Scotch Creek Trail Opening

Sunday the 26th of June, was the official opening of the Scotch Creek Trail in the North Shuswap. The project was a combination of efforts by the Shuswap Trail Alliance, CSRD (Columbia Shuswap Regional District)  and Shuswap Tourism as well as many other groups and individuals. Near a hundred people, young and old alike, showed up for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that afternoon and then hiked the new trail.

The trail itself is accessed off the Hlina Logging Road. It is a bit of a drive over the rough roads and the road is not suitable for low vehicles at this time (we drove in a minivan and had no troubles). The parking lot for Scotch Creek Trail is well outlined with rocks and there is an excellent map at the trail-head. There are no pit/compost toilets to be had at this time.

The trail consists of two loops. The shorter, easier Lower Loop and the longer Hlina Loop, though both loops can be done in an couple of hours. While the trail as a whole is a rougher style of trail, it can be used by most people. Many consider the first part of the trail to be the toughest, even though it is located on a well used road, as it climbs relatively quickly to where the trail heads for the trees and into the loops. 

Once in the trees the trail travels up for a short distance till you come to a gate. Once in the gate, the scenery instantly changes into that of old growth forest. Here the trail lends itself to a slower pace. After a short walk, hikers will come across an amazing vista at the Lookout Point. The highlight of the Scotch Creek Trail, this point looks out across the Shuswap Lake to Blind Bay and Copper Island. Parents and dog owners will want to keep child and pets in hand near the Lookout as there is very steep drop with no barrier in front of it.

Once past the Lookout hikers will quickly come across the intersection where they can choose to take the Hlina Loop, which has a spectacular view of its own and then travels to the parking lot via a different route or they can finish the Lower Loop. The Hlina Loop has only been roughed-in at this point (but is scheduled to be worked on this summer), so is only appropriate for people who are comfortable with off-trail hiking. Those finishing the Lower Loop will only travel a short distance to the end of the loop and then continue down the hill they way they came up.

Some photos from  the Scotch Creek Trail Lower Loop before the Lookout.

Winding trail through an Old Growth Forest in the North Shuswap.

Scotch Creek Trail Lower Loop

Old Growth Forest

Rougher styled trail.

Sun shining through the trees.

The Scotch Creek Trail - Lower Loop Lookout Point

View from the Lower Loop Lookup

Blind Bay from across the Shuswap lake

Blind Bay & Copper Island from the Scotch Creek Trail Lookout

More trail from the Lower Loop after the lookout.

Lower Loop trail through Old Growth Forest.

Plenty of twists and turns on the trail.

Rugged path of the Scotch Creek Trail Lower Loop

 

The trail past the gate and down to the road.

My family loved this trail and we will certainly be back for more! We will likely plan it on another Sunday this summer so we can hit the Scotch Creek Farmers' Market (from 10 am to 2 pm just off the highway when you enter town) while we are at it. 

Have you hiked the Scotch Creek Trail? Do you have another favourite in the area? Let me know by posting in the comment section below!