Bill Karas

The Salmon Lakes region around Blue River is where this sledder spends his time

Breaking the trail to Salmon Lakes sparks Bill Karas’s sense of adventure every time. The rough single track off the main trail to Groundhog Mountain is a well-kept "almost" secret that visitors have to know is there if they want to find it.

“Breaking the trail can take three days,” said Karas, a member of the Blue River Powder Packers. “Most of the locals have GPSs or know where to look and can help out.”

Nothing is well defined on the trail or in Karas's favourite riding area—Salmon Lakes. Extreme chutes and playful meadows make for endless exploring in the region, which offers some of the best views around.

Karas has been hitting the trails for 30 years, starting out on a slightly modified XT; these days, he splits his time between his 2011 Polaris RMK Pro 800 and a 2008 Ski-Doo.

Although he loves boondocking and breaking new ground, Karas also enjoys the more popular, family-friendly areas like Groundhog Mountain, because no matter where you go in Blue River, the region is sure to please.

“The general beauty of Blue River is popular with the experienced riders,” he said, “and with anyone who visits.”

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