A base camping trip into this gorgeous alpine park a relatively short drive from Kamloops.   First day we will make a very early start to drive to trailhead just close to Keremeos, then take a 4×4 jeep up to the park.   It is highly recommended to make this journey by jeep although it is $120 for the return trip – the alternative is a 16km  14oo m steep, forested, muddy, unscenic hike which will take you 10 hours to complete, plus carrying your gear!!   Make your own bookings for this ride – 1-888-255–4453; you are allowed two bags each so usually one tent bag plus a backpack with food, clothes etc.   Remember this is a base camp so you can bring plenty of gear and food as there is no weight limit.

We will camp at Quinescoe Lake campground which is a first come first served site just two minutes from the jeep drop off.   You can bring a base camp tent, plenty of food and equipment as you do not have to pack it far.   The campsite has shared firepits, food caches, pit toilets, water from the lake, and plenty of swimming spots to clean up.   The historic lodge is adjacent to the campsite and you can visit there for a wee drink or snack and enjoy their fireplace if you wish.

This area is a mountain region so be prepared for weather ranging from bikini weather to parkas and snow boots; it is probably past bug season but they are sneaky little people so be prepared for those too.   You will need good boots and hiking poles as all hikes are steep and steady then on ridges you will need extra layers to protect from the wind.   Be prepared to stay in contact with the group at all times and make the leader aware of plans to stay at campsite or do a shorter hike that day.   Although the parks’ personnel tell us there are no bears in the area I have met folks who have seen bears in the area so you must follow bear protocol at the campground, and bring bear spray to hike the trails.   You may see mountain goats up there so bring a camera.

The plan:

Day 1:  Leave Kamloops at 0600 to catch the 1000 bus into the park (this allows time for coffee/washroom breaks); set up camp; afternoon hike to Diamond Trail around Scout Mountain or to Red Mountain summ – 400 m; 4 hrs.

Day 2/3/4 – Day hikes to Rim Trail via Devil’s woodpile /Stone City/Smokey The Bear/Giant Cleft or Lakeview Mountain loop.   All hikes are strenuous all day routes with some off trail, rocky sections, and some very steep climbs.   600-700 metres elevation.   There are half day options of Ladyslipper Lake/Glacier lake or a pretty loop around Quinesco Lake if weather is inclement.

Day 5 (Friday) – 0900 bus out back to civilization.

We can arrange carpools closer to the date.

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Sheila Powell

I have been retired for several years now and enjoy many activities in the outdoors such as hiking, cycling, skiing, backpacking. I have lived in Canada for the last 35 years and spent a great deal of time exploring the Rockies, K-country, Kootenays and parts of BC.

I get out on a hike, ski or cycle ride several times a week either with the club or family and enjoy running multi day trips as well as day outings.I will lead fairly strenuous, moderate to steady paced outings as well as some starter outings.

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