The Stake Lake system offers 60 km of forested trails for cross country skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and cyclists, but there are also some nice viewpoints for a lunch in any season.   We hiked to 4 of them in the fall.

Hikers can make up their own route on this trail system.

The Lookout Trail is a double track ski trail, signed at every junction.   The views extend in 3 directions.   On a clear day we can spot Coast Range peaks, but Lac le Jeune is in the foreground.

The short trail off Rattler goes to a hilltop view.   The trail is untracked in the snow and it currently has some deadfall across the trail, but it can still be hiked.   There is an impressive canyon and basalt columns on the west side, but it is very hard to get to.   I went through there in October and the amount of deadfall and difficult terrain is daunting.

The viewpoints off the Bushwacker trail are fine spots, suitable for a destination hike.   The area is also subject to windfall, but the Kamloops Thompson Trails Alliance recently cleared about 100 trees!   Our thanks to them.   The viewpoint on the northwest corner adds additional views in those directions.   Below the viewpoints are basalt columns worth a sidetrip.

The Bushwacker Trail also makes a good winter route – Bushwacker on Snowshoes.   We have combined routes to take in more than one viewpoint, but the Stake Lake system offers 4 seasons of trails for outdoor enthusiasts.   We avoid spring breakup when the trails are muddy and the peak of mosquito season but otherwise we hike, bike, snowshoe, or ski to the Stake Viewpoints each year.