The trail to the top of Battle Bluff is a popular hike in 3 seasons in the Kamloops area.   It has one of the best viewpoints at the end of a moderate route.   On an early May day, though, we explored the shoulder of Battle Bluff and found it quite rewarding.   Although we struck out across the hills, hikers could also just follow the Battle Bluff Trail and instead of going up the north spine of the ridge, continuing on through a small pass takes us to the old Frederick telephone pole track that goes around to the east side of the hill.   From there, we looked form the easiest way onto the Battle Bluff shoulder.

Along the way are a number of glacial erratics, volcanic-origin buolders deposited by receding glaciers.

The shoulder area is below the summit bluffs but still features fine views south and east.

The east end of Kamloops Lake and the Thompson River delta leads upstream, back to Kamloops.

The slopes extending from the Dewdrop Range down to Tranquille are on the east side with Mount Mara rising like a battleship on the horizon.

To the north are several lava flow basalt-columns cliffs as a result of volcanic activity 30 to 50 million years ago.

A few trees survive in gullies and north-facing slopes, but most of the ponderosa pines of the slopes are now standing snags or fallen skeletons.

We have explored the top of Dewdrop Ridge and the lower shelves of the area many times and we have developed scenic routes among the basalt columns, but from the east shoulder of Battle Bluff, we can see most of the cliffs in one wide view.

The east shoulder access route can be seen below Battle Bluff.

A few wildflowers greeted us along the way.   Small-flowered woodland stars were spotted in open areas that retain some moisture.

Hikers can explore the east shoulder with a short side trip from the Battle Bluff Trail and then can make up their own route once on the shoulder.   Return by the same route, or explore other options.

More Information:

• Dewdrop Basalt Bluffs
• Hiking the Dewdrop Ridge Bluffs
• Battle Bluff Trail