West side of Lower Arrow Lake

[scotty905]

I'm heading out next weekend on a four day excursion and would like some info about roads down the west side of Lower Arrow Lake from Needles to Renata Cr. I'm sure that there will be to much snow but thought I'd ask anyway. So is it possible to go from Needles to Renata Creek and then on to the old rail bed? The Kootney Map book says that it is "No Thru" at Renata creek?

Any info on this is appreciated:hb:

[sector]

I'm interested in the answers to your questions too. If you find out anything let us know.

[amigoride]

We did that ride last year in lateMay.The gravel forestry road starts in Edgewood and ifI recall is 72kms. to Renata.The road follows the Lake South well up the moutainside and drops down a few kms. before Renata. I wouldn't bet on it being snow free now. It is pretty high elevation wise and there was significant snow in the shady areas on the side of the road well into May.It is a good road used by forestry people and tree planters.Probably some pretty muddy stretches if there hasn't been a spell of dry weather.The road is mostly level with only a couple of steeper grades particularly coming up from Renata.Renata Cr. was up and there was no way to get through.There was a narrow brige that had washed sideways into the mainstream of the creek.Basically two long logs with decking spiked across.I was told by a previous resident that it was virtually impossible to make the railbed even if you got through the creek.

Its a long haul all the way back to Needles.You can drop down the Burrell cr. forest service rd. and come out north of grand Forks about 20 kms.I remember this rd. being about 50 kms. from Renata.Nice ride.Nothing technical.Mud and snow would be your biggest challenges at this time of year.We were eager to make the railgrade and looked long and hard at the creek for possible crossings. No go when the water is up.

Brian in Kelowna

[scotty905]

Thanks Brian. That's the kind of informative info I was looking for. :hb:

[bubba zanetti]

Had a lot of discussion about this with some local riders. A fellow, who lives across the lake from there, sees Trucks and quads coming in all the time from Castlegar having ridden up the rail bed and then taking the road to connect as described above.

This will be one of my first rides in about a week and I will go check it out and see if I can make a track on my GPS.

[scotty905]

I'll be riding through Castlegar probably on Tuesday May 1st and hope to ride the rail bed on our return trip so we might take a run up to Renata to check it out.

[bubba zanetti]

I am hoping to be home from California on Monday night. ( I am picking up a Dr from San Jose on Friday the 27th ) ... so no way I can commit to anything. But, next time ... give me a shout as we have plenty of room and are happy to host motorcyclists in our home.

I will likely ride this route the following weekend as my inagural run. That is, if ... after 1975 km ... I am even willing to get back on the bike. ..... :)

[koots_roots]

let me know when your going out there folks... i would like to make the journey too.

from every indication i have sensed, its a no go.if itis just renata creek that is the crux, itmight beworth sessing out the potential tobuild a structure that will allow passage at certain times of the year though i dont know if the renata residents would appreciate that too much.