| Okanagan
High Rim Trail is a long distance
hiking, backpacking and snowshoe trail exploring along the eastern
slopes of the Thompson Plateau from the community of Vernon, BC
to Mission Creek. The trail provides, both, open air hiking with
big views of the valley and shaded covered hiking exploring deep
into the wilderness forests.
The 50 kilometre wilderness trail explores many
diverse eco systems. At times the Okanagan High Rim Trail is well
groomed and easy hiking along a wide path. At other times the
trail is rough slogging along an unmaintained single-track path
consisting of obstacles like fallen deadfall trees, exposed tree
roots and sharp rocks. All in all, the trail should take no longer
than 3-4 days to complete.
The Okanagan High Rim Trail crosses over exposed
rocky slopes and explores forests of, mostly, western cedar and
lodgepole pine trees. The route visits wetlands, creeks, alpine
meadows, grasslands and fresh water lakes. Lakes like the Kalamalka,
Oyama and James Lakes.
The Okanagan High Rim Trail is a long route which,
occasionally, connects to active forest service gravel roads.
It is these backcountry gravel roads that provide access points
to the long distance trail. The numerous access points (or trailheads)
makes it possible for creating shorter day hikes.
Wilderness camping is provided in designated
campgrounds only. And some of the recreation campgrounds are not
directly located on the trail but on the gravel logging roads
connecting to the trail. At the campgrounds are pit toilets, fire
pits and picnic tables.
The Okanagan High Rim Trail is well marked, in
most cases, with directional signs and trailhead markers posted
on the trail. The main north trailhead is located in Kalamalka
Lake Provincial Park and the main south trailhead is located
on Philpot Road off of Highway #33.
How to Get to the Okanagan
High Rim Trail:
The main trailhead in the north is located in
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. The south trail head is located
on Philpott Road off of Highway #33. A short 400 metre trail leads
to Mission Creek and Mile "O".
|
High
Rim Trail
Vernon
