The Frederick Bluffs area is a rugged series of rocky hills in the Dewdrop Range overlooking the seasonal community of Frederick on Kamloops Lake.   Access to them is on a good gravel road but from the start, there are no trails to follow.    By exploring the area we have worked out routes and variations to fit the season and conditions.   With all the choices available, we always want to traverse to  all the best viewpoints of the area.

As we hiked over hills and dales, a migrating flock of pelicans were heading northwest to the Chilcotin.

We also spotted smaller and noisier flocks of sandhill cranes riding the thermals to clear Red Plateau.   The hilltops of the Frederick Bluffs have no trees except for a few old snags.

A wildfire burned a number of ponderosa pines and douglas fir trees on the slopes a few years ago and few charcoal snags still stand near volcanic-origin boulders.

One of the best views is at the western edge of the Frederick Bluffs where we can look down Kamloops Lake.   /this was a calm day with little wind and sunny skies to start, providing reflections in the lake below.

Bighorn sheep frequent the area and we surprised this small group of rams at the top of one of the bluffs.

To the west is another great area to hike – Peregrine Bluffs below Rousseau Hill on the north side of Kamloops Lake.

Directly across the lake are Cherry Bluffs, steep rocky slopes rising above the CP Rail line.   Looking below at the lake the reflections of the clouds provides an optical illusion – up or down?

Tobiano and Six Mile Hills is southwest from the Bighorn Bluff viewpoint.

To the east, Kamloops Lake extends to the Thompson River with Battle Bluff as the prominent landmark.

To the north of the Frederick Bluffs is the escarpment of Red Plateau, rising for 2000 feet above the Dewdrop Range below.   We usually wait for the snow to clear from the plateau in May before taking the steep trails to the top.

The hike through the Frederick Bluffs is an off-trail exploration every time.    It takes a few outings to piece together the best route.    This is a rugged area so good boots, a good sense of navigation, good preparation, and reasonable fitness is required.    It would be unlikely you would encounter anyone along the way.   In the spring take precautions with ticks and in late-spring/early summer, watch for rattlesnakes.  It is worth the effort, though, to explore Frederick Bluffs.

More information:

• Frederick Bluffs Video
• Frederick Bluffs
• next post – Upper Barren Hills – May 3