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.
Friends (Jeremy and Raegan) snowshoed from Lac Le Jeune Resort to the top of Ridge Mountain. This is the account of their route and experience" "We started out at the old Lac le Jeune ski ranch. There is parking along the road and we pretty well jumped the fence and went after we saw others do the same. The start … Continue reading…
Many years ago there were some bridges across the creek near the confluence of the Tranquille River and Watching Creek. We could drive down to the flats above the creek, then hike a loop route along the lava cliffs, crossing the creek twice. Today both bridges are gone. The old vehicle bridge across the Creek had been built to bring … Continue reading…
This is a long way from the Interior of B.C., but when in Halifax, hikers walk the trails of Point Pleasant Park. The point is at the south end of Halifax: Many trees were brought down by Hurrricane Juan, but replanting has been done and the trees are now a few years old. Trail surfaces vary from pavement to wood … Continue reading…
There are no product reviews on this site. Until now. It is not the intention of the author to review and recommend products. Unless something special comes along. In a previous life as a mountaineer, I brought my crampons to cross glaciers and climb peaks, but they were awkward to get on and off, awkward to store in your … Continue reading…
We have been exploring hills in Barnhartvale this winter, even in the snow. Lower areas can sometimes be a bit icy, but we either walk in the snow at the side or we put on our microspikes/yaks. Once we start to climb, we just stomp through the snow, and it has been only mid-calf depth on exposed slopes but deeper … Continue reading…
One of our favorite paddling destinations is Clearwater Lake. The launch is at the very end of the Wells Gray Corridor. There is a good parking lot and lots of room to launch. Start your journey north. The first campground on the lake is just across the narrow part of the lake so if you have a late arrival, this … Continue reading…
The two arms of Murtle Lake wind around Central Mountain (see the map in the previous post). From a number of viewpoints, hikers can look down the west arm or the north arm of the lake. To the east is the Wavy Range, with triangular peaks and long rocky ridges. To the north is an endless line of snow and … Continue reading…
Once you have launched your canoe or kayak, you will pass through a lagoon for 1.5 km. At this point, you will emerge into Murtle Lake. There are two campsites (Murtle Lagoon) here if paddlers get a late start. The large east bay makes good paddling if the winds are calm, but if not, you may have to stay inside … Continue reading…
Paddlers from all over the world travel to North America's largest non-motorized lake. In British Columbia, we sometimes take such special places for granted, but it's right in our backyard. Murtle Lake is a destination for paddlers, hikers, and anyone loving to camp in remote mountains. The water is crystal clear, the beaches are wonderful, wildlife is abundant, and the … Continue reading…
These hills to the west of Middle Mountain on the west edge of Barnhartvale are unnamed (until now), but they are steep climbs to great viewpoints. All three hills are approached from Barnhartvale. Take Todd Road and turn onto McLeod (Uplands) Road. Park at the far west point of the loop. You will see a parking area, a gate, and … Continue reading…
Bring your GPS with you when you go for a hike/bike/paddle and it can record how far you have traveled, how much actvity time you had, your average speed or much more. The Trip Computer (or whatever it is called in each type of GPS) can record any of the following that you choose: Field Description Accuracy of GPS Your … Continue reading…
The hills bounded on 3 sides by Barnhartvale Road, the Campbell Range -Scuitto Road, and the Campbell Creek Road have a well-established trail system designed for non-motorized use. The Barnhartvale Horse and Hiker Trail Preservation Society has received funding and through its volunteer efforts has done a nice job on a good network of trails in grassland-sagebrush and forested terrain. … Continue reading…
A trail network connecting Barnhartvale and Dallas has developed over last decade, with hikers using either the Eliza Road trailhead or the Dallas Drive (lower) trailhead in an areas called the Dallas-Barnhartvale Nature Park. We have not had an accurate map up to now, although there have been paper copies available from time to time. In the last … Continue reading…
You can go out for a hike and bring your GPS and then come back home and download your track onto your computer. You can create an elevation plot, show your route, show your speed, and much more. Here is a plot from a recent off-trail exploration: In the top image, the blue line represents the route I took. The … Continue reading…
Desolation Sound is not far from Cortes, but if you don't want an expedition, you can day paddle out and back at various spots with safe conditions and interesting locations. The campground at Smelt Bay is a bit of a minimalist experience, but we liked the beach and the quiet forest. Kayakers can easily launch and land at the … Continue reading…
Hiking on the Gulf Islands has a long season – from March through November. We traveled to Cortes Island in the summer, paddling and hiking for a week. The island is too big to do in one week, so we contented ourselves with first doing the easy access routes. We were more than surprised to find that Kw'as Park by … Continue reading…