Bastion Mountain /Stern Valley Loop Location: Salmon Arm – Leaving Salmon Arm head west on Hwy 1 to Tappen. Turn right on Sunnybrae – Canoe Point Rd, approx 5 k to the FSR that climbs up across the face of the mountain. Trailhead: Park at the pullout opposite the FSR or drive 2 km up the FSR and park. This is (summer 2004) an active logging road for its first 4 km. Do not drive up during weekdays without a radio check for truck traffic – the first two kms are steep with no pullout for 1.5 km. Rating - Type - FSR/Old FSR Length - 35km Description: This is The gem of the Shuswap for those who like Mountain touring. It is a 35 Km loop through pristine second growth forest, with 22 Km of downhill and valley bottom, following a 13km climb. The initial 2 Km are the most difficult grunt ( thus the drive 2 Km up and park). Those wishing only downhill can park near the summit (approx 13K) after leaving a shuttle at the lake or at 2 km. Most of the downhill is on long abandoned (30+years) logging road, through many different vegetation zones, past large valley bottom meadows. The creek that feeds Margaret Falls parallels the trail and is accessible at several points. There is even the remnants of an abandoned Finnish homestead. Directions: (All distances refer to starting the ride at lake level). 0 Km starts at the lake. Stay left at any significant intersections to 9km. Take a break at the landing and enjoy the view of Shuswap Lake. Turn hard right onto FSR 0 – 300. 11 km stay right at the Y. 13 km approx. is the summit. DOWNHILL FROM HERE!! 15 km - Look for the old trail immediately beyond a landing on the right hand side of the road. The berm on the right side has an obvious cut through it and at this time (summer 2004) quad tracks are obvious. 19 km approx trail joins the long abandoned White Lake Main (logging) road. Turn hard right. 20 km Turn right. Proceed through the gate. Please close the gate as cattle free range over the next 7km. Be careful to avoid running cattle on the trail – be patient and you will get past. 25 km Trail feeds onto the end of a new logging road (active in summer of 04). 27 km Watch for a skid trail angling left. This is our trail. Skidding is finished but debris can jam up derailleurs and break spokes! 29 km (approx) Remains of old Finnish Homestead on the left. If you look closely you can find the remnants of the sauna on the left of the road above the creek, and cedar stakes that mark out a cooler for milk and food in the creek below the road. There is also the remains of a unique garbage disposal behind the house. Proceed up the hill to where we think the garden was. Keep straight on the main trail past the first two roads to the right. 31 km Turn right ( straight ahead will take you to Harold’s Park). This corner is flagged and is unique because it has a traffic circle. 33km Back to Bastion Mountain road. Bear left. 35km Back to the Sunnybrae – Canoe Point road. From the pullout there is a steep path down to a secluded beach – great swimming. map to get there map of trail