HCBCSnowy Mountain Loop Located in the Thompson Okanagan
Snowy Mountain Loop
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Trail conditions posted on: 09 / 10 / 2025
September 5th Rode up Webster trail to Joe Lake. Camped at Joe Lake by the public cabin. Did a day ride to Harry Lake. Then returned the next day via Ewart Creek trail. About 95% of the area has been burned from the fire 2 years ago. The ground is ash and everything is burned. It was dry when we rode out and with each step there was a plume of ash dust. As the rider at the back of the line I was eating/ breathing dust. I recommend a bandana or mask. Our gear had a lot of soot on it as well. Given that it's all open now it is very hot for those who've ridden before the fire. We staged from the bridge after Horseshoe Canyon rec site. We took Webster trail, which is after the cabins, up. This route was 19 km to Joe Lake which took 6 and 1/2 hours with a lunch break. I took Webster trail 15 years ago and in comparison since the fire the trail edges are softer. This is a very steep trail and only recommended for extremely fit and seasoned horses. Webster connects to Centennial at south slopes cabins. We then continued to Joe Lake. The whole trail was clear and well maintained. A little bit of trail finding here and there in the more open areas. There are two spots on your lake that did not burn that are suitable for high lining and grazing. The first is where there's a little shack cabin that we learned later is public. It has three uncomfortable beds (Hunter's were staying in there and said they were uncomfortable). The second is on the other side of the lake and I probably would stay there in future. There are no outhouses so plan accordingly. We took a day ride to Harry Lake. It's 6 kilometers one way. Well defined trail used by an outfitter. When you reach the pond the trail will continue straight but you need to turn left before the pond on a less used trail. Otherwise you'll end up going to the outfitter cabins and not Harry Lake. Harry Lake has a big rock face bowl above it. Once you see it you can just ride towards it and it's easy finding it. Hunters told us the trail was much better going back via Ewart. Thus we took that trail return and it was 23 km and 5 hours 15 minutes. It was absolutely pouring rain on our way down so I am unsure if the dust is a little better or not. It is considerably less steep and I would recommend this trail. However it does have four Creek crossings that would be a consideration if the water is high which it was not. The Creek crossings themselves are very good. At the beginning of Ewart trail is a new bridge. On the far side of the bridge the ramp off is steep and slippery when wet. Given we were coming back down we had to go up the steep ramp which was difficult for the horses. Two of my three horses crossed but one of my horses almost stepped off the ramp. My third horse said no way and I found a very good creek crossing farther upstream. The trailhead still has hitching rails and some of the rails are up on the pens but as is they're not usable. On our way down the trail we came across parks that were clearing Ewert trail and removing danger trees. They said they'd also be clearing up the trail for access to haystack lakes.
Joe Lake Cabin is gone posted on: 05 / 27 / 2022
Just a note for trip planning. The backcountry cabin at Joe Lake burned down and should not be relied on for shelter.
Snowy Mtn Loop posted on: 10 / 26 / 2013
A group of us (including 2 riders that have ridden the trail many times in the past) tried to ride the whole loop Aug 2013. Trail south past turnoff to Cathedral, has.not been kept clear (need a sharp axe at least or a chainsaw at best). Made it to Newby Lake and on to Greenhole without too much trouble. From there it got worse and couldn't even find the trail to Hans Hole. Had to do some extremely nasty bush crashing, mud bogging on an old trail to find the Outfitters shortcut trail to Harry Lake (really could have used a saw here, never want to repeat that!) from there piece of chocolate cake, gorgeous trail to Joe Lake and thence Ewert Creek Trailhead. Trail from thereon clear and well used.
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