Road Trippin’ the Thompson Okanagan, Part 2

Aug 6, 2009

Larch Hills Traverse – an epic in the making

Following an evening of bike fixin’ and general carousing at Silver Star Mountain Resort, we were off early to meet up with the masterminds of the new Larch Hills Traverse, a 40-kilometre trail linking Salmon Arm to Sicamous in the Shuswap region of British Columbia. I hadn’t heard of this trail previously and was excited if not a little nervous given the near 40-degree forecast and the epic length of the trail.

Words by Ryan Kuhn
Video by Steve Crowe
Images by Ryan Kuhn and Steve Crowe

(read Part 1 here)

We arrived at the Sicamous Visitor Centre after driving by seemingly endless houseboats and the enticing waters of Mara and Shuswap Lakes. My nervousness quickly turned to questioning the sanity of heading out on an unknown trail amid scorching heat and wildfire smoke. But there awaiting us was an enthusiastic crowd of local cyclists eager to show us their new creation. I took solace in knowing we had our own houseboat lined up for the night and strapped on my sweaty 5.10 shoes for the unknown.


Our guide for the day was Jim Maybee, the Trail Development Coordinator for the Shuswap Trail Alliance. While Jim oversees trail development for the entire region as part of the greater Alliance initiative, it’s apparent the Larch Hills Traverse has a special place on the ever-growing list of trails in the region. Jim gave us a quick run down of what Larch Hills has in store and to our relief informed us we would access the trail via a forestry road and would be riding 23, not 40 kilometres, of the epic trail. Even so, I threw in an extra water bottle and energy bar.


The Larch Hills Traverse is the first section of the proposed “Shuswap Trail” network, a truly epic trail that will loop the region’s diverse ecosystems and typography. It is a grand and noble vision. With a max elevation of 1240 metres, Larch Hills offers spectacular views of Mara and Shuswap Lakes below as it connects forestry roads and single-track along an undulating ridge line.

Larch Hills Traverse:

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We gained the trail’s mid-way point via a shuttle up Forest Service Road #110 off of Highway 1 approximately 7k from Salmon Arm – the same forestry road you use to access the Rubberhead and Meat Grinder Downhill trails (wink wink, nudge nudge - there’s a lot in store for this area too as they have agreements to expand this DH network). At the time, the road was in great shape and accessible by car.


We started pedaling along the varied terrain on new, if not somewhat raw, trails. Joining Jim and our intrepid road trip crew were local cyclists Dan Holmes, Lynne Holmes and Marlene Lyons. The flow and pace was nice and the fireweed and other flowers were in abundance. Flowing single track through young forests gave way to clear cuts and spectacular views. Unfortunately the wildfire smoke allowed only hazy glimpses of the beautiful lakes below.


As we started at a considerable elevation, the riding was a mix of flowing trail and short climbs. Sections of the trail were sublime, with well thought out lines through beautiful cedar and hemlock forests. Others were relatively new trail through clear cuts, which will only improve as the forest begins to mature around it. Longer sections of old forestry road descents are to be replaced with more single track in the years to come, which will only increase the stoke factor.


The true grit came out when we reached the final, technical climb section before the long – and truly brilliant – descent. The heat was on, but we trudged upward and were all smiles looking at the approximately 4-kilometre downhill to Sicamous and our awaiting houseboat. Seats lowered, gulps of water and brows wiped of sweat, we dropped in on flowing, fast, seemingly endless single track. Pumping whoops and railing tight corners, hoots and hollers echoed though the woods. It was a memorable finish that has found a place on my list of must-repeats.


The ride concluded in Sicamous and we promptly made our way to Twin Anchors houseboat rentals and met up with local representatives of the chamber of commerce and the Shuswap Trails Alliance (including Phil McIntyre-Paul, Project Coordinator and original masterminds of the trails initiative) over refreshing beverages aboard the “SS Shred the Gnar.” If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a houseboat adventure, it’s safe to say it’s one of the most relaxing and carefree trips you can take. Perfect waters, abundant beaches and boatloads of people looking for a party, the houseboat was the perfect antidote after a hot summer ride.


While our brief one night stay was certainly not enough, it whetted the appetite for a longer stay – exploring the multitude of trails available in the area and kickin’ back on the boat at night. I am always impressed by the people who advocate for – and build – trails. Judging by the dedicated crew of folks who selflessly strive to improve the biking in the Shuswap, there is no doubt the region is quickly becoming a destination unto itself.

-Ryan Kuhn is a regular Pinkbike contributor and is proud to represent Devinci Bikes, Revolution Cycles and Service, Nema International, SMX Optics and Point 1. He lives in Rossland, BC, Canada.