Larch Hills

Approximately a 25 minute drive from downtown Salmon Arm, the main parking lot at the Larch Hills Ski Trails is a good place to use as a base to explore the Larch Hills. At between 1000 and 1400 meters elevation, this coniferous-tree dominated area is very different habitat than the lower elevations of the community and lakeshore. Douglas fir, Western larch, Western red cedar, Engelmann Spruce, Lodgepole pine and western hemlock predominate. Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, three species of chickadee (Black-capped, Mountain, Chestnut-backed), Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Steller’s Jays are regular inhabitants. Great Gray Owls, Barred Owls, and Northern Pygmy Owls are also seen on occasion by the more observant/persistent birder!