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.
Lying west of Falkland, this mountain towers over the valley below. There are two possible access routes, one from down in the valley near Falkland and one from higher up on the north side, accessed by 4WD roads. This post covers the route from the lower trailhead. In Falkland, turn right (west) and cross the Salmon River Bridge. Heading northwest … Continue reading…
The Shuswap Trail Alliance has done a lot of work to link existing trails, upgrade trails, and build new ones. These trails vary a lot in quality. On the map below, most of the trail from Blind Bay is graded, cleared and signed but the highest and furthest areas area still need some further upgrading. The trails above Herald … Continue reading…
The thought of paddling in Okanagan Lake brings up images of hundreds of power boats, seadoos, waterskiers, fishing boats, and party boats. If you get too close to Kelowna, that is what you might experience. But the North Okanagan is better, especially if you get out to paddle in the morning. After lunch, it is busier everywhere, but the big … Continue reading…
Another nice set of well-constructed trails not too far south of Fintry is found at Bear Creek. I find this area a little too congested for me – campers, beach-goers, boaters, seadoos, etc. – so avoid this spot if its the height of summer (although it has a very nice beach for a swim). Park at the trailhead across the … Continue reading…
A nicely-developed set of trails starts at Fintry Provincial Park. Trails climb the hillside up to Westside Road, following Shorts Creek. There are 3 waterfalls in the canyon, with numerous viewpoints along the route. An off-trail section leads into the Upper Canyon where remnants of a suspension bridge hang over the creek. This is not a long hike, but there … Continue reading…
These impressive bluffs overlook the South Thompson River east of Rivershore. Take the Shuswap Road and pass underneath Lions Head and then follow the road as it climbs northeast. Look for a dirt road that veers north to the power lines. Near the bottom, one fork heads down to a private ranch so stay right and continue to climb up … Continue reading…
A long, but very rewarding paddle is to start at the McLure Ferry Boat Launch (either side) and paddle to Kamloops. This is a long day paddle and there are several options for landings. If time is an issue, a good spot is to land at the end of Harrington Road (by the Dunes Golf Course). There are a number … Continue reading…
Hike Summary Location – from Stake Lake up to the top of Chuwhels Mountain Elevation – From the 7 km mark at 5000′ to the top at 11.5 km at 6235′ Distance – up to 4.5 km one way Time – 1 – 4 hours depending on fitness, where you park, and the conditions Type – Forest service road to … Continue reading…
The traditional route to the edge of Red Plateau and beyond to Castle Butte is to start down on the Dewdrop Range trailhead and then hike up the ridges to the top, then to follow the trail along the edge of the plateau as it climbs over a series of jutting ridges and viewpoints. This is a long and demanding … Continue reading…
The Red Plateau Forest Service Road breaks off the Red Lake Road near the parking area for the Pimple (N50 45.327 W120 31.440). It climbs the hill and has a few narrow spots but is generally a good road, although I wouldn’t recommend it in wet and muddy conditions. The road improves after it crests to the plateau. Once the … Continue reading…
This hike is on an island. For most of us, we have to use a boat from the Scotch Creek Campground, but access is also available from other points, including Blind Bay. The best place to dock/beach is on the east side on a small gravel beach. This is also the trailhead for the hike. It is about 3km of … Continue reading…
This is one of our best hikes. It is 14 km long, but if you can plan a two-car system and start high, much of the hiking is easy. It starts at the edge of the McQueen Lake property, not far from the Day Center/Smiling Pond. Crossing meadows, mixed forest, ridges, creek gullies, bridges, and tracks, it eventually emerges into … Continue reading…
This is a paddling spot that few people know, partly because it is mostly invisible from roads and partly because it can only be paddled at high water. Put your boat into the water at any of the river access points off Banks Road. We went down from the end of Cooper Place, but there are several launch spots in … Continue reading…
Mt. Buse Trail: • Go south on Barnhartvale Road for about 8.5 km past the corner store at Barnhartvale Road and Todd Rd. Turn right onto the Campbell Range Road. • Follow this road up until the junction to the Robbins Range Road. Turn left here. • Proceed for about 5.5 km. You will be in a bowl-shaped valley with … Continue reading…
Hike Summary: Elevation – 4200 ft. Distance – 3 km Time – about 1 hour Type – a gentle circuit around the lake Season – 3 seasons Highlights a shaded route around the lake in the hot sun and a place to swim afterward eagles, ospreys, loons, and ducks frequent the lake The lake is popular with canoeists and … Continue reading…
This is not an easy area to describe or to offer route information. There are: lots of private property fences here and there with different and changing land owners mining claims bike routes old artifacts When I first started exploring this area, there was easy access to the area and no signs about private property. One mine was still in … Continue reading…