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Topic |
Penticton, BC
Canada
91 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2012 : 07:22 AM
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My wife and I are moving to Penticton (From Calgary) at the end of April and are wondering where to start with some back country camping and hiking. We will hopefully be climbing A LOT with Skaha being so close so we have that covered, but I have no idea where to go wander around in the woods. Typically we do 10-14 km per day and don't usually spend more than 3-4 days out on any given trip.
Thanks! |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
98 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2012 : 07:54 AM
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Cathedral Lakes is one that comes to mind - a short drive and great alpine terrain with lots of lakes and ridges.
Cheers |
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summerland, bc
Canada
653 Posts |
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Kamloops, British Columbia
Canada
155 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2012 : 1:13 PM
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Snowy Protected Area (near Cathedrals) is close as well.
The Monashees east of Vernon and EC Manning Prov Park aren't too far away and have some great backcountry areas... |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
900 Posts |
Posted - 04/10/2012 : 2:42 PM
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Moving from Calgary to Penticton, good choice!!!
Skaha Bluffs are primo climbing as you already know.
The other posters have already covered the backcountry hiking highlights reasonably close to Penticton, but how far do you want to drive--one could include areas as far as Rogers Pass!
Anyway, to expand on "the Monashees", Monashee Park and the Pinnacles area (specifically the Mark Berger Traverse) are outstanding. They're a good 3 hours drive away. If you like alpine rambling, there are several lesser known trails in the Monashees.
A little (a lot?) less wildernessy is the High Rim Trail between Kelowna and Vernon. Or the Little White Mtn trail.
Two worthwhile guidebooks to get are Hiking Trails by the Vernon Outdoors Club and Hiking in the Okanagan and the Southern Monashees by Paul Phillips. They're both oriented towards the north Okanagan but IMHO that's the best hiking outside the aforementioned parks.
And if you're into cycling, the former KVR rail-trail (part of the Trans Canada Trail) is great. The Myra Canyon trestels above Kelowna are spectacular, but the whole route from Penticton to Castlegar and beyond is a great ride. Also west through Summerland via Osprey Lake to Princeton (though the ATVs have really chewed up the railbed in places).
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Penticton, BC
Canada
91 Posts |
Posted - 04/11/2012 : 09:05 AM
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Thanks for all the info, will definitely look into some of these spots.
My wife and I actually did our first trip together in Monashee Provincial Park in the summer of 2009. We made it up to Little Peter's lake to find the campground was completely wiped out by an avalanche over the winter. We had the option of staying up there, where there were no toilets, no bear cache, and just a couple tent pads, or hike back down to Spectrum Lake and play it safe. We chose option 2, which made for a long stressful day. In the end it all worked out was a great adventure. I wouldn't mind going back up there to take another go at it! |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
900 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 4:10 PM
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An unfortunate outcome!
There is a "secret" access into the core of the park, way way way easier than the long slog up Spectrum Creek. From a logging roads near the east boundary of the park it's a 2 km walk on overgrown road then about 1.2 km recently brushed out trail to Margie Lake. 120 m elevation gain. A friend of mine helped brush out that trail for Parks 2 years ago, and I'm hoping to hike it this summer.
Another possibility is to drive to Sol Mtn lodge, then hike through the alpine up to Fosthall Ridge and down to Margie Lake. From the lodge, Mt Fosthall is a day hike.
Sorry, the road to Paint/Empress Lakes trailhead (which was the best known access to the park from the east) is no longer accessible--the Limekiln road is not passable beyond Trout Creek bridge crossing because of washouts on the switchbacks. This is about 8 km before the trailhead. ATVs could likely get through. |
Edited by - pmjwright on 04/12/2012 4:30 PM |
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 Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 04/12/2012 : 5:33 PM
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Is that really secret? We hiked out that way about 8 years ago. It didn't seem very secret. A bit overgrown, but not secret.
We did a hike through Snowy Protected area last fall - very beautiful. http://www.clubtread.com/sforum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=41122 |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
900 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2012 : 2:00 PM
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| Well, "secret" meaning it's not in any guidebook. |
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bandana wearin', pole huckin', view lovin', dog herdin', 4x4 navigatin', lake huntin', butt-slidin' bridge crosser, who enjoys postholing with an overnighter pack
Surrey, BC
Canada
4663 Posts |
Posted - 04/13/2012 : 2:30 PM
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Another 2 thumbs up for the Sol/Fosthall area  - we spent 2 days up there last Fall and it was awesome. |
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Penticton, BC
Canada
91 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2012 : 08:39 AM
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| Cathedral looks really great, but apparently no dogs are allowed in the park. That's a bit of a deal breaker since we have two and enjoy having them along. Is it common for BC parks to not allow dogs? |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
900 Posts |
Posted - 04/16/2012 : 12:11 PM
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| Yes, dogs are banned from the backcountry in many provincial parks. Most commonly they are allowed only on certain trails and at certain specified "pet beaches" |
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Penticton, BC
Canada
91 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 08:26 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by pmjwright
Yes, dogs are banned from the backcountry in many provincial parks. Most commonly they are allowed only on certain trails and at certain specified "pet beaches"
Why is this? Environmental sensitivity? Wild animal interaction? A perceived danger that doesn't actually exist?
I understand laws exist for a reason, but I fail to see how camping in the back country with my two well trained dogs poses any real problems. |
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Kamloops, British Columbia
Canada
155 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 08:35 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by THE EDJ
quote:
Originally posted by pmjwright
Yes, dogs are banned from the backcountry in many provincial parks. Most commonly they are allowed only on certain trails and at certain specified "pet beaches"
Why is this? Environmental sensitivity? Wild animal interaction? A perceived danger that doesn't actually exist?
