Another year has passed here at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, with so many things to be thankful for. As we enter into 2026 we look forward to the new projects and surveys to come, more amazing wildlife to view and encounter out in the wetlands, new relationships to build, and new faces to see out on the trails. We look forward to it all!
Jacob has compiled a new article below about the local beloved Balancing Rock Trail. Check it out, and perhaps a little hike during the winter would be a fun activity!
As we reflect on the last year, we want to say thank you to all our readers, donors and supporters near and far, for the continued support over the years. Best wishes for the new year, from all of us here at the CVWMA,
Alyson Brda
Office Administrator, CVWMA
Rest Awhile: New Bench Installed on Balancing Rock Trail
Article by: Jacob Ewashen, Habitat and Operations Technician, CVWMA
Located on Creston Mountain, partially within the boundary of the CVWMA, The Balancing Rock Trail is one of Creston’s ubiquitous hikes. The trailhead is located 100m south on West Creston Road from the junction with Highway 3, making it highly accessible. Its moderate difficulty level and relatively short length result in it being used by casual recreators, avid hikers, trail runners, families and school groups alike. Users are quickly rewarded with stunning vistas of Corn Creek Marsh and the rest of the Creston Valley beyond. Just a little further along is the famous erratic that gives the trail its namesake.
The first 1.4 km of the 4 km trail is located within the CVWMA, the remainder is on provincial crown land. As of spring 2025, the entire trail is maintained via a partnership agreement with the Trails for Creston Valley Society (TCVS), a local organization dedicated to environmental stewardship and maintaining access to public land and water through trail building.
Approximately 1 km from the trailhead, after some relatively steep hiking, the trail suddenly flattens out and offers the first spectacular viewpoint. It’s the perfect place to take a break and sit and enjoy the scenery. A makeshift bench, constructed long ago out of a board and couple of rocks, served its purpose for many years. However, it was long past time for an upgrade. In November, the TCVS, with assistance from CVWMA staff, installed a new bench, the materials for which were donated by the Creston Community Forest. It now sits proudly on the mountain, waiting for outdoor recreators to enjoy.
The newly installed bench
A big thank you to the TCVS and the Creston Community Forest for their contributions to this project. TCVS is currently planning other improvements to the trail in the near future. Come check out the renowned Balancing Rock Trail, as well as a vast selection of other trails (most of which are in the valley bottom, making them far less steep!) at the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. Please remember to be good environmental stewards, practice wildlife safety, and keep those furry friends leashed up at all times. Hope to see you out there!
CVWMA is a federally registered Charity.Donate Now,though our website, and an official receipt will be issued to you for tax purposes.
THANK YOU to all who support CVWMA, and believing in our mission to manage the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area for conservation and natural species diversity through active habitat and wildlife management, research and education!
CVWMA Administration Office Hours
Closed for the holidays Dec 25th 2025 - Jan 5th 2026
