Author Archives: Kamloops Kayak

A Guide to Murtle Lake, North Arm

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Murtle Lake is the largest canoe/kayak-only lake in North America.   it is also a remote spot that takes a lot of time, effort, and planning to provide a good wilderness experience.    This article provides some information for paddlers who want to explore the north arm of the lake.

The Trailhead

From Blue River, watch for the Blue River Campground sign on the west side of the highway.   The junction to Murtle Lake is at the northwest side of the campground.   The road soon turns to gravel and begins to climb up the valleys.   The road is narrow and there are a number of  blind corners so  caution is needed.    After an hour of slow progress, the route enters Wells Gray Park and the parking lot is a short distance ahead.

The portage trail is a gravel surface, but has some smaller hills.   Some of these hills will be a challenge if boats are fully loaded.    For canoes and kayaks, most will use a cart.   The Blue River campground rents them or you can bring you own.   Think about the possibility of a flat tire in your planning.   On our last trips in, there were gear carts at both ends so the load can be separately transported from the boats.   The carts have larger wheels and are more ergonomically designed so it is an attractive option, though it means doing the trip twice each way.   A poorly balanced load on a cart with small wheels (mine went flat last time) and is heavily loaded is a big challenge over a 2.5 km track.  Once in the water, the load won’t be noticed so somewhere in between light and well-stocked is recommended.

At the end of the trail, the path leads down to a dock and beach and above is a storage rack for carts (bring your own cable lock), a registration/payment kiosk, washrooms, and a food cache.

Murtle Lagoon

The first part of the paddle is through a lagoon.   Stay on the right side to go through the channel.   There are campsites on both sides of the channel as it merges with the lake.   Sandy beaches front both sides.

All campsites have shared firepits, an outhouse, and a bearproof metal food cache.   There are designated tent pads at each campsite, but people also pitch tents on the beach.

Paddling North

The first campsite up the north arm is Strait Creek.   The paddle is about 1.5 hours in normal conditions  The campsite has a beautiful beach and good facilities, but it also fronts a wetland so it can be a buggy site.   We noted about 4 sites in the trees and room for a number of additional tents on the beach.   It is a good basecamp for the Wavy Crest hike which can be started by walking down the beach (after fording Strait Creek).   We really enjoyed this site, but it is a popular destination for paddlers because of the location and the beach so plan for an early arrival to get a good spot.

We enjoyed walking up and down both sides of the beach and spotted an osprey nearby in the marsh.

East or West

The lake is narrower above Strait Creek so if the winds are right, paddlers can cross the lake in 20-30 minutes and go up the west side or they can stay on the east shoreline.   The next campsite on either side is quite small – 1 or two sites only.

For this article, we will paddle up the east side.

Moonlight Bay

This small campsite is easy to miss unless you paddle close to shore.   It is tucked away just south of the point.   It is a pleasant spot, especially good for the afternoon-evening sun.

It takes 1.75 hrs at least to paddle north to this site, but longer in windy conditions.

The next leg is around the point and then around several more points as the lake curves northeast.

Eagle Point

This is one of the best campsites on the lake –  a good beach, 3 campsites above the lake and room for 3 more on the beach, a central firepit, and excellent views up the lake.   When we  arrived, we had the site to ourselves for one night and it was dead quiet with no one else on the north end of the lake.   On the next day, we saw 5 more couples arrive, but there was still enough space for everyone.   One of the nicest things about this campsite is that it is not buggy, sitting on a sidehill with no ponds or flatlands nearby.

Looking north, ragged mountains head the valley:

Eagle Point is about 30 minutes from the end of the lake.

 

Murtle Beach

At the end of the lake, the Murtle River flows into the lake.   The river forms a delta and all the lake is very shallow on the east side.   On the west side of the end of the lake, a windswept beach sits in front of a narrow band of trees.   A campsite is nestled in the trees.  An expansive wetland sits behind the narrow forest band.   There are great views, but we found the beach to be littered with debris blown down the lake and very buggy.   We can’t recommend this campsite.

Paddling down the west side of the north arm there are three campsites:

Little Anderson

Just north of this campground is a little lagoon divided from the lake by a narrow channel which dries up in summer.   It is worth a look.   A spit runs along the southwest side and a small islet ends the sandy point.