I understand laws exist for a reason, but I fail to see how camping in the back country with my two well trained dogs poses any real problems.
Some people have had bad experiences with dogs in the backcountry due to animal interaction (ex dog chasing bear directly towards them) and some people (not myself) just don't like/are afraid of dogs ex some children.
If you take your dogs into the backcountry (trained or no) where dogs are not permitted, keep others in mind that might also be using the trail/camps and that may not appreciate the presence of your animals. Travel with your dogs where dogs are allowed. |
Edited by - ph0n3y on 04/18/2012 08:37 AM |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
900 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 10:00 AM
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| All those plus the "harassment of wildlife" issue...I'm not speading of dogs chasing animals (though that may happen, too. Parks rangers don't really know how well trained and obedient your dogs may be so assume the worst). It's just that most animals perceive dogs as wolves/coyotes etc--PREDATORS! Their mere presence can increase stress in anything from ungulates to rodents. |
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Kamloops, British Columbia
Canada
155 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 11:51 AM
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There is some flexibility amongst the parks as it comes to dogs.
Some suggest that you don't take your dog into the park (ex Stein Valley Prov Park) others prohibit dogs entirely (ex Monashee Prov Park). |
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Penticton, BC
Canada
91 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2012 : 1:30 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by ph0n3y
Some people have had bad experiences with dogs in the backcountry due to animal interaction (ex dog chasing bear directly towards them) and some people (not myself) just don't like/are afraid of dogs ex some children.
If you take your dogs into the backcountry (trained or no) where dogs are not permitted, keep others in mind that might also be using the trail/camps and that may not appreciate the presence of your animals. Travel with your dogs where dogs are allowed.
Which is why my dogs are ALWAYS on leash. I don't want to take unnecessary risks and am always sure to respect others. Unfortunately (and I have seen it many times) this isn't always the case. I always give my head a shake when I see dogs running freely in the back country.
I'm also not fighting against any currently imposed laws, I was more just curious as to why they existed. If I can't take my dogs, they can stay at home or I'll go somewhere else. Not a big deal.
quote:
Originally posted by pmjwright
All those plus the "harassment of wildlife" issue...I'm not speading of dogs chasing animals (though that may happen, too. Parks rangers don't really know how well trained and obedient your dogs may be so assume the worst). It's just that most animals perceive dogs as wolves/coyotes etc--PREDATORS! Their mere presence can increase stress in anything from ungulates to rodents.
I've never really thought about "harassment of wildlife". I understand the point and it logically makes sense, but aren't we just as much (or more!) of a harassment? We are extremely strange creatures; we smell weird, we make weird noises, we light fires, etc. A wild animal may have a stress reaction to a dog, but at least it knows what it is - a predator. Humans... different story? |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
900 Posts |
Posted - 04/24/2012 : 1:02 PM
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You raise a good point. I think that the recognition of predators like canines, and the response to their presence, are hard-wired into the brains of many animal species, whereas recognition of humans is a little more uncertain--what the heck is that "extremely strange creature?"
And animals can easily get used to human presence while contining to be wary of dogs at all times. Look at how bears can get used to humans at visitor platforms, or elk in Banff and Jasper. Look at ducks in a park--you can practically step on a sleeping mallard, they're so unconcerned...but if you have your dog with you, even heeling perfectly by your side on a leash, and the ducks are up and out of there. I've had a totally wild doe with fawn walk right up to me and sniff my toe on a beach north of Kyuquot, because it didn't recognize what I was. If I was or had a dog--they'd have been long gone.
Not great examples but I hope you see my point.
Oh for a better world with every dog owner as responsible as you (or I). Unfortunately some dogs lack obedience training and some owners have no control, or simply don't care. Parks has to write their laws for the sake of those kind! So yes, it means a total ban in some parks. |
Edited by - pmjwright on 04/24/2012 1:04 PM |
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Vernon
90 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2012 : 08:43 AM
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quote:
There is a "secret" access into the core of the park, way way way easier than the long slog up Spectrum Creek. From a logging roads near the east boundary of the park it's a 2 km walk on overgrown road then about 1.2 km recently brushed out trail to Margie Lake. 120 m elevation gain. A friend of mine helped brush out that trail for Parks 2 years ago, and I'm hoping to hike it this summer.
Where is this logging road? Is it best accessed coming S. from Revelstoke. I'm in Vernon and wondering if I'd go up to Revelstoke and around the whole mountain range or down through Cherryville and back N |
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Kootenay Bud
2695 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2012 : 10:31 AM
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| You might be able to come up from Cherryville. We came south from the Stoke and went south to the north fork of Fosthall Creek. I have no direct knowledge of whether the roads heading north from Cherryville connect. A BC basemap will help you navigate the roads there. You can also get in from just south of South Caribou Pass using the Sol Mountain access. |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
900 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2012 : 1:05 PM
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Yes they do connect. Richard, for you it's probably 50:50 whether it's quicker via Cherryville or Revy (for me Revy is quicker, also less distance on gravel). You'd drive Hwy 6 almost to the Needles ferry, take logging roads past Whatshan Lake and Mosquito Lake till you get to Fosthall Creek FSR. At the junction with North Fosthall, turn right onto the latter and drive as far as you can (not very) along this brushy deactivated road and walk the last 3 km or so to the trailhead. Or just park at the junction. Fosthall Creek FSR is in good shape to Sol Mtn Lodge.
The road network beyond Whatshan Lake can be confusing to describe, its best if you use the Kootenays Backroad Mapbook. |
Edited by - pmjwright on 05/07/2012 3:47 PM |
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Penticton/Okanagan Region
