Spanky's Multi-Use Trail

From July 2023 to June 2024, Cabin had the opportunity to restore an old legacy trail on Silver Star Mountain, located near Vernon, BC. The old trail named “Spankys” ran from the Sovereign Lake turnoff down to Pine Creek and was created by Peter Dorey and other locals in 1994. During construction, the old trail was cleared of trees and shrubs, and reroutes were added to aid aspiring riders with the black technical trail. Some of the old features that were once a staple of the trail but had been reclaimed by nature were kept in view to showcase the innovation and ambition of the earlier trail builders. A new extension from Pine Creek down to Forsberg Road was created, allowing more of a flow trail experience in contrast with the technical trail above Pine Creek. The new section was completely machine-built with retaining walls, boardwalks, and bridges being installed.

Project highlights were:

• 188 m of new boardwalk,
• One timber and three aluminum bridges with ramps,
• Two sets of aluminum staircases,
• One nine-foot-tall retaining wall,
• Two new kiosks with signage, and
• New parking lot at the Sovereign Lake trailhead.

The completed trail is the first of many phases that will one day allow users to access the Grey Canal trail system from atop Silver Star Mountain. This trail has been designated multi-use with the needs of riders and hikers in mind. It was an absolute pleasure to work on such an amazing project that intertwines a rejuvenated legacy trail and a new trail into one, with the backdrop of BX Creek and the surrounding forest.