The Shuswap Trail - ShuswapTrails.com - Thompson-Nicola Region

Thompson-Nicola Region

1. Chase Creek Falls

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 125 metres (one way)
Duration: 15 minutes (round trip)
Trailhead GPS: 11 U 311311E 5633145N
Max Elevation: 400 metres
Starting Elevation: 382 metres
Description: A short walk from the rest stop to dramatic falls. Look for big horn sheep on the slopes above.
Access: Located at the Rest Stop on Hwy 1 directly South of Chase.

2. Sun Peaks Resort

Directions: Starting from Trans Canada Highway 1 eastbound, take the Highway 5 North exit to Jasper. You will pass 3 sets of traffic lights en route. Then look for signs to Heffley Creek & Sun Peaks. Duration from Hwy 1 to Heffley Creek turn-off: approximately 20 minutes.

Turn right at Heffley Creek and take the first left at the General Store (see directional sign for Sun Peaks). Proceed along this two-lane, paved road up the mountain all the way into the resort village. Duration from General Store to Sun Peaks Resort village: approximately 25 minutes.

3. Harper Mountain

Directions: Harper Mountain is located 10 miles (16 km) east of Kamloops in the High Country. Head north out of Kamloops on the Yellowhead Highway 5. Go east on Paul Lake Road to Harper Mountain Road.

4. Skamana Lake

Difficulty: Easy to More Difficult
Distance: various
Duration: .5 – 2 + hours (round trip)
Elevation: 600 metres
Description: A series of Nordic ski loop trails maintained by the Skamana Ski Club surrounding beautiful wetlands and intimate twin lakes.
Access: From Downtown Chase follow Pine Street north to the Neskonlith Lake Road. Travel west along this gravel road for 3 km where you will come to a fork. Take the right fork and go up the hill. You will be rewarded here with a spectacular view of Little Shuswap Lake, the Villages of Chase and Adams Lake First Nations, as well as the South Thompson River and the farmlands along the VLA road. Stay on this road for another 10 km until you pass under the B.C. Hydro transmission lines. Watch for the parking lot on your left.

5. Chase Historic Walk

Difficulty: Easy
Description: A walk back in time through the colourful history of Chase
Access: Traveling west on Hwy 1 to Chase, turn right/north onto Shuswap Ave and drive to the Musuem at the corner of Okanagan Ave. Ask for a copy of the Chase Historic Walking Tour brochure. Alternatively, drive through town and enquire at the Visitors Centre on the West end of Shuswap Ave.
Detailed Trail Information: Combine your visit with a trip up the historic Switchback trail on Scatchard Mountain (see description below), and a visit to the beach.

6. Scatchard Mountain Switchbacks

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4 km (one way)
Duration: 1 hour (one way)
Trailhead GPS: 11U 311033E 5632752N
Max Elevation: 590 metres
Start Elevation: 389 metres
Description: The historic trail climbs to viewpoints overlooking Chase and the Chase Creek Canyon, and further on to the Chase Creek Rd.
Access: Start in the Safety Mart parking lot on the north side of Hwy 1 in Chase. The trail starts by crossing through the pedestrian underpass below the highway. Or alternately, turn south off Hwy 1 at the Argo highway yard opposite the middle entrance to the Village of Chase. Park by the Cemetery.
Detailed Trail Information: The historic Switchback trail follows the old road from the southeast corner of the Chase Cemetery. (Visit the Chase Museum or Chamber Visitor’s Centre for an interpretive pamphlet written by local historian, David Lepsoe.) After 1.1 km hikers are rewarded with views at the first switchback. Another 1.3 km comes to another viewpoint over Little Shuswap Lake and the Village of Chase. Be sure to search the opposite hillsides for glimpses of Big Horn Sheep. From here, another 1 km brings you to the Chase-Falkland Rd. A side loop on this section follows the original switchbacked road known as Attila’s Lane. Return the way you came. Or for a loop ride, drop down the Chase-Falkland Rd to Hwy 1 and return to Chase.
Additional Information: organizations Chase Chamber Visitor Centre, Chase Musuem

7. Neskonlith Meadows

Difficulty: Easy
Description: Early spring floral displays along a rolling grassland bench above the mouth of the South Thompson River.
Access: From Downtown Chase follow Pine Street north across the South Thompson Bridge. Turn right just after the bridge and up to the Adams Lake Band Offices immediately on the right. Enquire at the reception office regarding seasonal closures and to purchase a permit, and for directions to the meadows.
Detailed Trail Information: The Neskonlith Meadows are within Adams Lake First Nations lands. Access is regulated by permit only. Permits are available at the Band Office (see access description.) Seasonal closures apply.

8. Neskonlith Lake

Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 520 metres
Description: Enjoy the beauty of this tranquil lake. Walk along the shore in the Provincial Campground and find some hidden trails through the forest. Also a lovely place to paddle and watch Osprey fish.
Access: From Downtown Chase follow Pine Street north to the Neskonlith Lake Road. Travel west along this gravel road for 3 km where you will come to a fork. Take the right fork and go up the hill. You will be rewarded here with a spectacular view of Little Shuswap Lake, the Villages of Chase and Adams Lake First Nations, as well as the South Thompson River and the farmlands along the VLA road. Stay on this road for approx 3 km. Watch for the park entrance on your left. Another 2 km brings you to the lake and campground.
Additional Information: BC Parks (parks fee for camping)