61. Reinecker Creek Trail System
DISTANCE: 4.8 km (round trip) DURATION: 3+ Hours TRAILHEAD GPS: 11 U 323013E 5639376N
DISTANCE: Various (10 - 20km round trip) DURATION: 4-8+ Hrs (round trip hike) MARGARET FALLS GPS: 11U 344564E 5628722N HERALD PARK GPS: 11U 344901E 5628990N
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The new Mount Baldy trail is a collaborative project between the NEW! Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area C Parks Commission, the Sorrento and Area Community Association, and the Shuswap Trail Alliance. It’s an intermediate hike and snowshoe /ice-cleat walk (2.8kms uphill) through mixed forests to a great lookout over the lake west of Sorrento. An even newer 1.8km optional upper loop has been blazed and brushed (2014) for more experienced hikers and snowshoers to explore. Return the way you came, or take the new upper loop by following the blazes south along the ridge looping through more trembling aspen and mixed forests back to the main trail. At the lookout, watch your foot placement to minimize damage to the sensitive ecology on these unique Shuswap rocky outcrops. These lookout locations are within the Secwepemc First Nation Territory. ACCESS: Drive west of Sorrento on Hwy. 1. Turn south/left onto Elson Road and drive past the famous Crannog Ales, left over the railway track, and then left on South Shore Place to park in the Cul-de-Sac at the trailhead kiosk sign. Be sure to allow plenty of room for others to turn around, and avoid blocking local driveways. The trailhead starts here over a short bridge.
BIRDING HOT SPOT...
Reinecker Creek Trail System Various Song Birds Solitary Vireo Olive-Sided Flycatchers
Reinecker Creek trails provide opportunity for a lengthy day or overnight hike, snowshoe, or half/full day mountain bike circuits through the forested valley above Herald Park, connecting Sunnybrae through to White Lake. DETAILED TRAIL INFO: Two routes parallel Reinecker Creek. The West Trail is a multi-use trail that sees motorized traffic, and is two to three metres wide and roughly 10km long. The East Trail is a non-motorized trail route that is 0.5 metres wide and 10km long. There are two crossing points (North and South). The South Crossing is about halfway through the East and West trails and the North crossing is at the top (North) end of both trails. The East trail is designated “no-bikes” from Herald Park to the South Crossing, as bikes are not allowed off-road in Herald Park at this time. The Upper East section is open to mountain bikers and hikers. (Mountain bike access is best via Bastion Mt FSR). See access below (trail #57, pg. 26). The East Trail begins in the north end of Herald Park, off of the Upper Trail. Passing through several forest types, the figure-eight shape of the trail system provides several loop options, ranging from 10 to 20km. It is possible to continue past the north end of the trail system on the Forest Service road into the White Lake Valley, but this route is unmarked and should only be used by those familiar with the area. ACCESS VIA BASTION MOUNTAIN FS Rd: Traveling west from Salmon Arm for 15km, turn right on Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Rd and follow for 7km. Turn left on Bastion Mountain
Forest Service Rd (watch for logging traffic, the first 2km is very narrow and steep with no room for passing). Best to ride up (for the very fit) or if you must drive, wait until the weekend (less logging traffic) and follow signs to a junction at 4.8km. Turn right and follow for 1.5km to the trailhead. ACCESS FROM HERALD PARK : Traveling west from Salmon Arm for 15km, turn right on Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Rd and follow for 11.5km past Margaret Falls to the Herald Park day-use entrance on the right.
South Shuswap
60. Mount Baldy Lookout
HIKERS AND SNOWSHOERS: follow the trail signs from the north side of the parking lot back up to Sunnybrae Rd. Cross the road and continue up the wooden stairs. Follow trail for 1.4km to East Reinecker Creek Trail junction. MOUNTAIN BIKERS: Ride the parking lot road back up to Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Rd, turn left and ride back past the Margaret Falls parking lot to the yellow gate on the right. Follow the trail signs on the old skid road taking the first junction on your left. The going is very steep to start and washed out (lots of loose gravel) and will have you pushing. Things level in about 1.5km as they connect with the west tracks and the crossing points to the east trails. (Bastion Mountain FS Rd is a preferred choice, for cycling). Be well prepared, as this is a remote backcountry trail in bear habitat. Watch for vehicles on Forestry roads and ATV tracks. There is a range license at the north end of the trail system. Avoid disruption to cattle, and close gates.
ON SHUSWAP DIRT The Shuswap Trails website is THE PLACE to go for detailed maps, trailhead access, GPS downloads and updates.
www.ShuswapTrails.com
#60 GRAND OPENING OF MOUNT BALDY LOOKOUT TRAIL
www.ShuswapTrails.com
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