We were out on three local trails this last week and short updates and links are provided on all three.

Moonscape Trail – the Kamloops Indian Band has requested that all on-line references to hiking the trail be removed.  

Peterson Creek East Rim

Trails go up the west side of Peterson Creek all the way to Castle Towers, but there is also a trail that goes down to the creek at a good crossing and another trail goes aup and along the east rim of the gorge heading north.   At a junction, it is possible to go up to the top of the microwave tower for a 360 degree view.  (Link to a 2010 article on the East Rim Trail)   The trail is now much more distinct and is well used.   The whole trail was dry.   There are, however, many junctions and it may take more than one attempt to find the right connections.  

Valleyview Silt Cliffs

There is a new trailhead sign now designating the area Valleyview Nature Trails.   A few years ago a property owner built a home in the middle of the area and erected new fences.   There are trails that stay on the north end, avoiding all the fences, yet also winding between the big gullies.   The route makes its way to the last hill before Juniper, then goes east towards Barnhartvale.   Much of this route is single track, but again there are many junctions.   We have a favorite loop route that we take each spring and fall.   Today western bluebirds were out and meadowlarks sang in the sagebrush.   Buttercups and yellow bells colored the grasslands.  (Link to one of several articles on these trails)  This is still one of our favorite areas to hike.