We had heard that there was a dead moose near the campground and there was a also a sign that there was a bear in the area, so we just took a quick look at the site.   It seemed okay, but not as nice as Wavy View or Eagle Point.

Wavy View

This was our favorite campground on the west side.   It is a bit larger than the others, is right on the beach, and has a terrific view of the Wavy Range.   It will get the early morning sun, but will be in the shade late in the day.   The washroom is way up on the hill in the cedar forest.

On the route down to Sunshine Bay is a good view of the Wavy Range mountains.

Sunshine Cove

This small campground has room for 1-2 tents.   It is a good spot to camp if winds prevent a crossing of the lake.

The North Arm

The West Arm has good fishing, nice beaches, islands to explore, a lagoon and some interesting hikes, but it also sees many more canoes and kayaks.    The North Arm has smaller campsites, less visitors, but more dramatic scenery.   It is quieter, less buggy, and more remote.    We can recommend the North Arm to paddlers looking for a good wilderness experience.

Coordinates and distances for each spot will follow in another post.

 

Hand-Launch Sites

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Kamloops has two major rivers and a large lake but very few access points.    We have some fully-developed boat launches – Valleyview, Pioneer Park, and for a short-time, McArthur Island.   Boaters can also go to Tobiano, Savona, or Chase.   Many communities also have hand launch sites, that is, a place to park and a gentle short slope to the river or lake.   Good examples of hand-launch sites can be found along the Shuswap River and at various points on Shuswap Lake.   But Kamloops has few access points to these rivers.   There are a few possible locations, though.

There are a couple of narrow and awkward points in Westsyde to launch a canoe and kayak and when the river is high, access is possible from Schubert Drive, but parking, distance, and terrain makes these very limited spots.    Can we add some hand lauch sites to the river and lake?   Where? 

  • Kamloops is busy adding ball diamonds and rugby fields to the huge tract of land in Rayleigh.   We drove down to look at it and we saw that there is ample room to provide a few parking spaces and an inclined slope for a hand launch for canoes and kayaks.    Thompson River Interior Paddle Sports Club is working with this website to draft a letter to the City to request consideration of a hand launch site.
  • Cooney Bay has had a boat launch on the books for a long time.   Will it ever happen?  
  • What can we do to encourage marine access to our wilderness corridors right in the middle of the city?

A Tale of Two Lakes

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On back-to-back days, we paddled the Seymour Arm of Shuswap Lake and  the southern end of Adams Lake.   The contrast was amazing.  

Although the Seymour Arm is a remote and scenic spot, it was inundated with dozens of houseboats, jet skis, powerboats, noise, and a collective disregard for others.   The area is probably very quiet in the off-season, but we can't recommend it in the summer.  

On the other hand, we found Adams Lake to be remote, quiet, and relatively deserted.   No houseboats, jet skis, or ski boats.   Every time we travel to the shore of Adams Lake, we find clear water, wildlife, and a quiet wilderness environment.   The lake is long with a few access routes off Holdings Road.   We drove north to the lake, then past the mill at the south end to Adams Lake, then a few kilometers north to Adams Lake Provincial Park (Bush Creek).   We parked at the campsite and used the boat launch, paddling north up the shoreline toward Agate Bay.   The water in the lake is high so the beaches are covered, but there are few roads, few homes, and lots of scenery.   On a previous trip we had found broad, pristine beaches.   We will return to Adams Lake many times.   Shooting video from a kayak is a challenge, but we posted some footage to give readers/viewers a sense of the sights and sounds:

Adams Lake South on You Tube  (click to go to the video)

McGillivray Lake

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When the summer heats up the valley, some of the highland lakes make a nice retreat for exploration, a workout, and some paddling.   Two lakes worth visiting are McGillivray Lake and Morrisey Lake.     The simplest route is to drive to Sun Peaks and follow the main road, turning up onto Sun Peaks Drive, then onto the McGillivray Lake Forest Service Road.   This road is snowed-in the winter, but it is quite a good access road for late-spring, summer, and fall.   Follow the road as it climbs around the resort, then around the cross-country ski system.    This same road connects all the way towards Chase.

Along the way, a side road goes east to Morrisey Lake.   There are two small campsites to launch a boat, camp, fish, or just picnic.    It is a medium-sized lake, but in scenic forested bowl.

Not far to the south is the larger McGillivray Lake.   Drive down to the McGillivray Lake Outpost where there is parking, a dock, a boat launch, and outhouses.

It is an easy launch from this spot.   The lake is about 2km long.   There are two large islands to explore, with a landing spot on the south tip of the northern island.   Two bays are full of water lilies, loons dive for fish, fish jump with a new hatch, and many birds circled overhead.

On the way back to town, take the road south down, winding through the hills down to Neskonlith Lake.   On our last trip we saw deer, a black bear, two badgers, and hillsides of wildflowers.

The road winds down the hill, passes the west end of Neskonlith Lake, and comes down to the Shuswap Road.   Follow the road back to Pritchard, and cross the bridge to the Trans Canada Highway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearwater Lake

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There is something magical about driving to the end of lake, then paddling out into wilderness.   There are no roads beyond the boat launch and the lake is 23km long.   Azure Lake adds another 23 km of wilderness.  

The southern half of the lake is all trees along a steep shoreline, but these are ridges, not peaks.   A few waterfalls tumble into the lake and there are some good spots to land at the marine campgrounds along the way.   For  a day paddle, we stopped at Cariboo Beach, then up to Divers Bluff and came back on the other side for a triangular route.   We recommend crossintg the lake at the narrowest spots since winds and waves can rise up on the lake, particularly later in the day.   The water is clear, and the lake is quiet.

Taking video footage while paddling on the lake is never easy, but here it is nonetheless:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm1emRqGTe4

 

 

Flood Channels

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When the North and South Thompson Rivers reach their peak from mid May to mid-July, islands are flooded and new channels open up, providing opportunities to paddle into the channels and explore areas that motorized boats can't get into.   Two channels worth exploring are accessed from the McArthur Island boat launch.   By late-July the boat launch becomes too shallow and the channels can't be paddled.   The challenge in going out into the Thompson River in flood is that the river runs quickly with the combined weight of the two rivers.   Any upstream paddling west of Overlander Bridge is a slow paddle requring strength and endurance.   If you can find a back eddy or a slower part of the river, choose it.

Paddle 1.3 km downriver to the west entrance to the McArthur Island.   Turn into the channel and paddle the still waters up to the bridge.   On my last trip, the waters were too high to allow a kayak to get under the birdge so I turned around there.   There were many ducks and blackbirds in the channel and its an interesting side trip away from teh river's currents.   On the way back out, turn upstream and paddle hard upstream to the end of Rabbit Island.   This upstream paddle will be the most challenging part of the route.   Once around the point of the island, the current is a little less, then a back eddy can be entered, allowing an easier paddle on teh south side of the island.   To return back downriver, paddle out of the eddy into the current to return downstream to the west tip of the island.   Steer close to shore and enjoy a lesser current up the north side of Rabbit Island.   There is a small channel at the west end of the island to explore.   

Continue up the north side of the island and look for the deep channel into the interior of the island.   There is a bit of a current in here, but you can enjoy exploring the channel all the way to the end and back.   Continue upstream along the shore of the island to avoid the main current of the river.   I find it easier to go past McArthur Island, then angle back down to the boat launch..

Recording video while paddling an active river is never easy,  so most of the movie footage is in stiller water.   You can see the video on You Tube:   Rabbit Channels

 

North Thompson Channel

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A channel that floods in high water on the North Thompson River was featured in a post last summer (link).   In May and June, the river expands and rises and creates a mile-long island island across from Westysde.    By paddling across the river, a canoe or kayak can enter the channel at either end and enjoy and "everglades" type of environment.   Beavers, muskrats, eagles, ducks, and nesting birds use the slower-moving waters of the channel.   An eagle's nest overlooks the south end of the channel.   We saw a cowbird and western tanagers in the trees.    Beaver activity is most often seen in the evening.    The top part of the channel is partially blocked by a large ponderosa pine so care should be taken at the north end.    Personal water craft or motorboats are not recommended.    A number of submerged poles are evidence of former log-booming in the channel.   The journey through the channel is safe and very navigable for canoes and kayaks, though the north entrance may daunt some so less-confident paddlers can enter at the south end and paddle up and back.  

