When the weather warms enough to clear the snow out of the bottom of the valley, we can hike out the Rivers Trail from Aviation Way and work our way out to the West Beaches.    There are miles of long, wide beaches in winter and early spring that extend toward Tranquille.    We follow a side trail along the fenceline, then on an established trail out to the beaches near an island.  

Our route continues west to the end of the beaches.    At that point, there are many river channels and pools all the way to Kamloops Lake.    Our route follows the river back upstream.  

We hike this route whenever the snows recede.    The sandy surface is a welcome respite from snow, ice, and mud.    The expansive beaches invite us to explore a different route each time.    All photos provided here are by the author.    Click an image for a lightbox view and a caption.  

West Beach buoy

Battle Bluff

sand islets past the West Beach

iron rust in the beach pool

mists lifting on Mara

Dale's Antique Beach

the path to the West Beaches