The slot canyons of the Tranquille River can be explored by intrepid souls. We traversed both the south and north canyons on a hot day. More details on how to find them, how to traverse them, and what to look for will come in future posts.
Continue reading...Trails near Skmana Lake are maintained by the cross-country ski club in Chase. In the off-season, they make a pleasant walk, hike, or bike. It is not a big trail system, but it can be combined with routes that go higher or routes over to Aylmer Lake. To get to Skmana Lake, drive up the Niskonlith Lake Road from Chase … Continue reading…
The previous post describes the Upper Flumes Trail. From the same parking spot, there are also trails below the road. There are really 3 trailheads and the one nearest the parking lot is the middle one, meaning you have to choose to go north or south from the junction. Both are worth doing, but both may require coming back along … Continue reading…
To get to these trails, drive north towards Adams Lake and just past the Loakin/Bear Creek Road, look for a sign on the left (upper side) and turn into the Upper Flume parking lot. the trailhead starts just across the bridge. It winds up the hill next to Hiuihill Creek (Bear Creek). It is a shady, forested (cedar and hemlock) … Continue reading…
So many of us have been to the Salmon Run on the Adams River, but we forget that there is good trail system there for hikes in all 4 seasons. A good hike when there are no crowds around is a figure 8 loop. We often go down the Forest Trail to the mouth of the river for 1.5 km, … Continue reading…
There are 4 trail systems adjacent to the Adams River. All 4 are now part of the Roderick Haig Brown Provincial Park system, in 2 pair trail systems. Each one is a separate post in Kamloops Trails. The trail from the Adams River bridge heading north to the gorge along the east shore of the river has been a … Continue reading…
This trail system has many features to recommend: A trailhead parking lot Posted maps and signs at junctions Varied terrain and vegetation zones A well-designed trail system using new and existing routes and linkages to adjacent areas Loop choices Several good lookouts Take the Balmoral Road down to Blind Bay and look for the road that goes up into a … Continue reading…
Shaw Hill is another one of those wooded mountains which has no established hiking trails, but is still a good spot to go up for the exercise and the view. It sits in a unique location for views of Tod Mountain meadows, the Upper Louis Creek area and the Hyas Lake bowl. It can be approached from Hyas Lake or … 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…