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Eager Hills Lookout
Cranbrook Community Forest Recreation Site, B.C.
September 25, 2025
Distance: 3.9 km (2.4 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 190 m (623 ft)
Just a few minutes’ drive east of Cranbrook, Eager Hills Lookout offers a short hike with worthwhile views. However, it was a bad day for viewing the mountains, but a good day to avoid a long hike. Wildfire smoke had enveloped the area, obscuring views and irritating our eyes. But despite the conditions, Dinah and I enjoyed the area and extended our trip by completing a loop.
If you’re driving from Cranbrook, keep in mind a left turn into the park isn't permitted. We passed the park entrance and drove a few kilometres down Highway 3 before finding a spot to turn around. A brief gravel road climbs to a small parking lot.
The hike begins on a long, gentle switchback up a grassy slope scattered with tall trees. The trail levels off on a broad top with a few high points. The first of these is Eager Fire Lookout at the southwest end. Then we continued along the trail to the northeast end where there’s a picnic table. Maps place the summit here, where I took my panorama. But afterwards, we wandered over to a slight mound that was higher.
Rather than retracing our steps, we turned onto Waterpark Trail. The long, rolling trail meanders through the forest and offers scant views, but it was a refreshing change from the lookout trail. Waterpark Trail took us back to the parking lot.
Starting up the trail
Tall trees dotted the lower south slopes
Looking east down the Kootenay River Valley
We followed long switchbacks to the top,
although there were shortcuts
The lookout is in the trees on the right
Eager Fire Lookout was built in 1948 and closed in 1965. Mouse over to read the sign.
We continued to the northeast end
Standing on the northeast high point
Looking northeast at the Rockies. Above me is Fisher Peak.
We turned onto Waterpark Trail
The trail is mostly in trees
Cranbrook appears in the distance (mouse over for a close-up)
Looking back at the summit
Continuing along Waterpark Trail
