When we have milder temperatures near the start of winter, then again in late winter, the snow in the valley bottom melts.    The sandy-silty shoreline is quite porous so the meltwater does not result in mud.    There are a number of winter beach hikes along the shores of the Thompson River, the South Thompson River, and the North Thompson River to enjoy.     One of the the hikes is along the beaches of Mission Flats on the south side of the Thompson River.    The beaches are widest near the mill, but we usually start our hike closer to the Waste Disposal area, at the west end of the beaches.    We hiked there twice doing different routes.    The route most often hiked is along the sandbars next to the river, then around the two seasonal islands and back with a partial loop route.

Along the way are long views down the river to Kamloops Lake, long views up the river toward Mt. Paul, and across the river to the airport and the hills rising above.    On the south side is the mill and the rocky hills rising above.

At the rivershore were gulls, crows, and ducks.    Bald eagles perched on tree limbs.    Magpies called out.    Some sockeye salmon bones were scattered in the river and along the shoreline.   A few dog-walkers also use the area.    Its fun to see the dogs playing along the beaches.

Shared here are some more photos taken from this hike, compiled into a Google Photos album (with some captions) – Mission Flats Winter Beach Hike.

Also shared is a slideshow of the same album, embedded in the post: