Trail Information

Distance	7.2 km (one-way); 8.4 km (one-way from beach) km
Duration	2.5 Hours (one-way)
Difficulty	More Difficult
Geo Referenced PDF	View Map
Access Map	Google Maps
Latitude / Longitude	50.83138094, -119.00292708
Activities

About

Forest hike from Sicamous with spectacular views over Mara Lake. Starting at the east (Sicamous) trailhead for the Larch Hills Traverse, the trail starts with a remarkable series of 36 switchbacks designed by Shuswap trail developer and mountain biker, Jim Maybee, makes this a pleasant forest stroll – and a rigorous but doable mountain bike ride – through a beautiful mixed cedar and hemlock forest. The carefully thought-out dips and twists slow things down so cyclists and hikers can share the trail. Watch for orange blaze markers on trees ahead to mark the way; most signal the start of another switchback.

At 4 km the trail emerges from the trees onto the 112 FSR. Watch for bears feeding here in the summer. The road makes for pleasant walking after the previous forest climb. Head south along the FSR for 300 m and keep your eyes open for a signpost on the right directing you back to the trail.

Follow the signs for the Larch Hills Traverse as the trail crosses several forestry roads in the next few km. On the third road crossing, look for the sign directing you to the Hyde Mountain lookout. Follow the skid track to its end where a trail heads left (down) into the bushes to the edge of the high metamorphic rock cliffs typical of the Shuswap. Enjoy inspiring views over Mara Lake and the North Okanagan Valley. Head to the right (west) for another 800 m to two more viewpoints, the second being the turnaround point and a well-deserved break. Return the way you came.

Access

Parking is limited at the trailhead. Alternate parking is available at Sicamous public beach 2.4 km from the trailhead. Walk or cycle west to the “Welcome to Sicamous” sign 1 km west of the Sicamous Narrows Bridge on Hwy 1. The trailhead is 400 m up the short access road. Hwy 1 is dangerous, take care when crossing the bridge and travelling along the highway.