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…
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…
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…
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 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…