can Help
Donate to this GoFundMe campaign
Share this page with friends and family
Offer expertise or volunteer support
Provide comments or feedback
If you have experience with trail construction or maintenance, or even just want to help out occasionally, we are always on the lookout for volunteers with our growing network of trails.
Learn more or donate directly: pulpitrock.ca
(Donations can also be made through our website via the QR code.)