Pick any outdoor activity and chances are it's found in Cache Creek.
At the heart of the Cache Creek experience are the 20 buildings that make up the historic Hat Creek Ranch, one of the most distinctive heritage sites in British Columbia. This site provides the chance to explore the original buildings of a key historical junction town. Tour the ranch, which dates back to 1861; participate in a series of hands-on demonstrations; indulge in a variety of activities, including overnight stays in a teepee, or enjoy traditional First Nations cuisine.
Geocaching
Geocaching is designed to satisfy treasure hunting urges while adding a modern twist. The hunt uses GPS locations, and a combination of geocaching, letterboxing, and orienteering, with a bit of historical education at its core. Cache Creek/Ashcroft and the surrounding region is the one of the places in British Columbia where visitors can participate in geocaching.
McAbee Fossil Beds
Located about 13km/8mi east of Cache Creek, the McAbee Fossil Beds is a fascinating opportunity to hunt for fossils. Guided daily tours allow visitors access to a 366m/400yd long outcropping of 50-million-year-old lake sediment. Tours are available in July and August, or by appointment during the rest of the year.
Hiking
The rolling hills, accessible lakes, and mesas that rim the Thompson River, make Ashcroft (16km/10mi from Cache Creek) a hiker's dream. Well-marked trails are suited to a variety of skill levels. Hiking routes over terrain which gradually inclines or stays relatively flat are abundant in the area, with many beginning at old Fire Hall, a heritage site on the Thompson River edge in downtown Ashcroft. Most hiking areas are open during the winter since heavy snowfalls are rare in the region.
Horseback Riding
Experience being a cowboy while horseback riding at Hat Creek Ranch, or at Lopez Mountain Ranch, on Back Valley Road, five minutes from downtown Cache Creek. At Lopez Mountain Ranch visitors can practice in a 1,672sq m/18,000sq ft covered arena or take riding & roping lessons, before heading out through 404ha/1,000ac of desert lands and forests.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers take advantage of the limitless hiking and biking trails in and around Cache Creek and nearby Ashcroft. Check with Cache Creek Cycle Parts (1245 Frontier Road) for information about trails and touring. It's the only cycle shop between Hope and Kamloops along the Trans Canada Highway and provides roadside assistance.
Driving Routes
Check out Cache Creek's many outdoor attractions – fishing, camping, fossil hunting, and geocaching – along the Lakes & Trails Circle Route. Learn more about driving routes through Cache Creek here: Driving Route.
Motorplex
The Nl'Akapxm Eagle Motorplex, 5km/3mi south on the Trans Canada Highway, hosts scheduled auto-racing events throughout the summer months with participants coming from as far south as California and Nevada. The regular racing program operates from spring to fall.
Where to Begin
For information about things to do in Cache Creek, stop by the Visitor Centre (on ground level of the municipal office at 1389 Quartz Road).
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