Closure Lifted! Aug 28, 2025
Update regarding the Corn Creek marsh trails in the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA). All trails are again open to public. All areas within the CVWMA are non-motorized.
While recreating in this wildlife management are, please be prepared. We have wildlife of all varieties moving through the area and living here. Carry bear spray, make noise, and be aware of your surroundings. Pack out what you pack in, and please keep your dogs leashed and clean up after them. Thank you for your cooperation and patience and see you out on the trails!
______________________
Update! Aug 1, 2025. Following the closure, do to a recent grizzly bear encounter, the trails in Corn Creek Marsh are now open to the public. One portion of the trails system will remain temporarily closed until further notice which is the “WILDLIFE TREE WANDER” (highlighted in yellow on the map provided) and trail maps can be found at each gated trailhead and intersection.
Please remember to be prepared when recreating on all trails within the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area. We have wildlife of all kinds moving through the area and living here. Carry bear spray, make noise, and be aware of your surroundings. Pack out what you pack in, and please keep your dogs leashed and clean up after them. Thank you for your cooperation and see you out on the trails!
_____________________
July 27, 2025 The trails in Corn Creek Marsh remain temporarily closed, and we will update the public when this changes. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
We are sharing the updated details provided by the Conservation Officers Service regarding the bear incident that happened this weekend July 19, 2025. Please read below,
*** Grizzly Bear Attack Update:
The Conservation Officer Service investigation has determined that a grizzly bear attack near West Creston that left a man with significant injuries was defensive in nature.
Conservation Officers are confident that the couple e-biking along the Kootenay River on the weekend likely startled the two bears in a surprise encounter on a corner of the trail, which is bordered by thick brush.
No evidence was found to suggest either bear had been stalking or hunting the couple. There were no reports of bear activity or aggressive bear behaviour in the area prior to the Saturday afternoon attack.
CO’s investigated the circumstances of the attack, including interviewing the victim and witness and assessing the attack site and surrounding area. The COS also spoke to the regional large carnivore specialist, who agreed the assessment of the bear’s behavior appeared to be defensive.
The woman used bear spray on both bears, which ran off. The victim underwent surgery and is expected to recover.
“These people were well-prepared. They had bear spray, had it readily accessible, and knew how to use it,” said COS Insp. Dave Webster. “We’d like to recognize these actions and encourage anyone hiking, biking or recreating in bear country to take similar precautions.”
Due to the defensive nature of the attack, there are no efforts being taken to capture or dispatch the bears at this time.
The trails in the area remain closed as a precautionary measure. “
