Ink’s Lake, Kamloops, B.C.
Dirt Biking at Inks Lake Near Kamloops
While staying near Kamloops, we spent a day dirt biking at the Inks Lake and Chuwhels riding area, about 20 minutes south of the city. The trail network connects with the larger Greenstone system and includes everything from beginner-rated trails to technical black terrain.
We started on one of the green trails, which was mostly smooth, fast, and incredibly fun. However, it also included several steep climbs. I am becoming convinced that Canadians are completely insane when it comes to trail ratings, because some of those steep “green” sections felt much more serious than the beginner trails we are accustomed to riding in the United States. It was fun for us and we enjoyed the hill climbing, but prepare yourself if you’re expecting a typical green.
We also explored portions of a few black trails. They were more technical and looked like they could become significantly harder farther into the network, but we did not have enough time to finish them.
Conditions were a little dusty, although the scenery helped make up for it. Wildflowers were blooming throughout the riding area, adding bright patches of color along the trails and through the surrounding forest.
We barely saw anyone else during our ride, and the network felt nearly endless. There are countless miles of trails, roads, connectors, and intersections stretching toward Chuwhels Mountain and Greenstone. It would be extremely easy to get turned around or unintentionally ride much farther than planned, so bringing an offline GPS map is essential. Trailforks lists well over 150 dirt-bike trails across the broader Chuwhels network.
Inks Lake Riding Area Coordinates
Inks Lake: 50.6189, -120.4454
Approximate Inks Lake/Chuwhels ORV staging area: 50.6181, -120.4460
Access: Take Highway 5 south from Kamloops to Exit 355 for Inks Lake. Follow the paved exit approximately 700 metres to the stop sign, turn right, cross the cattle guard, and continue approximately 300 metres to the main parking area on the right.
Inks Lake was one of those riding areas where we could have spent several full days exploring and still barely scratched the surface. Between the fast single-track, unexpectedly steep green-rated climbs, technical black trails, wildflowers, and almost complete lack of crowds, it was an excellent place to ride near Kamloops.