Crossing the North Thompson takes some experience.   Starting at the Harrington Road hand launch site is recommended, with a quick crossing to the east side.   Going up and back along the east shore is easier since the west shore current is much stronger. 

Our first attempt at video is now uploaded to YouTube.    Taking a movie while paddling is quite difficult and so all the footage is in calm spots, plus I beached on the island to get more.   The next challenge was to learn new software and to upload to YouTube.   We find that the only way to learn is to try it, so here it is:

The Flooded Riparian Zone

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We have wilderness and wildlife corridors right through the middle of our City.   The North and South Thompson Rivers are transformed as the waters rise and flood the rock shorelines and sandbars.    The rivers expand right into the vegetation zones on either side.   While paddling on the river this week, the following can be seen by other observant outdoors people:

  • Nesting ducks and geese along shorelines, in tree caverns, and on shelves above the water line.
  • Loons are not normally seen on the river near town except in May-June.   Loons were diving in the wide section of the river east of the Yellowhead bridge.
  • A muskrat home can be seen close to the shore on the Reserve side upriver.
  • Beaver activity can also be seen on the shoreline.
  • Two Canada goose mothers each had three fledglings on the shoreline. 
  • Shrubs and trees adapted to the flooded riparian zone dominate the shoreline.   In the Kamloops area, the shoreline it is often hardhack spirea, red ossier dogwood, shrub willow, and black cottonwood.
  • Spirea was in flower, even with its feet in the water.   Catkins have not yet swelled.
  • Shrubs and trees make hollows, tree-caves, and alcoves for wildlife.   We area usually only aware of the rustlings.
  • Eagles and ospreys perch on high spots looking down at the river.
  • Gulls and crows scavening along shorelines.
  • Shore debris that is lifted by the rising river.
  • The whole river channel changes with new eddies, small whirlpools, and rebound waves appearing over what had been shoreline a few weeks ago.    Rippled water covers rockbars and sandbars.
  • On the claybanks, small birds nest in burrowed holes.   We saw mountain bluebirds and swallows flitting to the nests and back over the river.

 

Kamloops Lake to Tobiano (South Shore)

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We launched out of Cooney Bay on a sunny, blustery day in October.   Cooney Bay Road is a bit rough and it is a bit of a haul down to the muddy beach over logs.   Once in the water, paddlers have to navigiate around the sandbars at the mouth of the river.   It is much easier to round the point and venture into Cooney Bay and then along the north shore of the lake.   To get to the south shore of the lake, there is a long traverse over some turbulent water to reach the rocky bluffs.   The railway (CPR) follows the south shore and goes over trestles, platforms, and through tunnels where the clifffs come right down to the lake.  The railbed was built in 1885 and the tunnels and platforms date back to this time, but were improved over time.   Some of the platforms are quarried rock:

Paddling Kamloops Lake on a calm day is a great experience.  It can be an adventure on a windy day and should only be attempted by experienced paddlers with full safety gear.

Taking pictures in a kayak with waves and wind is not easy.   Further along the lake is a trestle which we paddled underneath to a rocky cove.

The shoreline remains rocky all the way to Tobiano.   The angle of the lake turns WNW so the waves were now cutting across our bearing and we had to time each wave surge (some were 3 feet high) to avoid being swamped or overturned.  This made for some concentrated efforts all the way to Tobiano.

Tobiano has a launch ramp. some docks, and a sandy beach.   We found the landing to be easy, pulled our boats onto the shoreline and had then lunch.

A paddle from Cooney Bay to Tobiano is not an easy one.   Good weather is important and a two-car system would work best.   We are not sure if Tobiano would charge you for a landing.   We understand that it costs $10 to launch there.   That day was late in October, no one was around, and we paddled all the way to Savona, landing at the small park.    It is a longish paddle with a lot of open water, but the scenery is fine all the way.   It would be nice to have a better launch spot near Kamloops, but this also measn that there are very few boats on the east end of the lake.

 

Scuitto Lake

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The Scuitto Lake Road starts a short ways up the Campbell Range Road.    After winding through Tree Flats, it starts to climb through the forest around Mount Vicars.    The road is in good shape, but it is a little bumpy.   Emerging out of the forest, the road comes to the northeast corner of Scuitto Lake.    Both Scuitto and Campbell Lake are destinations for fishing, but they also are a nice spot for a leisurely paddle.    There are a number of camping spots on the east shore and good access at a number of points.

