The Dewdrop Range is a benchland above Kamloops Lake, stretching for about 10 km from the Tranquille – Criss Creek Road to Rousseau Hill. Below the Range are cliffs down to the CNR and the lake. Above is the Red Plateau Escarpment rising to Red Plateau. there are a number of hiking trails and routes in the Dewdrop Range, some climb the Escarpment, and some traverse the plateau above. One road goes along the range and then descends to the community of Frederick on the lake. The upper road splits with one rough road going over Peregrine Bluffs and down to the lakeshore, and one (rougher) road climbs up onto Red Plateau. We have found that the road that climbs up to be 4WD, one that is too risky for us. We can park lower, though, and hike up the road to the top, or we can climb up to gain elevation, then traverse off-trail to the summit of Rousseau Hill.
The maps do not name this prominent hill, but it rises above the Dewdrop – Rousseau Wildlife Management Area and Rousseau Creek.
It is a rough scramble to the top of the hill, but the views made it worthwhile. Since we were positioned across from Six Mile Point, we could see down the length of the western end of Kamloops Lake and al the hills surrounding he valley. Painted Bluffs Provincial Park was only 4 km away.
We could also see up the lake to Battle Bluff and all of the hills and mountains to the south. To the northeast were the steep cliffs of the lava flow that became the Escarpment.
There were a few volcanic crags and pinnacles on Rousseau Hill to explore, but any routes were over rough ground so we explored the top, then returned the way we came.
The route was about 6.5 km, but it was slow-going. It is a route only for experienced hikers who can navigate steep routes off-trail. We did this hike twice, but is now a few years ago. For anyone looking for a challenge and an adventure, Rousseau Hill may fit the bill.
