When the weather gets hot in summer, we sometimes retreat to the forest and the Outer Inks Trails are just a short drive up the Coquihalla Highway.    The trails are a collection of older double tracks and newer single tracks (mostly created by motorcycles), but ATVs and mountain bikes have also shaped the “trail” network.   In addition there has been ranching and logging operations through the area so the forests are a mixed collection of open areas, wet areas, second-growth forest, and recreational use.   There are a few trail markers for the motorcycles, but for the most part, there are many tracks and trails going off to either side, so some navigation is required.   After a number of hikes, mountain bikes, and snowshoeing explorations we now know the routes that go either south or west.   On this hot summer morning we opted to create a moderate loop up past Dam Lake and Long Pond and back, a 7.7 km loop.

Dam Lake was full of water, ready for summer draw-down.

The trails and tracks wound through the forest, climbing as we headed south.

Where the tracks crossed low areas, some puddles, ponds, and wet areas were found.  As we made our way around these deeper puddles, two mountain bikers rode through them, spraying muddy water to either side.

Wildflowers were blooming in the open areas.   Yarrow is a common sight along the routes…

and weedy salsify stands above the grasses wherever it can establish long taproots.

We return to the Outer Inks Lakes Trails a few times each year for a moderate hike in the woods, but we choose dates and times when the motorized crowd are not around.   Those off-prime times offer a peaceful sojourn in the forest.

More Information:

• Outer Inks Ramble
• Outer Inks Trails