We have been exploring all the hills around Kamloops Lake for a few years now, but access can be difficult and any effort to hike usually involves a lot of climbing up and down bluffs.   We try to avoid private property and respect signage and just go around things, but we also have two railway lines and some grazing fences, so we just do our best to find ways to go east or west, often using the lakeshore or climbing steep bluffs.

Ranchers and Cherry Creek residents are dismayed about an invasion of partiers and inconsiderate visitors so I have removed all reference to access information.

Please note:

• Fencelines indicate private or leased property.
• The CPR has a right of way and has posted signs at Cherry Creek Crossing.
• Access is officially limited to the lakefront since land access will probably require trespassing which we strongly urge explorers to avoid.

 

At the Beach:

Logs are piled up behind the gravel beach.   We can walk up or down the beach and enjoy the lakeshore and the views.

 

On the east side shoreline Cherry Creek empties into Kamloops Lake.   Cherry Creek starts high up on the flanks of Greenstone and Chuwhels Mountains, fed by outflow creeks from Chuwhels Lake and Cornwall Lake, with tributaries Alkali Creek, Ned Roberts Creek, Pendleton Creek, and Beaton Creek feeding the flow down through the rural area of Cherry creek, spilling over Cherry Creek Falls down to the lake.

 

It is possible to walk along the beach or to hike along the bluffs, but access is limited by the railroad, fences, and private/leased property.     Permission is required to hike the hills.

 

At the top of one of the hills were some standing snags and wind-battered living trees.   Hardie Hill frames the hilltop across the lake.

 

Cherry Creek Falls can be seen from Cherry Creek Station Road and can be photographed with a telephoto lens, but permission must be asked to get closer to the falls.

 

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The area is best accessed from the lake, but everyone must be mindful of signage by the CPR and other landowners listing restrictions and warnings about that access.