The High Rim Trail runs along the east side of the okanagan valley, from Vernon to Kelowna. It has recently been the subject of a rejuvination project, and should be restored by the end of summer 2009. The trail begins in Kalmalka Lake Park, passes Oyama Lake and through Wrinkley Face Provincial Park near Lake Country, and finishes at Mission Creek and Highway 33 in Kelowna. There are camping spots along the trail, but with 5 or 6 access points, it can easily be hiked in stages.
(From another user:
The hike has some gorgeous areas, cedar groves, monumental Douglas Fir, great lookouts, and also traverses active forest harvesting areas.
In 2010, the Okanagan High Rim Trail had a lot of work done on it to improve trail surfaces, access points, signs, as well as an updated gps file for recreational and industry users, and the government.
The entire length of the trail was worked on, but I've heard from some people who have completed sections of the hike that there are a few persistent problem areas. For example, the approach to the radio communications tower overlooking Vernon has been a problem area for excessive blow-down trees. Trail crews cut a new path through the debris, but more trees have since fallen. )
Directions:
The Trail heads are at the Cosen's Bay gate in Kalmalka Lake Park, near Coldstream or Vernon and also at Highway 33, near Mission Creek in Kelowna. There are also access points at Oyama Lake Rd., Beaver Lake Rd, Postil Rd, and Philpot Rd. The longest section is about 15 or so km.
(Same directions to trail-head in alternate wording from another user:
The trail can be accessed by multiple points along the way, but two main trail heads exist. The northern trail head access is from the parking lot in Cosen's Bay, Kalamalka Provincial Park.
From Highway 97 in Kelowna, travel east on Highway 33 for approximately 20 km. the Trail head sign is located on the (right) side of the road, just before the Philpott Road turnoff (on left). The trail either descends to Mission Creek and continues as the Highlands Trail, or ascends northward towards Vernon. )
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ByPosted By: BCbabe
- Tue Sep 18 20:10:10 EDT 2012
Not Rated
UpsideBeautiful variety of eco systems and animals to go with.
DownsidePractically no views for at least the first 5k from Philpott rd.
CommentHiked up 5k from Hwy 33. Great steep climb for the first 3-4 then evening out into an old forestry road. The people who did the trail make-over obviously had fun and they did a great job; there are some neat rest spots with rustic hand-carved chairs and benches, as well as a bridge across cardinal creek and some boardwalks through the bogs. WATCH OUT for devil's club at these spots! There was even a railing for a steep part. Looking forward to doing the entire thing next year!
ByPosted By: wayner61
- Sat Mar 31 09:54:14 EDT 2012
Not Rated
QuestionIs the high rim trail from philpot road to mission creek difficult to mtn bike?ANSWERS are in this forum: high rim trail
ByPosted By: Stockpig
- Mon Oct 04 00:02:04 EDT 2010
UpsideTrail was in great shape. Views were out standing.
DownsideSteep
CommentWe hike 5km from Hwy 33 past Cardinal Creek today. Trail was in great shape. Looks like it would make a great 4/5 day hike.
ByPosted By: rexvirtue
- Sat Jan 09 02:39:34 EST 2010
Not Rated
Commentthe gps is a small part (about 2 km) starting at beaver lake rd. and heading north. we did it on snowshoes, but left later in the day and had to turn back due to darkness. the trail was primo though.
Posted By: BCbabe
Posted By: wayner61
