For six hours after departing Kamloops, the tracks run north, following the North Thompson River for much of the way and indeed crossing it several times. The scenery changes gradually from the dry, rolling plateau – though miles of irrigation soften the starkness – to the lusher, evergreen forests. Narrow valleys bordered by mountains on both sides feature farmlands, pastures, forests, logging camps, and small communities. The latter often have flag stops — for example, Clearwater and Blue River. Near Clearwater, the train crosses the Clearwater River. The Monashee Mountains lie to the east for much of the way to Valemount.