Trail name: Embleton Mountain
Location: Heffley Lake
Difficulty: Medium to difficult
Distance: Nine kilometres round trip
Time: Two to four hours
From downtown Kamloops, you’re looking at roughly a 36-minute drive to Embleton Mountain. From Kamloops, head north on Highway 5. Take your east exit onto Heffley Louis Creek Road, as if you were heading towards Sun Peaks. Travel 17 kilometres up this road until you see one of two trailhead signs, near the same location of the Heffley lake recreation site.
At the beginning of this hike, you’ll see a network of trails with two trailheads. The first trailhead which is right before the Heffley Lake recreation site, will take you up the ridge, which is a steep trek to the top and quite the leg burner.
The more eastern trailhead has additional parking, but if you choose, you can still access the steep hike from this starting point. There is clear signage, maps and ribbons throughout the trail to help guide you.
Whichever trail system you choose to take, both will lead you through beautiful forested areas full of evergreens and deciduous trees, my favourite being the big and tall white birch trees.
Partway through the hike, you will find yourself walking through an old clearing. The trees are all the same height which gives the forest a neat look and makes you feel good knowing that the trees have been replanted so the forest will live on!
Regardless of the route you take, you will come across benches in the forest and along the ridge, which make for a nice spot to rest and depending on the season, they are a great place to take in the views and all of the beautiful wildflowers. At the summit, you will come across a gazebo and a couple picnic tables, and you'll have a nice view of Heffley Lake and the surrounding valleys.
In the summer, at the top of the hike, if you’re quiet enough you can hear the fisherman on the lake talking clear as day!
This hike can be done year round, but make sure to always dress for the weather and know that you may need to use snowshoes during the winter months. Be sure to have water and snacks for yourself and your furry friend if they are along for the journey.
Hope to see you in the hills. Take only photographs and leave only footprints!
