Herald Park Hikes
We returned to Herald Provincial Park to enjoy the campsite, paddle the lake and hike the trails. The short trail from the parking lot to the base of Margaret Falls is always wonderful. Giant cedar trees line the creek, striated vertical rock layers rise on both sides, Reinecker Creek runs fast down the gorge and the falls is always impressive. This is the trail that all the tourists take, but the Upper Canyon Trail is very worthwhile too. From the parking lot, walk back along the road to the west for a short ways and go up a road access (note the BC Parks sign). Climb this road (N50 47.246 W119 12.479), staying to the right as it climbs up above the gorge and then flattens out as it follows Reinecker Creek. Cross the creek on a bridge (N50 47.749 W119 12.712) and follow the trail as it descends down the east side of the creek. A worthwhile and rewarding side-trip is to take the minor steep trail down the top part of the gorge to a small waterfall and pools. The junction is at N50 47.634 W119 12.712. Back on the main trail, follow the Upper Canyon route as it winds to the top of a prominent dry ridge with excellent views of Shuswap Lake and Bastion Mountain. The trail switches back on its way down to the road, east of the parking lot. A trail to do every year.