Start at Lac du Bois. Travel south along the double track. Go past an upland lake. A junction to the right climbs up the flank of Wheeler Mountain. Straight ahead takes you south under the forested slopes of Wheeler Mountain. There are a few fencelines, but cattle guards allow free access for the hiker or mountain biker. The fences are … Continue reading…
This route through the Lac Du Bois Grasslands is a favorite route in the spring when all of the migrating ducks and waterfowl nest in the upland lakes of the area. To get to this loop, drive north on the Lac du Bois Road. Just past the 7km mark, park off the right side of the road. The start of … Continue reading…
This is a hike that won’t have many takers, but its a nice area, especially if you are looking for a new hike. Bestwick Hill is the spreading summit which the Campbell Range Road and the Robbins Range Road goes around. The simplest access routes are on the west and south sides, but they all involve climbing over a fenceline … Continue reading…
One of the most rewarding hikes in our area is Mount Buse. It is not a long hike, but the views are great and the route is all double track. Go out Barnhartvale Road and turn up onto the Campbell/Robbins Range Road. A short ways up the hill, turn left (south) onto the Robbins Range Road. Follow the road until … Continue reading…
The shoulder seasons are not the best time to hike the XC Trail networks, but the summer is great for hiking and biking. An extensive trails system that is very well-maintained, clearly signed, and offers varied terrain is the Larch Hills system to the east of Salmon Arm. In winter, there are excellent cross country ski trails and a small … Continue reading…
In addition to the Clearwater River Trail, two other trails systems are noted here. Candle Creek Trails Go north 2 km on Highway 5 from the Info Center (which is at the turn off to Wells Gray), and turn left onto the Candle Creek Road, following it for 2km, before turning right onto Barber Road. Park at the end of … Continue reading…
When the summer heat arrives, its nice to hike or bike the XC ski trail networks: higher elevations so they are usually cooler often treed so shade can be found good parking, well-signed cleared trails (no ski-scratching rocks!) double tracks for easy riding A few of these trail networks are featured on kamloopstrails.net. China Ridge Cross Country Ski Trails are … 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A wonderful collection of trails and routes starts at Valleyview Arena. Cross the road across from the parking lot and follow the double track up the gully (to the east). At the end of the gully you have 3 route choices. All routes go up onto the bench then either skirt gullies or go through them onto the next bench. … Continue reading…