There are some interesting shallows to explore on the west side and we landed on the island to look around.   Mt. Vicars and Mount Scuitto rise above the uplands lake.

Paddling here is a quiet exploration.

Clearwater Lake

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One of our favorite paddling destinations is Clearwater Lake.   The launch is at the very end of the Wells Gray Corridor.  There is a good parking lot and lots of room to launch.   Start your journey north.

The first campground on the lake is just across the narrow part of the lake so if you have a late arrival, this may be a good choice.    As you start your paddle up the lake, you will be amazed by how clear the water is.   The lake gradually widens.   Divers Bluff is a larger campground with some nice sites above the shoreline.   Big Bar Campground is popular because of its sandy point and sheltered (small) bay.   We like Ivor Creek because it is a small campground for non-motorized boats only.   Two small streams come down to the lake here, but the forest behind is very dense and dark.   If you plan to cross the lake, doing it early is a good idea since winds can whip up on this 22 km long lake.   It is a long paddle to the end of the lake.   We enjoyed the small campground at the north end.

If you have two nights only, then paddling Clearwater Lake to two campsites is a good choice.   If you have more time, then you can try the portage to Azure Lake.    Paddle to the end of the lake, them enter the river.   The current makes progress slow but look for the slowest flow on either side.    After some hard work, you can see a sign on the right marking the start of the portage.   This is not a long portage, but it is an awkward one.   The first 250 meters is fairly open, but the last 750m climbs over a small bluff, winding among rocks and trees.   Even with a cart, this is a difficult section for a lone paddler.   Most people carry their boats one at a time, working in pairs.   More and more people are using the the water taxi to haul their boats instead, right to the end of Azure Lake and then they paddle back to  their vehicles.  

Azure Lake is also 22km long.   From the parking lot to Rainbow Falls near the end of Azure Lake is two full days of paddling.    However far you plan to paddle, come prepared and be self-sufficient.   There are no roads, homes, or services once you have started your marine exploration.    But that is precisely why we return to Clearwater Lake as often as we can.

Central Mountain

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The two arms of Murtle Lake wind around Central Mountain (see the map in the previous post).    From a number of viewpoints, hikers can look down the west arm or the north arm of the lake.   To the east is the Wavy Range, with triangular peaks and long rocky ridges.   To the north is an endless line of snow and ice covered peaks of the Cariboo Ranges.    To the northeast is the source of the North Thompson River, the Premiers Range.    Looking past the end of the west arm, the Murtle River winds down the Murtle Plateau.   The cone -shaped Kostal Volcano stands above Kostal Lake.     Lakes, rivers and ponds dot the landscape.   Below the sandbars of Leo Island, where we camped, could be seen under the blue-green lake water (telephoto shot).

The start of the hike is on the north side of the west arm, not far from Leo Island.    There is no easy landing at the trailhead.   It is a bit of a rocky shoreline, but once ashore, there is room to drag the boat up onto the bank.    A sign marks the trailhead and the trail starts a winding route up into the forest.    The route is steep and a bit overgrown.   The route is 7.5 km each way with a 1037m elevation gain.   The trail climbs out of the forest into sub-alpine meadows with lots of wildflowers.    The mountain is a sprawling open meadow with rocky outcrops and a few ponds.    Travel across the top is quick and hikers will want to find new viewpoints by exploring the open ridges.

If this mountain had easier access, it would see many hikers.     It is a recommended hike for those who can travel, portage, paddle, camp, and take a full day to explore the high country.

Murtle Lake West Arm

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Once you have launched your canoe or kayak, you will pass through a lagoon for 1.5 km.   At this point, you will emerge into Murtle Lake.   There are two campsites (Murtle Lagoon) here if paddlers get a late start.  The large east bay makes good paddling if the winds are calm, but if not, you may have to stay inside the lee of the bay, making a longer paddle, but a route closer to shore will be less difficult if there is weather to battle.   On our last trip, we were able to angle straight for the point on a calm, sunny day.  

