Trailhead GPS: 11 U 314424E 5599242N

Max Elevation: 1745 metres

Starting Elevation: 1165 metres

Description: A rigorous wilderness trail for fit, experienced hikers. Approx 11km (4-5 hr) return trip to alpine at 1745 m, best in summer. Tremendous views of Paxton Valley and the Monashee Mountains to the east, forest, wildflowers, very steep cliffs.

Access: From Falkland drive 1 km west on Hwy 97. Just past the Falkland Stampede grounds, turn right onto Wetaskawin Rd going to the landfill, and then turn left above the landfill site. Continue through switchbacks, going up hill for the next 7 km. The incline can be very slippery when wet, even for 4wd vehicles. At 7 km a sign indicates parking and the trailhead on your right.

Detailed Trail Information: The start of the trail is well established heading north through the forest and then climbs steeply through switchbacks. Eventually the trail opens onto an area of loose rock and follows the ridgeline straight up (favoring the left side) to the edge of the summit ridge. Several exposed areas require comfort with scrambling and heights. Approx 100 m below the end of the ridge, another rough trail begins. This route is usually fairly well marked with ribbons and provides an alternate route back (though only recommended for those knowledgeable about the area and comfortable with steep scambling and route finding. If unfamiliar, return the way you came.) Along the lower forestry roads there may be cattle in the area, so please remember to close cattle gates.

Additional Information: Vernon Outdoor Club Hiking Guide

Warning Notes: CAUTION: Route finding is required on the upper slopes and ridge, with some exposed scrambling. The round trip encounters serious rock hazards and route finding on the descent. The weather can change quickly so bring extra clothing and be prepared for wilderness travel.

Duration: 10 minutes (one way) to Pillar

Description: 6 min. steep walk up to a unique 18 m (90-foot column hoodoo) of eroded rock and clay capped with a flat rock.

Access: From Falkland travel approx 12 km northwest on Chase-Falkland Rd to Pillar Lake. Park at the public access to the lake.

Detailed Trail Information: The Pillar trail is located on the right/east side of the road just south of Pillar Lake Resort. A short walk, but steep.

Warning Notes: CAUTION: Steep, unmaintained trail. Slippery in rain.

Duration: 60 minutes up and 35 minutes back

Access: From Falkland travel approx 12 km northwest on Chase-Falkland Rd to just past (north) of Pillar Lake Resort’s main entrance, then turn right/east onto Lisa Rd, cross the cattle guard and turn back and park along the fence to the trail. Yellow ribbons mark where to turn left and then it dead ends.

Duration: 8 hours (round trip)

Max Elevation: 1770 metres

Description: Steep and fairly difficult well marked trail. Approx 12 km (8 hr) return trip to alpine at 1770 m. Excellent views, wildflowers.

Access: 10 km west of Falkland on Hwy 97 turn left/south onto Old Pinaus Lake Rd, a deactivated logging road. After climbing approx 4km turn left/east towards Tuktakamin Mtn and follow signs to the trailhead. The maintenance road can be driven to the top of the mountain and its lookout. An alternate route to the trailhead is 13.4 km west of Falkland on Hwy 97 turn left/south onto Ingram Creek Forest Service Road. Drive 6.5km on this active logging road, then left onto Will Lake Forest Service Road, following signs to the trailhead.

Detailed Trail Information: The trail starts on the right/north side of the maintenance road, climbing steeply up through the forest to emerge on the open ridgeline. Follow the ridge climbing eastward toward the obvious summit of Tuktakamin with it’s array of radio towers. The last climb to the summit weaves in and out of the forest and bush, passing an old wooden building elevated on posts, an indication of the snow levels.

From the summit, the loop trail can be found by exploring the western slope below the radio towers. It drops through the trees steeply and meets the maintenance road. The trail continues a short walk further down the road on the left where it climbs another ridge before dropping steeply back into the forest. Watch for occasional blaze markers. The trail emerges onto the maintenance road just below (west) of the starting point. A short walk back up the road returns you to your vehicle.

Description: Multi-use recreational trails are maintained primarily by local Off Road Motorbike trial riders, and as access to the region’s main climbing crags. Forest, creek, views from the Crags.

Access: Directions from Salmon Arm: Just west of Salmon Arm on Hwy 1 turn left/south onto Salmon River Rd. just past the bridge. After 1 km the road curves left, becoming 50th St SW. Follow it straight for 3.4 km to the junction with Foothills Rd at the base of Mt. Ida where it curves right. Follow this road for another 10.8 km to where the Silver Creek store is on the right, then for another 3.3 km, crossing over a bridge and passing the 7th Day Adventist Church on the left. Take the next left at the community field. Straight ahead is a gravel/sand pit at the T-intersection by the gravel pit – park and walk (or drive) the deactivated Forest Service Rd to the left and follow the road up to 3km. The trailhead is on the right.

Directions from Falkland: 16 km east of Falkland turn left/north onto Salmon River Rd. Proceed on this main road for 13.9 km, passing the Salmon Valley Junction Store at the Heywood-Armstrong junction. Turn right just past the Silver Creek Fire Hall on the right, to the T-intersection described above.

Warning Notes: CAUTION: This is popular off road area. Watch for motorcyclists and ATVs.