Oregon Jack to Blue Earth

This long (46-49km) bike ride is a very nice one, but pre-scouting of the area and permission to cross a private ranch is required. Nevertheless, parts of it can be biked on backroads, exploring routes in the upper valleys of the area.

Trip log:

We left a vehicle near Spences Creek, the end point, then drove north to the Hat Creek Road which goes west from the Trans Canada Highway south of Ashcroft.
The road climbs for 11km into the Three Sisters area on the edge of Oregon Jack Park; there are three limestone hills/cliffs here used by climbers, but there are also pictographs on the rock. Watch for an obvious pullout just past the ranches.
Above the Three Sisters, the road becomes narrower, climbing the hills into the Park. A turn-off to Cornwall Hills Provincial Park is passed along the route. At the crest of the Oregon Jack Road is a cattleguard at 1265m, which is where we parked to start our ride.
We rode through Oregon Jack Park, a downhill and flat route for 7.5km. The junction with Upper Hat Creek is reached here at 1136m.
To avoid a long route around ranchlands, we asked for and received permission to cross a gated ranch road, allowing a straight line south 4km to Blue Earth Creek.
This turn is unmareed and would be very difficult to know without scouting in advance. We turned onto a minor backroad which climbed up to Blue Earth Provincial Park.
This route starts at 1206m and climbs for 8.7km to Blue Earth Lake at 1392m. This scenic spot is a great place for lunch.
From Blue Earth lake the road continues to climb for 5km to 1470m. This is remote high country and we saw bear scat frequently.
From the high point, we rode downhill for 3km to a road junction. We turned right to the Twaal Creek Valley. At 1km, we rode past Twaal Lake. Just past the lake is another junction and we turned left onto the Twaal Creek Road.
The last section of road is about 17km of downhill and flat sections, finishing at the Trans Canada Highway 4.2km from Spences Bridge.
The whole route requires fitness, endurance, route-finding skills, and adequate preparation, but is perfect for those who like to explore. Thanks to Steve and Darcy Lawhead for scouting the area, getting permission where required, organizing, and leading the ride.