It was the weekend, the sun was going to shine, and I was itching to get out and get the Jeep dirty. I looked at Google Maps for forestry campgrounds and potential back country campsites. The Harrison East Forest Service Road looked promising. I left home and headed to Harrison at first light under clear but cold skies.
After a quick stop in Harrison Hot Springs for a coffee and breakfast, I continued through the village to stop in and check out the Green Point day use area. I love mornings, especially watching the sunlight play across the landscape, painting its early glow on the snow capped mountains.
The pavement ended, the dirt road began, and I was happy. I continued 11km on the dirt road towards Cascade Peninsula Campground. The road conditions changed from frozen surface to rutted snow tracks. Once over a summit, the road descended to lake level.
Unfortunately, the entrance to Cascade Peninsula Campground was gated and locked. I walked in to check it out. The steep dirt road will discourage travel trailers and motorhomes, but is best suited to smaller vehicles, preferable with all wheel or four wheel drive.
I returned to the forest service road and continued another 4km towards Bear Creek Campground. Again, the road was closed and I walked in to scope it out. The last campsite on the left, next to Bear Creek and Harrison lake looks promising.
I continued another 18 km towards Silver River. satellite vie shows a large sandy beach suitable for wilderness camping. Along the way, I followed a few side roads that climbed in elevation and had a few pull out areas that were suitable for boondocking/dispersed camping.
The sun was getting low in the sky, and when I pulled off the road for a Jeep photo opportunity – I swear I could hear angels singing as the beams of light streamed through the trees. This was a good omen.
Overall, I had a good day exploring, and looked at some campsites with good potential. With the sun sinking, and the shadows stretching like a lazy dog, it was time to return home.
