Lets get out there!
Salmon Arm and the Shuswap area is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and the central location between mountain ranges provides endless opportunities to get into the alpine. Whether you are new to the mountains or an experienced mountaineer, there is something that will get your boots dirty!
Here is a list of alpine hikes close to the Shuswap.
Eva Lake
Eva Lake is in Mount Revelstoke National Park and is a moderate, 14km return hike. The trail offers stunning mountain views, wildflowers, snowcapped mountains and the opportunity to get into the subalpine straight from the trail head. Drive to the Balsam Lake Parking area within the National Park, located at the end of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway. This is a popular trail and can get busy, so it is best to start in the early morning. As far as alpine hikes go, Eva Lake is relatively higher payoff for a lower effort, especially is add in Jade Lake and Miller Lake. Do this as a day hike or book a night for backcountry camping. All reservations can be done through the Parks Canada website.
Spectrum Lake
Spectrum Lake is an ideal First-time or family backpacking trail. Being only 6 km one way on moderately easy trail, kids can easily do this hike. Spectrum Lake is part of Monashee Provincial Park and it does not require a reservation for day hiking or backpacking. There are 12 designated tent pads and a dock for swimming along with a bear hang for your food. Since the hike in is relatively short and easy, lots of hikers bring a fishing a rod and try their luck at a big catch!
Joss Mountain- Western Approach
A well-defined trail leading to an old fire lookout, Joss Mountain is a spectacular hike with even more spectacular 360-degree views. Close to Three-Valley Gap, hikers will turn right off the highway before getting to the historic hotel, close to Wap Lake. The hike is listed as hard and it is relatively steep the whole way with a few flat benches that give those tired legs a bit of a rest. The lookout is a 9.3 km return hike with almost 900 m of elevation gain. Hikers who want to take advantage of the views and remote quietness, often pitch their tent outside of the fire lookout.
Hermit Meadows
A short and steep (I mean steep) hike that leads to a beautiful alpine meadow bowl is worth the effort required to get there. Only 6km round trip, this hike often feels like one of the more difficult hikes in Glacier National Park because of the elevation gain in a short amount of distance. Easily can be done in a day or reserve one of the four tent pads ion the meadow. If planning to backpack, reserve your spot well in advance as it is hard to get a reservation in the peak of summer. Because of the elevation of this hike, the trail usually is not totally snow free till July and often can see snow again come end of September. The views along this hike make it a must do hike.
Abbott Ridge
A hard but beautiful, rewarding hike in Glacier National Park starting from the Illecillewaet campground in Rogers Pass. I often hear this hike is a top hike for all adventure seekers and I would absolutely agree! A strenuous hike and elevation gain of 1,336 m, make sure you plan to be hiking almost the whole day (5-7 hrs) and start early to avoid climbing up in the heat of mid-day. I recommend adding enough time in your itinerary to stop and enjoy the views at the top. It is not every day you get views like you do from the top of Abbott Ridge. Different then a lot of alpine hikes, dogs are allowed on leash for the entire trail. BONUS! There is no overnight camping on Abbott Ridge.
