The Lee Creek Bluffs would be an ideal destination trail

The view from the first lookout on the west side of the bluffs, *, photo by Jim Cooperman*

Late in September, an information session was held to begin a process for developing a destination trail planning framework for the North Shuswap. Joining community leaders at this local Chamber of Commerce sponsored meeting were representatives from the CSRD parks department, BC government ministry staff, Trail Alliance staff and other interested community members.

Goals for this project include providing more opportunities for local residents to both get healthy exercise and have more opportunities to experience and appreciate nature, as well as, creating more outdoor amenities that will attract visitors throughout the year. Attendees learned how a planning framework would cover the development and management of both non-motorized trails for all four seasons.

*Wintertime brings more pleasures on the trail, photo by Jim Cooperman*

There has already been extensive work done to promote new trail development throughout the entire region through both the Shuswap Regional Trails Roundtable and previous North Shuswap Parks and Trail planning processes. As well, there is a new CSRD parks planning process underway by the Kelowna consulting agency, Urban Systems. The new planning framework process does not intend to supersede other initiatives but rather is meant to add to and collaborate with them. (see New CSRD Parks Planning Underway)

All of these new planning efforts now being added to the extensive efforts from previous years has been a source of frustration for me, given that I have been promoting the development of a local trail network here in Lee Creek for over 22 years. The Lee Creek Bluffs trail proposal has been part of the North Shuswap Parks plan since it was completed in 2005. Former CSRD park staff, Trail Alliance staff, district directors including Jay Simpson, and local hikers and naturalists have all experienced this trail and have agreed it would make an excellent addition to the Shuswap trail system.

*Charlotte Hall, CSRD Area F Director Jay Simpson and Hannah TreLeaven from the Shuswap Trails Alliance at the Lee Creek bluffs peak (“Hobbitt Hill”) on the bench I built, photo by Jim Cooperman*

The key requirements for a destination, non-motorized trail are that the trailhead should be easily accessible, the grade should work for both hiking and biking, there should be excellent views, and that it should be usable in the winter for either cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing. The Lee Creek Bluffs offer all these features including extensive, breathtaking views of Shuswap Lake from Copper Island all the way to Chase.

*The breathtaking view from the Lee Creek Bluffs with Chase in the distance on the right, photo by Jim Cooperman*

Another advantage of the Lee Creek Bluffs is that there would be a future option of developing another trail down to the Corning Creek (Lee Creek) canyon where there are a scenic waterfall and an existing trail that criss-crosses the creek.

In 2019, with funding provided in part from the North Shuswap Lions Club, a complete plan was developed for two loop trails for the Lee Creek Bluffs, one 3 km long and the other 5 km long. This plan includes cost estimates for both the trail construction as well as the bridges, culverts and boardwalks needed. The only holdup then was that the access road to the proposed trailhead was not a public road, and the project was put on hold until public access was made possible.

*A map of the proposed plan for the Lee Bluffs Trail, prepared by The Shuswap Trails Alliance*

Unfortunately, the 2023 wildfire swept through the east side of Lee Creek and burnt much of the forest adjacent to the proposed trail, although many trees are still green. Salvage logging occurred after the fire and now the area has been planted and is slowing greening up. Although nature has been disturbed, the fire has improved the views and hikers now get a better sense of the geography of the area.

With the forest gone, the landscape has opened up revealing more views of the lake as this photo taken on the proposed trail route above the bluffs. *, photo by Jim Cooperman*

A few years ago, a property close to the trailhead was sold and the new owner has created a nine-lot subdivision that included building a new road that was paved last year. Access to the Lee Creek Bluffs is now public. Since this trail network project has long been identified as a priority by the Shuswap Trails Roundtable, it should be now moving forward. Hopefully, this latest planning framework initiative will further support what could indeed become a much appreciated and well-used destination trail for the North Shuswap.

*Trail plan on top of an older satellite image prior to the fire*

POSTSCRIPT

*Lee Creek Falls, photo by Jim Cooperman*

One day a trail could be built that extends down to meet an existing trail along Corning (Lee) Creek that leads to the Lee Creek Falls. Currently, there are a series of log bridges with rope handrails where the trail crosses the creek.