Cottonwood Creek begins its steep journey to Nelson at Cottonwood Lake, a vital area for bears, fish, owls, and other wildlife and a popular local multi-seasonal recreational destination.
It descends 355 metres through a narrow valley to Cottonwood Falls, then flows through Railtown and into Kootenay Lake.
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During the annual spring freshet, Cottonwood Creek could unleash its power, sometimes endangering homes with devastating results. Logs were periodically cleared from Cottonwood Lake to prevent outflow blockages and the risk of unexpected flooding.
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A hundred years ago, a busy neighbourhood with fertile gardens was taking shape along lower Cottonwood Creek. Many families, like Rose and Anna Richichi’s, later made the area their home and created a close community. Today, local citizens and visitors enjoy the beauty of Cottonwood Falls Park in all seasons.
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Cottonwood Creek flows into the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, which soon narrows to become the Kootenay River. At Castlegar, the Kootenay joins the Columbia River, which flows south into the United States and then west to meet the Pacific Ocean.
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The Nelson Izu-shi Friendship Society thanks the photographers and JP Stienne of the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery for the images and John Armstrong, Grace Devaux, and Will Taylor for telling this story.
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