I started exploring this area in 1976 and I continue to follow tracks and routes wherever they lead, with the aid of map, compass, GPSr and camera. After many dead-ends, but also many discoveries, I chose to share this information. Getting out 12 months each year, I continue to explore trails, tracks, routes, and waterways of the Kamloops area and beyond.
So many of the hikes in Wells Gray Park are challenging, but there are a few easier trails too. The South Helmcken trail is a fairly flat, well-marked trail that provides a 8 km return hike with the reward of a a close-up view of Helmcken Falls. In the Dawson Falls area, watch for a trailhead sign and parking … Continue reading…
Most hikers go to Trophy Meadows and perhaps Plateau of the Lakes. More ambitious hikers go to the top of Trophy 2. But, how do we approach Trophy 1? The classic approach is to go over Trophy 2 and come down the precarious ridge between the peaks, climbing the west ridge to the summit. This alpinist route is quite doable, … Continue reading…
Coming out of the mountains at last light on a summer day provides unique light on the landscape. From Trophy Meadows, Raft Mountain is bathed in yellow-orange light: As the sun sets, streaks of fire light the west: As the dark closes in, a headlamp lights the track. The cool, quiet forest wraps around the evening's footfalls.
Continue reading...Images along the trail:
Continue reading...This trail connects the McQueen Lake area trails to the Isobel Lake trails. It was designed as a forestry interpretative trail and an information sheet is available at the McQueen Lake Center. The trail climbs along an old double track through the forest, through a fenced research enclosure, then down to the west end of Isobel Lake. By combining this … Continue reading…
Map: Location Coordinates Harper Creek FSR Junction N51 19.633 W119 53.260 Dunn Peak FSR N51 28.070 W119 50.967 Trailhead N51 29.375 W119 54.723 Dunn Meadows N51 26.723 W119 56.400
Continue reading...Dunn Peak is the highest mountain of our area and stands overlooking the North Thompson Valley, clearly visible from Kamloops on a clear day. It is not easy to get to and once at the base, is a long climb on loose rock. The hike in, though is pleasant day trip. Drive north top Barriere and take the Barriere Lake … Continue reading…
Following the last post are coordinates and distances for each spot noted. Spot Coordinates Distance Boat launch N52 04.316 W119 35.752 0.0 km Murtle Lagoon Camp N52 04.464 W119 36.9544 1.5 km Straight Creek N52 07.731 W119 37.201 8.0 km Moonlight Bay N52 11.587 W119 40.342 16.5 km Eagle Point to be revised 21.8 km Murtle Beach N52 15.648 W119 … Continue reading…
Murtle Lake is the largest canoe/kayak-only lake in North America. it is also a remote spot that takes a lot of time, effort, and planning to provide a good wilderness experience. This article provides some information for paddlers who want to explore the north arm of the lake. The Trailhead From Blue River, watch for the Blue River Campground … Continue reading…
One of the premier hikes in our province is the hike from Murtle Lake to the top of Wavy Crest Ridge. It is a very remote spot that takes some planning and time, but the trail is good and is always rewarding. From Blue River, take the Murtle Lake Road (look for the Blue River Campround sign) and follow this … Continue reading…
Many years ago, we used to hike up above the Lac le Jeune Ski Hill to get the first day of cross country skiing on the Ridge Lakes and Mildred Lake Trail. We could usually drive up the Ridge Lake Forest Service Road, then hike to the snow. At the top of the hill above Mildred Lake, the 5000 foot … Continue reading…
In the center of the Stake Lake Trail system is a volcanic hill/mesa. Four double track trails go over the shoulders of the hill and a rough single track winds its way along the top with viewpoints north, west, and south. Basalt columns and steep talus slopes line the north and west sides of the hill. The north side is … Continue reading…
Kamloops has two major rivers and a large lake but very few access points. We have some fully-developed boat launches – Valleyview, Pioneer Park, and for a short-time, McArthur Island. Boaters can also go to Tobiano, Savona, or Chase. Many communities also have hand launch sites, that is, a place to park and a gentle short slope to the river … Continue reading…
On July 1st, it snowed all morning and I waded through snow drifts towards the peak. On July 24th, the trails were mostly dry, the sun was shining, the flowers are blooming, and the views were expansive. We could see Dunn Peak to our north, the Coast Range behind Lytton to our west-southwest, the Monashees to our east, and the … Continue reading…
One of the finest hikes in the Southern Cascades starts at treeline and continues through alpine meadows along ridges for 21 km. In Manning Provincial Park, drive up the road across from the Lodge to climb Blackwell Peak. Park at the end of the road at 2000m altitude and follow the Heather Trail. A loop route around the hilltop can … Continue reading…
Most of the focus of this site has been on Interior routes, trails, and waterways, but along our major transportation routes, there are opportunities for a walk or hike while traveling. A favorite stop while driving to Vancouver via the Lilloet-Pemberton road can be found just south of Pemberton. Either park at the Visitors Center or drive south towards Whistler … Continue reading…