Shuswap Trail Alliance has developed a new trail to a viewpoint high above Scotch Creek.   The route in is well-marked. Watch for the rectangular signs at junctions.    From Scotch Creek drive east, climbing the hill on the way to Celista.   Watch for and turn onto Leopold Road on the upper side.   Follow the road, staying right (small signs point the way).   At a marked junction, follow the Hlina Forest Service Road as it climbs the hill.   The road is narrow, but does not require high clearance.   You will pass an old homestead along the way.   Continue up the hill.   At one point you will have to open a gate.   This is Crown land, but please close all gates behind you.   Near the top of a reforested area, you will see a parking area.

A trailhead sign shows a 4km route along the lookout.   There is an additional 6km loop that is roughed in called the Hlina Loop.

The route follows a grassy double track then a winding single track through a reforested area, then through a cedar forest to the lookout.   The view is wonderful, but be sure to stay back from the edge.   Scotch Creek, Copper Island, Blind Bay and beyond towards Salmon Arm all lie before you.

We contacted Phil McIntyre-Paul, the Chair of the Shuswap Trail Alliance, who told us that new maps will be available on their website soon and that work on the Hlina Trail was planned.   They have 5 trail projects on the go for this summer.   (Doesn’t Kamloops need this sort of organization too?)

This is not a long hike, but combined with other trails in the area (Copper Island, for one) makes a pleasant day in the Shuwsap.