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SUMMER FUNHiking in Kamloops, British Columbia
Hiking in Kamloops
Hiking in KamloopsKamloops' vast, rugged landscape lends itself perfectly to being a great hiking destination. The terrain varies from semi-arid desert to lush, green forests of birch, poplar, spruce and ponderosa pine. There are many exciting areas to hike in Kamloops as well, for those who are looking for a trail a little less strenuous to those looking for hiking that entails a decent workout with rewarding view.
Recommended Hiking Areas in Kamloops
> Peterson Creek Park: located in the heart of downtown Kamloops is Peterson Creek Park. There are several ways to enter the park, but the one with the most vehicle parking is at the base of the park, just behind the Kamloops Law Courts off of Columbia Street. The Park has many gentle trails good for families, as well as switchbacks that are a little steeper. Check out the waterfall and enjoy a little cooling off at the same time.
Peterson Creek Park Information
> Kenna Cartwright Park: this Park offers some of the most outstanding views of Kamloops and the valleys. The Park is well marked with suggested hiking trails for beginners to experts and takes hikers through sagebrush, forested areas and grasslands. Many people like to hike to the very top where a transmitter is stationed for the best views.
> Battle Bluff: this area offers a magnificent view of the Thompson River and Kamloops Lake without having to hike steep trails. Zero the odometer on the main road at the turnoff to the Kamloops Airport and go west 5.6 km. At the junction to the farm, stay right, cross the railroad tracks and head up Criss Creek Rd. Continue on gravel road, cross Tranquille Creek. The road starts to climb out of the valley, over a cattle guard and continues upward to km 9.9 (from the airport turnoff). Go straight, onto Frederick Road, enter the Dewdrop Valley. Continue on Frederick Road for another 1.5 km, and park vehicles well off the side of the road.
> The Pinnacles (Busey Mountain): see amazing Views of Mount Peter, Mount Paul, Mount Lolo and the South Thompson River. Travel east along Highway 1 until the Barnhartvale/Dallas exit. Continue down Dallas Drive to Barnhartvale road, keeping right. Follow Barnhartvale Road for approximately 8 km and turn right on Robbins Range Road. Reset your odometer again and keep right at the 1.8km mark. Keep following Robbins Range Road which eventually turns into Campbell Creek Road. Travel 5.5 km to the beginning of the trail, where a steep dirt road veers to the left.
> Embleton Mountain: this is a moderately steep trail that leads to the summit with a network of side trails, including Old Mills Trail, Aspen Trail and Pine Loop. Terrain is higher elevation coniferous forest which is less dry. Take a kilometre reading at Heffley Creek Store off the Yellowhead highway (HWY 5) north of Kamloops. Travel 16.6 km along Todd Mountain Road to the trailhead. This moderately steep trail leads to the summit with a network of side trails, including Old Mills Trail, Aspen Trail and Pine Loop. Terrain is higher elevation coniferous forest which is less dry.
> Isobel Lake Interpretive Trail: this trail is located northwest of Kamloops on the Lac Du Bois Road just outside the park boundaries. Hikers can enjoy the beauty of the interpretive trail footpaths around the lake, as they learn about the uses of the forest from wildlife and cattle grazing to forestry and recreation.
> Lac Du Bois: hikers will enjoy an endless series of trails exploring the grasslands, forest and lakes north of Kamloops behind Batchelor Heights. Ideal for bird watching, and the upper grasslands are in full bloom during June and July.
> Lac le Jeune/Ross Moor Lake: this trail offers a 25 km circuit beginning in the day use area of the provincial park. The last 2 km before Ross Moore Lake are difficult but worth the effort.
> Mara Mountain: hikers looking for hoodoos will want to check out this area. Take Tranquille road past the airport. When passing the Tranquille Farm, the road turns 90 degrees left and turns into Red Lake Road. Cross some railroad tracks and view the "farm" down to the left, then veer right and up on a gravel road a couple of hundred meters before the parking area is seen (and trailhead) on the right. Vegetation shifts from cactus and sage to forest and 'grassland'. Just east of Mara is more desert terrain, and the popular hoodoos are in this area.
McConnell Lake, Kamloops British Columbia has an easy 1.5 hr hike around the lake. > McConnell Lake Provincial Park: located 18 km south of Kamloops on the Lac Le Jeune Road just past Stake Lake, watch for the turn off to the right when approaching from Kamloops. There is an easy 1.5 hr trail that circles this small but deep fishing lake. There is a small parking area with a few picnic tables but no overnight camping.
> Paul Lake Provincial Park Circuit: this trail is 20 kms around the lake. There is also a 2.3 km hike beginning in the day use area parking lot which leads to the summit of Gibraltar Rock. The hike can be strenuous at times but there are benches along the way and the view is worth the effort.
> Pinantan Lake Mountain Ascent Park: located at the west end of Pinantan Lake in a field about 2 km beyond the turn off to Harper Ranch. Begin the trail on the old logging road. Follow yellow flags to get to the top of the trail, where there are nice views and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Trail continues westward towards Paul Lake where hikers can cut back through the campsite to return to vehicles.
> Rivers Trail: this trail begins in Pioneer Park, goes through Riverside Park and crosses the Overlander Bridge to Schubert Drive and then on to Westsyde. This is an easy 16 km trail along the beautiful Thompson River. Pathways are paved and flat.
> Stake Lake Trails: located off Lac Le Jeune Road. Cross country trails in the winter provide good hiking trails in the summer. Trails are not overly difficult. Maps available at Kamloops Visitor Centre.
> Sun Peaks Resort: there are a great variety of walking/hiking trails which are accessible from the village and the chairlift. In July and August, enjoy the beauty of the Alpine Blossom Festival.
> Tranquille Marsh/Dew Drop Range Trail: the area is located off Tranquille Road past the airport. This area is a great place for bird watching while touring the grasslands on the north shore of Kamloops Lake. To reach the Dew Drop trail, turn on to Dew Drop Range Road and at the first switch-back, turn onto lower Dewdrop Road. Park here and head west on the trail.
> Valleyview: the trail begins behind the arena in Valleyview on Highland Road. The plateau offers a number of easy trails with great views of the river valley and an ideal place to watch the sunset.
> Watching Creek: go past the Kamloops Airport towards the Tranquille Farm, then turn right and head up Criss Creek Rd. towards Red Lake. After the hill, the road drops into the Tranquille/Watching Creek valley. Cross the Tranquille River. Park at the Tranquille Crossing Recreation Site on your left. Cross the road to the Watching Creek trailhead. Start the ascent by going up and over some manmade steps before the trail joins a gravel road that heads east, and parallel to the Tranquille River. At the fork, go left. About 45 minutes later, come to a clearing where the road ends at Watching Creek.
Hiking Trails Maps
Check with the Kamloops Visitor Centre on local area hiking maps and for recommendations on the gear needed for hiking excursions.
Information
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Kamloops Visitor Centre: 1-800-662-1994