Top 10 Hiking trails in and around Kelowna

With summer being in full swing, I can't wait to get outside and go for a jog, run or a good hike. Check out my top ten hiking trails in and around Kelowna.

1. Knox Mountain : If you don't want to drive too far from the city then choose to hike Knox Mountain because it is located right in the heart of Kelowna. Take Ellis Street North all the way to the end to reach the park entrance. There is parking available at the bottom of the mountain, at mid point, and at the top. Most trails are accessible from the entrance on Ellis Street. Some of the trails are steep so be careful.

2. Angel Springs require a moderate hike of about 4 km. Angel springs are located in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park located south of Kelowna. Besides Angel Springs, the park is known for the amazing scenery in and around Myra Canyon and the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR). Though the springs aren’t for bathing, the geological formations and mineral deposits are an interesting sight. The trailhead is located on the east side of Little White Forest Service Road at kilometer four. To reach the trailhead from Kelowna take K.L.O. Road to McCulloch Road then to June Springs Road Follow June Springs to Little White Forest Service Road.

3. Rose Valley Reservoir: It's not to hard to get to Rose Valley Reservoir. To hike the Rose Valley Reservoir, take Hwy 97 across the bridge toward Westbank, turn right on Bartley Road. Take Bartley Road until you cross a cattle guard and then park. You can start walking on the main trail until you see the sign indicating the route to Rose Valley Reservoir. About 2 km along this road you will reach the southern end of the reservoir. Walk on your left (west) side of the reservoir to the north end (about 3 km). You can cross the creek at that end and hike back to your car/bike.

4. Bear Creek Provincial Park: Want to take your little puppy with you for a hike? Choose Bear Creek dog friendly provincial park. Gorgeous view from the top makes this hike totally worthwhile. To get to this provincial park take Hwy 97 south across the bridge; turn right on Westside Road and follow the signs to the Bear Creek Provincial Park. Make sure you turn left onto Bear Creek road and not Bear Creek main. You can park at the end of the road and go for a steep hike.

You can also look for an old logging road about 3 km past a steep gorge area and park here to walk to the end of the road and climb to the top of the hill to get a nice view.

5. Hardy Falls offer an easy 15 minute hike. The hike to Hardy Falls is located adjacent to Antlers Regional Park in Peachland. The hike is 4 km south of Peachland on Hwy 97. A trail system follows Deep Creek into Hardy Falls and there is also a picnic area and washroom facilities available here for the public use .

6. Blue Grouse Mountain: You can get to Blue Grouse Mountain by taking Hwy. 97 south of Kelowna and the first right after the bridge onto Westside Road to the junction with Bear Creek Main by Trader’s Cove. Take a left turn on Bear Creek Main and follow it for about 3 km before you see a sign that says 'Grouse Mountain No. 1' . You can park here and get ready for 6.5 km hike to the top.

7. Black Knight Mountain: Don't forget to take your camera if you are going to hike Black Knight mountain because you will get some excellent views of Kelowna from the top of this mountain. To get here, follow hwy 97 north through Kelowna and turn right at Hwy. 33. About 8 km east of Rutland, turn left on Pyman Road and keep to the right. The road that leads up to the mountain is about 6.5 km and you will find Forest Lookout Tower on the top welcoming you with open arms.

8. Giant's Head Mountain Park in Summerland has some good Trails too. If you decide to go for a hike at Giant's Head Mountain Park, you will be rewarded with lovely view of the Okanagan lake and town of summerland.

9. Grey Canal Trail is easily accesible for Vernon residents. The trailhead is on the left side on Silver Star Road, about 1.5 km from BX School. The full length of the Grey Canal Trail is 4.8 km one way, ending at Glenhayes Rd. You can return by the same route to the parking area off Silver Star Road or take a shorter loop of 3.5 km. This trail is a designated dog walking area and also offers some nice views of the valley.

10. Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park is good for new hikers. It has several beautiful walks and low-key hikes; the Lower Trail System provides access to viewing the salmon run along the Adams River. If you get a chance, try Reinecker Creek self-guided nature walk here, which leads to Margaret Falls which are absolutely beautiful.

If you know about a good trail, please feel free to drop us a line and share it with our readers.

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Top 10 Hiking trails in and around Kelowna

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