Tag Archives: paddling

Spillman Beaches Marine Site

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We have kayaked across Adams Lake to Spillman Beaches Marine Site several times, camping at the water-access-only campground.    There are some short trails to hike, beaches to explore, and shoreline to paddle.   Best access for launching a canoe or kayak is from the west side from unofficial side roads heading down to the lake,  or any of the  Recreation Sites along the lake.   Brennan Creek Rec Site was the closest, but it has been permanently closed due to geotechnical reports of land stability.

For kayakers it is probably best to arrive at non-prime times.   There are several designated sites for a tent, but we have also camped on the beach.   There are no facilities provided so we need to bring in and take out our camping gear and garbage.

Adams Lake can be a windy lake so it is best to check the forecasts before departing.    It is a beautiful lake, best enjoyed at quiet times.   Shared here are some photos taken on a couple of trips to the site.    Captions are provided on the Google Photos album (link), but the images are also embedded here as a slideshow:

Surrey and Sussex Lakes

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The Surrey Lake Forest Service Road starts as a turn off the Meadow Creek Road (between Lac le Jeune and Logan Lake).    It is a gravel road bearing south, climbing up through the forest.     After 7 km it passes under the Coquihalla Highway.     It provides access to several lakes in the area – Surrey Lake, Frogmoore Lake, and Sussex Lake.   The Surrey Lake … Continue reading →

Exploring Badger, Spooney, and Little Badger Lakes

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On a summer day I drove on backroads to Badger Lake.    I launched my kayak, then explored narrow marsh channels to get to Spooney Lake, then did a loop route to do much of Badger Lake.    After paddling, I secured the boat, then hiked secondary backroads to Little Badger Lake, a quiet and remote spot in the hills. Badger Lake is one of the … Continue reading →

Rossmoore Lake Kayak and Hike

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On a hot day in July, I ventured out on the Long Lake Road, then continued on the bumpy Rossmoore Lake FSR for 16.5 km to Rossmoore Lake.   There is a small Rec Site on the lake, with a steep and rough boat launch.   On this day, I kayaked around the lake once, then hiked tracks and trails on the east side of the lake, visiting … Continue reading →

Monte Lake Kayaking

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Monte Lake is located by Highway 97 between Kamloops and Vernon.     The lake lies between the highway and a seldom-used railway.   A small community is on the northeast corner of the lake.   The hills surrounding the community and the lake were burned in the  2021 White Rock Lake fire. We can launch a boat from two spots, from a side road at the north end … Continue reading →

Paska Lake

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On a mid-May day with changeable weather I drove up the Lac le Jeune Road as it rained, but emerged into drier weather past Lac le Jeune.    From the start of the road to Logan Lake (Meadow Creek Rd.) to the turnoff is about 8 km and the lake is 8.5 km up the Paska Lake Road (paved).   I used the boat launch at the … Continue reading →

Paul Lake West Paddle

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On a sunny and mild April day the main gate to Paul Lake Provincial Park was closed, but the lake can be accessed from the west end of the lake.    A hand launch site is located next to the trailhead into the park.    I paddled up the lake along the north shoreline past Gibraltar Rock, then back on the same shore for a 5 … Continue reading →

Trapp Lake North Kayaking

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On a mild day with calm conditions, I drove down Highway 5A South to Trapp Lake for a second day of paddling, this time around the north end of the lake.   Trapp Lake is a good spot for early spring paddling since the lake is ice-free early and there is some protection from seasonal winds.     This lake is a muddy, alkaline lake though so it … Continue reading →

Early Kayaking on Jacko Lake

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At the end of March some of the lower elevation lakes became ice-free.    Some of the larger valley-bottom lakes had been clear for a few weeks, but large lakes and strong winds are not a good combination in cool temperatures, so I paddled on the river instead.     On a cool (2º ) morning there was a steady breeze our of the east, but I … Continue reading →

Winter Kayaking on the River

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The weather at end of January and early February was mild enough to allow dedicated paddlers to get out for some kayaking on our area rivers.    It is still too cool to venture out on a windy day, but if the temperatures are above 4º C and the winds are light, we can launch a kayak at the Pioneer Park boat launch and go up … Continue reading →