bobspirko.ca | Home | Canada Trips | US Trips | Hiking | Snowshoeing | MAP | ABOUT
Beacon Hill
Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area, B.C.
May 1, 2025
Distance: 6.5 km (4.0 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 148 m (486 ft)
Seeking a leisurely hike, Dinah and I turned to Beacon Hill. Overlooking Kamloops, this hillock is accessible on well-maintained trails through expansive grasslands. With no trees to block the view, the landscape stretches out in all directions, making the slight elevation gain all the more satisfying.
We began our hike from a spacious parking lot, embarking on a clockwise loop. Initially, the grasslands appeared lifeless, but as we ventured further, we were rewarded with the songs of various songbirds. We hiked west, crossing over a rise to reach a short path leading to Beacon Hill. The summit, marred by a cell tower and hydro poles, offered a modest panorama. After taking in the sights, we descended a different trail to return to the main trail. We soon turned onto another trail, briefly heading north before taking a monotonous road that led us east. We were relieved to leave the road when we turned onto a trail and followed it back over the rise, returning to the parking lot.
The trail begins next to a road
The trail forks but the trails soon converge
Beacon Hill came into view
Western meadowlark
We left the main to take a side trail to the hill
We came across dozens of caterpillars on the trail as well as a few large beetles
Looking back
We thought this was the summit but the bump left was higher
A
murder of crows congregated on the tower
On the summit. Above Thompson River is Dufferin Hill (mouse over).
Battle Bluff (far left) and Mara Hill (right)
We took a different trail down to the main trail
We turned right onto a road before reaching some cows who weren't happy to see us and soon fled
The road was rather dull
Before reaching the trailhead ahead, we turned onto a path
We got another view of Beacon Hill on our right
White-crowned sparrow
On our way back to the parking lot. Ahead are Peter and Paul Peaks.
