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.
Every year we paddle Lac le Jeune. The far shore is quiet and forested. There is an extensive marsh in the northeast corner which can be partly paddled. Blackbirds nest there in the spring and the air is alive with their calls. There are water lilies at the far east corner which bloom in July. Loons fish the lake and … Continue reading…
We have a few slot canyons in our area, but this one is one of the most interesting. It can be hiked in low water by wading up the creek. It is darker in the canyons, and a bit of an adventure to explore. It should definitely not be attempted with high water. For everyone, though, it is a steep … Continue reading…
This mountain has more than one name but we have always called it Middle Mountain. There are three distinct hilltops overlooking the west flank of Barnhartvale. The route in is good, but gets steeper as you climb upwards. The trail is clear most of the way, but is harder to follow near the top. It is a classic ridge climb … Continue reading…
A drive high up into the Shuswap Highlands followed by a hike along a good track to alpine meadows… Wildflowers in bloom and views in every direction… This is an area popular for snowmobiling and is also accessed by motorbikes and quads in the summer, but it is also fine terrain for hiking and mountain biking. It is a moderate … Continue reading…
Kentucky Lake Loop an easy, pleasant loop around the lake bike or walk Viewpoint its not easy to know where to start, but park in a good spot under the prominent bluff and work your way up between outcrops and bluffs, following game trails (see map) no established trail; hiking boots or sturdy running shoes recommended The Lakes Circuit walk, … Continue reading…
Right from March through October, wildflowers bloom at different altitudes. At this time, the prime alpine displays are on, particularly at 5000′ and above. Trophy Meadows, Sun Peaks, the Shuswap Highlands, and many more sites are at their prime right now. At Sun Peaks, we saw the early wetland wildlowers in the gullies, north slopes and shelter spots. On the … Continue reading…
Hanging Valley sits out of sight, but it is a worthwhile hike or bike in all 4 seasons. Park near Lac du Bois and follow the road around the north side. Continue to follow the road as it enters a back valley. This area was homesteaded in the early part of the 20th century and there are still bits and … Continue reading…
A hidden trail along the South Thompson River was created by the Gregson Family at the end of East Lorne Street. Many years ago the trail was in excellent shape with many plantings along the way. There was some dispute over the trail access and it fell into disrepair and sections were eroded. The east end became the hangout for … Continue reading…
Paddling out from McArthur Island in high water means paddling vigorously upsteam, but it is quite doable, even past the confluence of the rivers and beyond. On the way back downstream, the route was down the north side of Rabbit Island. In winter and early spring, it is possible to wade over to the island in no more than knee-deep … Continue reading…
We hiked over the top of Tod Mountain today. For most of the day it snowed, rained or sleeted, but the views were still excellent. All of the wet meadows had mountain avens, mouse-eared chickweed, and emerging plantain lilies. The drier meadows had larkspur, forget-me-nots, and the first indian paintbrush. The two best routes are the Tod Lake route and … Continue reading…
You can take the lift to the top of Harper in the winter and there are cross-country and snowshoe trails on the south side that go near the top of the mountain. You can also drive fairly high up, then hike to the top. As you approach the lodge, note the road bearing south. This is used by cross-country skiers … Continue reading…
The Nordic Trails at Sun Peaks have been around a long time. The Kamloops Outdoor Club has a series of ungroomed trails between McGillivray Lake and Mount Morrisey and these are used by cross country skiers and snowshoers in the winter. Some of the trails are fine for summer hiking too, but many become overgrown or are wet. Similarly, Sun … Continue reading…
Various side roads off Highway 5A south yield some interesting spots. The road up to Peter Hope Lake climbs the grasslands hills into the forest just south of Stump Lake. The road is a good one. There is a BCFS campsite on the north side of the lake. Along the way is a small side road heading north. There … Continue reading…
This is a unique spot. The route starts at the gate on the Tranquille Red Lake Road and follows the rough road up onto the Mara Bench. This road continues on to climb into Pruden Pass behind Mount Mara. It is sometimes used as a gradual route to the top of Mount Mara. Side trails also go out to the … Continue reading…
Although this is not a hike per se, there is some pleasant and fairly level walking along the shoreline of two lakes and some side trails to explore. Surrey Lake is now visible from the Coquihalla Highway, but we have to access it from the Logan Lake Road. From the Lac le Jeune-Logan Lake interchange, proceed along for 7km, then … Continue reading…
Tuktakamin Mountain towers over Falkland. Another route up to the top can be found by following these directions: Between Westwold and Falkland, turn up onto the newer Pinaus Lake Road which is sometimes called the Ingram Creek Forest Service Road. Continue to climb up to the plateau. At a major (signed) intersection (at about 6.5km , turn left onto the … Continue reading…