The open hills of the Six Mile Lake area clear of snow early and dry up for early season hiking.   Pat Lake is one of the first lakes to clear of ice for fishing.   The rugged hills on the north side of the Six Mile Road area are south-facing and drain well so hiking routes follow a combination of old double tracks and off-trail hill climbs to the highest point on the ridges overlooking Kamloops Lake.

On the way up the grassland slopes are scattered trees, junipers, and some old standing snags.

From the top of the ridge (N50 44.955 W120 44.473), views extend up Kamloops Lake to Tranquille, 15 km to the east.

We contoured down slopes to the northwest toward Morgan Lake, then continued through a line of hills on the south side of Pat (Six Mile) Lake.    There were 6 boats on the lake on a cool, windy day.   This photo was taken from the southeast corner of the lake with the Six Mile Hills on the far side.

At the east end of the lake we followed a single track around the lake back to the parking area.

This 6.4 km loop goes up and down a number of hills and is just one of many possible hiking routes in the Six Mile Hills area.

More information:

• Six Mile Rambles
• Six Mile Hills
• Six Mile Upper Viewpoints
• Driving directions – Follow Highway 1 West.   Just past the turn into Tobiano, watch for an access road on the left (at N50 44.273 W120 42.723).    There is no turning lane so if there is traffic, pull over.   Follow the old road (the former Trans-Canada Highway) up the hill to Pat Lake and park.
• Note – If cattle are grazing, please veer off away from livestock.   Close all gates, and respect grazing rights of ranchers.    Leave nothing but footprints and if you can, take away any litter when you leave.