On a sunny day at the end of April I brought my kayak and my hiking boots into the Six Mile Hills. I paddled around Pat Lake twice (4 km) first, then secured the boat.    I headed up through the hills on an eclectic route.    The open south-facing slopes have a number of ponderosa pine snags still standing, but many fallen too, providing obstacles on the way up.

Some of the meadows and low spots in the hills have seasonal marshes and ponds.

The goal was to hike up to the top of Six Mile Hill to enjoy the views

From the northeast end of the hill, there were fine views up Kamloops Lake and across to the Dewdrop Range.

To the northwest, Painted Bluffs Provincial Park lay 5 km away, across Kamloops Lake.

While hiking I encountered grouse, marmots, and a number of birds.

turkey vulture	sandhill cranes
meadowlark	balsamroot

From the east side of Six Mile Hill I spotted a pond in a bowl below, so I hiked down to the shoreline.

I contoured around the hills to complete a loop.    On top of a lower hill, Pat Lake was ahead, a scenic spot in the dry Six Mile Hills.

I have hiked through the Six Mile Hills every year for decades, usually taking a different route each time.   It is a favorite choice and one I will choose to do again soon.