An enthusiastic group of nine naturalists showed up at China Ridge Longhouse on Saturday, Jan. 28th to participate in the snowshoe hike to China Ridge Viewpoint. Following the Parker Owen trail and onto the top of the basalt ridge the group enjoyed views of the Tulameen Valley and the snow covered mountains toward the West. Dropping down to Fence Fun, we crossed the Ridge Trail Cross Country Ski Trail and continued on what is designated as the Parker Bike Trail. Surrounded by remnants of the last giant interior Douglas Fir forest that once covered this area, we then entered a self generated forest as we made their way to the viewpoint. Many tracks of deer, elk, moose, ruffed grouse, snowshoe hare, lynx and the odd cougar track abounded. Reaching the Viewpoint, a view of the Similkameen valley and all points east could be admired. A fire was soon built and a picnic table allowed everyone to have a sit down and enjoy their lunch. Everyone enjoyed themselves and commented how much easier it was than Secret Lake. The actual roundtrip took 3 hours, not 4, and this trail can now be classified as Easy/Moderate. VFFN encourages everyone to come out and enjoy nature in its winter setting.
