Our journey begins with an ascent of Blue Grouse Mountain. From it's heights there is an unparalleled view of Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. We travel through the forest to discover the Blue Hawk gold mine. After less than 5 tons of high grade gold ore could be mined in 1934, the miners walked away in 1938. The vein quickly played out but various exploration projects have been conducted over the years with the final work in 1993. The drill core found at the site is from that last effort and the quartz vein on surface illustrates the gold forming process (GeoQwest and our insurance underwriters STRONGLY discourage clients from entering any underground mine workings. Cancellation of tour may result for violation of this warning).

Many logged areas in British Columbia such as those you will pass through have been in pursuit of insects that are destroying British Columbia's forests. Perhaps the biggest threat to the economic, recreational wilderness and aesthetic values of our forests, the beetle kill areas can bee seen on ths tour. Naturally occurring diseases such as root rot, rusts, stem decays, cankers and mistletoe now require human intervention to control their spread. British Columbia's efficient prevention and containment of wildfire has eliminated this natural control mechanism. Forestry companies such as Tolko Forest Products who manage this area, make forest health a top priority and are active in preventive treatments and stand management practices.

Our journey continues through bear, deer and moose habitat as we find our way to the 6250 foot summit of Terrace Mountain. From this alpine vantage point, second in height only to Big White Mountain the view is unrestricted to the snowcapped Monashee range to the east, the Okanagan Valley to the north and south and across our travel route of the Thompson Plateau. The extensive forestry activity and various stages of regeneration are seen. Our return to Kelowna travels the deeper forest in search of wildlife and desends to the valley floor to complete a half day tour with memories for a lifetime.