At the point is a sandy spit and just inside the spit is the next campground.    A sandy beach and a good location makes this campground (Sandy Point) a popular spot.   There are only 3 designated sites here, but we saw about 8 tents pitched.   All campsites have a food cache and pit toilets.

Continuing on, paddlers pass a marshy, forested shoreline.  At the indent of the bay, another larger campground (Auther) sits.    Turning around the point, paddlers will enjoy Fairy slipper Island.   There is no camping here, but it makes a nice spot for a rest or a swim.   The West Arm narrows here between Central Mountain and the south shoreline.   The hills beyond are rounded, leading on to the Murtle Plateau.  

There are 7 campgrounds in the arm.   some may already be full.   We stopped at each one just to see the site.   We talked to some of the campers.   Most were close to full except the ones at the far end, but all seemed very nice.  

Birch Beach Campground (the first one on the north shore) had 3 sites, but we saw 6 tents.   Beyond it, Cottonwood Campground had 2 sites and was full.   We paddled onto Leo Island and found that the campsite up on the hill was vacant.   Everyone who was already camped on the island wanted to be on the beach so we set up our tents and spent 3 nights here as our base camp.  

We paddled down the west arm and checked out the campground at Smoker Island (2 sites).   Campers told us that the fishing was best near the islands or in Diamond Lagoon.   Beyond the islands is a campground at File Creek (4 sites).   There is a 1.5km portage there up File Creek to where boats can be launched upstream.     the route is a little marshy but boardwalks help.  File Creek is fairly narrow and the area can be buggy, but the terrain opens up further upstream under the slopes of It is possible to hike from the top of navigation on File Creek up to McDougall Lake or beyond to Kostal Lake.   This area is very remote and only for the most experienced backcountry explorers.   Another 4km trail goes up to Anderson Lake, which will be on our itinerary for our next trip.   There is also a trail on the North Shore that goes up Central Mountain which will be a separate story to follow.

The Kostal Campground at the end of the arm was empty, but it had a 4 nice sites and a nice beach.   As you approach Diamond Lagoon, you may be alarmed by the current as it sweeps out of Murtle Lake.   It is an easy ride down into the lagoon.    Stay on the south shore and be sure to stop before the lagoon empties into a series of rapids.   A signed landing spot is the start of the 5km McDougall Falls Trail.   The secret to getting back up from the lagoon is to tuck in behind the island then paddle hard  up the narrow section.   Fishing is excellent at this outlet.

The west end of Murtle Lake from high on Central Mountain:

If you paddle the whole west arm and do the hikes, there are a few days of camping here.  

 

 

Murtle Lake

Kamloops Kayak Posted on by

Paddlers from all over the world travel to North America's largest non-motorized lake.   In British Columbia, we sometimes take such special places for granted, but it's right in our backyard.   Murtle Lake is a destination for paddlers, hikers, and anyone loving to camp in remote mountains.    The water is crystal clear, the beaches are wonderful, wildlife is abundant, and the views are wonderful.   We hope to get back to Murtle Lake every 2-3 years.

Murtle Lake will require some preparation.   It would be very impractical to think of it as a day trip.   Traveling time, a portage, and overnight camping all need to be planned.   No campfires are allowed so you have to bring a camp stove and all of your own gear.   Campsites are primitive so your boat has to have all the gear you might need.  

To get to Murtle Lake, drive north to Blue River.   Turn left at a signed intersection and follow a twisting, rough gravel road for 27km up into the hills.   At the parking lot, you will start the process of loading your boat onto a cart.   If you don't have a cart, you can rent one at the campground at the turn-off in Blue River.   Load your supplies into your boat and pull your cart along a gravel path for 2.5 km to the lagoon launch site.   You can lock your cart there (a rack is provided).    You will then reload your canoe or kayak to launch.   A fee is charged for staying overnight at one of the campgrounds at $5/person/night.   The first 1.5 km is through a lagoon where you emerge into the lake.   There is a wide beach at this point and a campground there if you have made a late launch.   As you paddle out into the east bay, you will have to decide to head west or north.   There are 19 camping spots on the lake.   Your first paddle will likely be to your first campground.   it is a long paddle to the end of either arm, so the conditions, the time, and your fitness will limit your choices.   Each arm is different and a subsequent post will explain a bit about what to expect. 

