Trail Information

Distance	3.6 - 6.5 km (round trip) km
Duration	1-1.5 Hours (round trip) to Scotch Creek Lookout; 3 Hours (round trip) via Hlina Loop for Hilna Loop
Difficulty	More Difficult
Geo Referenced PDF	View Map
Access Map	Google Maps
Latitude / Longitude	50.95918526, -119.43015472
Activities

About

This trail is currently closed until further notice due to wildfire destruction.

Forest walk to impressive views over Shuswap Lake high above Scotch Creek.

The Scotch Creek/Hlina trail was built as a project of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District Area F Parks Commission, in partnership with the Shuswap Trail Alliance, and local trail enthusiasts. The first section of the trail has been completed to the Scotch Creek Lookout. A secondary wilderness route (the Hlina Loop) is brushed and blazed, but requires off trail wilderness, travel experience and route finding.

The Scotch Creek Lookout:

This lovely 3.5 km round trip takes hikers, mountain bikers, and even snowshoers to an impressive viewpoint high above Scotch Creek. On a clear day Shuswap Lake and the highlands to the south, east and west are spread out in dramatic panoramas. It is not uncommon to watch eagles playing in the updrafts above the bluffs on a warm day. Appropriate precautions for bears should be made, as wildlife is prevalent. Starting from the trailhead parking area, walk south about ¾ of a kilometre along the old discontinued logging road. A ring of boulders marks the end of the logging road, and a transition to grassy lane. This old skid track is now a summer grazing area for long time local rancher, Roger Zinck. Please take special care to protect the fertile grass forage by staying to trails, and avoid disturbing cattle. About 1.5 km from the parking area, watch for the trail to fork right off the grassy lane up into the young replanted forest. A trail post marks your way. The trail climbs through the new growth for another 200 metres before emerging into a little clearing, and then a junction. This marks the meeting point of the Scotch Creek Lookout loop. Either way works for a 1 km loop, bringing you to the edge of the old growth forest of mixed Douglas Fir, Cedar and Hemlock. At this point, drift fences and stiles stop cattle from entering the delicate old growth forest. Please use the stiles and be sure that the horse gate is closed. Depending on which way you take the loop, a 400 – 500 metre walk brings you to the main lookout. (1045 m above sea level). You will want to allow time for photographs, the spectacular view and to experience the quiet tranquility of this place.

Hlina Loop Route:

Look for the route post sign at the northwest corner of the Scotch Creek Lookout trail. Look for orange blaze markers along the route. (550 m from the NW corner post watch for another impressive viewpoint side spur.

Access

Travel east through the North Shuswap community of Scotch Creek on the Squilax-Anglemont Rd to Leopold Road at the top of the hill. Driving up Leopold Road watch for trailhead arrows at each junction. Stay straight at the first junction past Allen Road (620 m) onto Scotch-Hlina FSR. At approx. 6.7 km from Leopold Rd, take the left fork to find the trailhead parking area another 200 m around the bend. Park here and begin your walk (or ride) continuing up the logging road until it meets the trail.