Greenstone Bench Trail
There are many new mountain bike trails on the northeast side of Greenstone Mountain, some of which are good hiking routes. Most start on he lower slopes but there are also some trails halfway up the mountain. An old double track called the Bench Trail has been used by ORV vehicles for many years. It winds along on a fairly level route across the north side of the mountain through the old burn.
The track is a good one, winding past gullies and rocky hills with many open views.
Although much of the forest was burned in the 1998 forest fire, there is new growth too. In the fall the deciduous growth provides lots of color. Kamloops Lake lies to the northwest.
Paralleling the double track are some single tracks used by mountain bikers. Hikers can create loop routes by combining trails.
There were a few larch trees on the slopes, turning to gold in the sunshine.
This was one of my favorite hikes of the year and it is a route which invites more exploration.