Some campsites are special spots:

More posts to follow in succession.

Your Personal Trip Computer

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Bring your GPS with you when you go for a hike/bike/paddle and it can record how far you have traveled, how much actvity time you had, your average speed or much more.   The Trip Computer (or whatever it is called in each type of GPS) can record any of the following that you choose:

Field Description
Accuracy of GPS Your estimated position error (EPE)
Battery Level Battery charge, in 20% increments
Bearing Direction, in degrees, to the next waypoint
Cadence Revolutions of the crank arm per minute (for bicyclists using the cadence accessory)
Course Direction from the last waypoint to the next waypoint
Depth Depth of water (requires NMEA input from a sonar device)
Distance to Destination Distance to final destination
Distance to Next Distance to the next waypoint or turn
Elevation Elevation above sea level
ETA at Destination Estimated time of arrival at final destination
ETA at Next Estimated time of arrival at next waypoint or turn
Glide Ratio Ratio of horizontal distance traveled to vertical distance traveled
Glide Ratio to Dest Glide ratio required to descend from your current position and elevation to the position and elevation of your final destination
GPS Signal Strength Strength of satellite lock, in 20% increments
Heading Direction you are currently heading
Heart Rate Heart rate in beats per minute (using the heart rate monitor accessory)
Location (lat/lon) Location in ddd mm.mmm format
Location (selected) Location in format set in Setup > Position Format
Odometer Total distance traveled for all trips
Off Course Distance to your desired course (use To Course for direction)
Pointer Arrow indicating direction to travel to the next waypoint or turn
Speed Current speed
Speed – Maximum Maximum speed traveled since last reset
Speed – Moving Avg. Average speed, not including time stopped, since last reset
Speed – Overall Avg. Average speed, including time stopped, since last reset
Sunrise Time of today's sunrise at your current position
Sunset Time of today's sunset at your current position
Temperature – Water Water temperature (requires external data acquisition device)
Time of Day Time at your current position
Time to Destination Estimated elapsed time until you reach your final destination
Time to Next Estimated elapsed time until you reach your next waypoint or turn  
To Course Direction to your planned course (use Off Course for distance)
Trip Odometer Distance since last reset
Trip Time – Moving Time in motion since last reset
Trip Time – Stopped Time stopped since last reset
Trip Time – Total Total time since last reset
Turn The difference in degrees between the bearing to your destination and your current heading. "L" means turn left; "R" means turn right.
Velocity Made Good Rate of closure to your destination, based on current speed and course
Vertical Speed Current rate of ascent or descent
Vertical Speed To Dest Rate of ascent or descent to your final destination
Waypoint at Dest Name of final destination waypoint
Waypoint at Next Name of next destination on the current route

You can configure your Trip Computer to record whatever information you wish.   These are the ones I prefer for hiking:

  • Trip Odometer (reset it at the start of your hike, bike, paddle)
  • Moving Time
  • Moving Average (speed)
  • Stopped time
  • Elevation
  • Location
  • Temperature
  • Battery level

 

 

Track Your Hikes

Kamloops Kayak Posted on by

You can go out for a hike and bring your GPS and then come back home and download your track onto your computer.   You can create an elevation plot, show your route, show your speed, and much more.    Here is a plot from a recent off-trail exploration:

In the top image, the blue line represents the route I took.   The flags show waypoints that I took along the route (I placed geocaches there).  

At the bottom, the red line shows the elevation over time.   The blue line shows speed.   

How do you do this?    The detailed description will be outlined in a separate post, but in a nutshell, here are the steps:

  • Turn on your GPS at the start of the hike.   Enable tracking.
  • Hike.
  • At the end of the hike, either turn off Tracking or shut off your GPS.   Otherwise you will be tracking your trip home in the car.
  • Once home, connect your GPS to the computer via USB
  • Open Google Earth.
  • Click Tools, then GPS.
  • In the Import section, pick Tracks and click import.
  • You should see your route projected onto the Google Earth view.  
  • To get an elevation plot, you need to see the Sidebar.    Your track will be Saved in Temporary Places.   Right click there and pick Show Elevation Profile.
  • You can save this view, save as a jpg, email the view, etc. from the same place!

This technology is new, but accessible to everyone.