Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

Overview:

The Okanagan Similkameen in the southern interior of British Columbia, is truly a beautiful part of the province. The scenery is unsurpassed. Summers are hot and sunny and winters are moderate. Great sandy beaches, good swimming, boating and excellent fishing makes summer days carefree and fun. Winter brings exciting skiing and ice fishing. The Okanagan Similkameen is a region for all seasons. Helping to preserve this vacation wonderland are thirty-one provincial parks, fourteen different eco reserves and three large wilderness parks.

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park:

A wilderness park in the Okanagan Similkameen is Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, on the east side of Okanagan Lake, in the Kelowna area. Overlooking the lake is 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of wilderness that is accessible only on foot, bikes or horseback. Landscape features mountain lakes, grassland plus fir and spruce forests. A climb to the top means wonderful views of the lake and the Monashee Mountains. Facilities include trails and remote campsites. Between the cities of Kelowna and Penticton, are six marine campgrounds, many bays and sandy beaches along the undeveloped 33 km (20 mi.) of shoreline. Water exploring this region is truly a fun experience.

Access:

From the south, reach the park trailhead from Penticton. Take the Naramata Road to Chute Lake, from here take the right fork along Gemmill Lake Road to the parking lot.

To reach the park from the north, drive 17 km (11 mi.) south of Kelowna on Pandosy Street, then go down the east side of Okanagan Lake along Lakeshore Road. Stay on this road till the northeast parking lot for the park.

Hiking in the Park:

This wilderness region offers 24 km (15 mi.) of hiking and riding trails. The most interesting hike in Okanagan Mountain Park is to Wild Horse Canyon. People, in this area, believe that during the 1890's the aboriginals trapped wild horses in this canyon. Also, dating from the fur brigade days are pack trails traversing the park.

From the parking lot, the trail heads to the left. The first section of the trail passes through ponderosa pines and grassland. After hiking about 3 km (1.86 mi.), cross the creek and take the trail that leads uphill, continue for approximately 5 km (3 mi.) till the canyon. Hike the canyon to Okanagan Lake and back, a total of about 22 km (13.6 mi.). Or climb the gully on the west wall, return by hiking the ridges and the rim on the north side of the canyon. This trail descends gradually and joins up with the trail by the creek. Still another alternative hike in this area is, when you reach the half way mark of the canyon, go uphill in a southeast direction and the two excellent little fishing lakes. At this point, drop down past the lakes to Good Creek Canyon, follow the canyon for approximately 3 km (1.86 mi.). Now head north by way of the Kettle Valley Railway station, facing the lake, hike downhill and join the trail at the bottom. This is rattle snake country, be very careful and wear good hiking boots.

Wilderness hiking means being prepared for the unexpected, always carry food, water, waterproof clothing, and a camp stove. Survival gear and a first aid kit are essentials when backcountry hiking. Choose a site that is well away from trails and water when setting up a campsite. Pack out all the garbage, do not bury it. Never remove anything from the wilderness and keep your distance watching animals in the wild. Leave as little impact as possible, help preserve the wilderness areas in British Columbia so others can enjoy it. Be safe, have fun!

For more information contact:
BC Parks
Okanagan Lake Park
P.O. Box 399
Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0
Phone: (250) 494-6500
Fax: (250) 494-9737