Cooney Bay – Kamloops Lake

Cooney Bay is the closest access to Kamloops Lake from the east.    It is not an easy area to access with a kayak or canoe, but it does offer excellent paddling opportunities on the lake.

Location/Driving Directions/Access/Launch:

  • Drive past the airport and continue toward Tranquille.    At the junction (right goes to the Tranquille – Criss Creek Road and left goes to Tranquille), turn left and follow the paved road to Tranquille.    A gated road bears left and continues along a rough road to the trailhead to Cooney Bay.
  • The dirt road has many potholes and can be difficult after rainfall, or with snowmelt.
  • There is lots of parking at the trailhead area, but this is a remote spot so use good security for your belongings.
  • A rough trail leads from the parking area to the shoreline of the river.    There are some logs to get past and some muddy areas.   The trail is a bit rough.    It is a long carry (120m) so I use wheels on the back end of my kayak.
  • The shoreline along the river may be muddy so it is best to look for the best spot, but it is a good idea to wear boots for launching and landing.

The Lake

  • the launch is on the rivershore so we have to paddle a short distance to the lake.    Where the river meets the lake, there are extensive sandbars.    A narrow channel has deeper water to get around the point.
  • Paddlers can round the point and turn right to paddle in Cooney Bay.    The northeast end of the bay is sheltered from the wind.
  • We can continue down the lake close to the rocky shoreline, out to, and around Battle Bluff.
  • A crossing of the lake for a loop route is a 1.5 km traverse.    This should only be done when the winds permit open water paddling.
  • there is a stone arch on the south side of the lake.   We can paddle out to the end of Battle Bluff, then cross the lake and return onto the shoreline, completing the loop along the sandbars (watch for the change in water color), back to the start.
  • We have paddled all the way to Savona from Cooney Bay.     This is a long paddle, especially when the winds come up (around 11 am).
  • We can also access the lake from Tobiano or Savona.

 

Pros:

  • Much of Kamloops Lake is remote and rugged.    A scenic area with steep rocky bluffs on both sides.
  • There are several interesting spots to view along the lake.
  • The west end of the lake has easier access and easier paddling.

Cons:

  • A more difficult access and launch spot.
  • The lake can be very windy and when the winds are stronger, the middle of the lake is not a safe spot to paddle.
  • Longer, more seaworthy kayaks or canoes are recommended.   Full safety gear is a must.

Some Images:

 

 

A Video: