The Kootenays is a mountain range, home to Kootenay Lake, the hippy mecca of Nelson, and Shambhala Music Festival. It is a lush, beautiful area, full of people who are generally friendly and happy. Trail is home to a big smelting plant, and the water is full of lead, so be careful there. Hitching in the Koots is generally very easy, and makes for some great adventures. There are large amounts of wildlife, so be bear aware. The forest can be incredibly thick but for the intrepid hiker, very rewarding.