Okanagan Mountain Park
About this Park
This park is found on the east side of Okanagan Lake, between Kelowna and Penticton. Okanagan Mountain Park has six marine campgrounds, secluded bays and sheltered sandy beaches tucked into the 33 km of undeveloped shoreline. It is considered a boater's paradise, making water exploring a true adventure.
Above the lakeshore there are over 10,000 hectares of rugged grassland and forest landscape. It is accessible only on foot, horseback or bicycle. Trails and rustic campsites are the only facilities in this area of the wilderness. A climb to the top of Okanagan Mountain will lead you to beautiful scenic lake views to the west and the Monashee Mountains to the east.
Safety information
Wildfires have produced many hazards in the area such as unstable trees, holes and loose rock. The hazards have been reduced along the main trail system and camping areas. Traveling off the main trail system has an increased level of risk. Visitors choosing to enter this burnt area, can reduce their risk by doing the following:
- Remain on the main trail network.
- Wait for favourable weather. Calm conditions with no rain or snowfall are optimal for travelling safely.
- Travel quickly to reduce exposure time.
- Spread out groups to reduce risk of multiple casualties.
- Stop or camp only in open flat areas at least one tree length from standing trees.
- Travel carefully since contact with roots or trees may cause a tree to fall.
- Avoid steep slopes as falling trees and loose rocks may slide downhill.
- Leave the area or take shelter if trees are actively falling.
Please keep the following in mind:
- Good, sturdy footwear is essential.
- Summers are hot in this arid park and hikers should carry water between camping areas.
- Mushroom picking or harvesting is prohibited.
- Mountain bikers should carry a map of the park with them at all times.
- View the trail conditions report [PDF] for information.
Location notes
This park is located on the east side of Okanagan Lake, just opposite Peachland on Hwy 97. There are no public roads in the park. Access to the south boundary parking lot is through Naramata to Chute Lake Road. It is 6 km of gravel then 1.5 km of very rough road. It is a total of 25 km from Penticton. Access to the north boundary parking is via Lakeshore Road from Kelowna. Follow for 15 km to the parking area. The road continues past the parking lot but is for private land access only with no public parking.
Activities
- 259:Hiking There are many hiking trails in this park:Trailhead North Parking LotBoulder Loop Trail: 5 km, 3 hrs, easy. North Parking Lot to Boulder Trail to Dead Horse Creek to Golden Mile Road.Old C.N. Trail: 3 km, 2 hrs, easy. North Parking Lot to Divide Lake RoadDivide Lake Trail North (restricted access road): 8 km, 3.5 hrs, easy. Rimrock Gate to Divide LakeBoulder Trail: 3 km, 2 hrs, moderate. Old C.N. Trail to Dead Horse CreekDead Horse Creek to Gate: 1.5 km, 1 hr, easy.Good’s Basin Trail: 6 km, 1.5 hrs, moderate. Dead Horse Creek to Pinnacles.Dead Horse Creek to end of Canyon: 7.5 km, 5 hrs, easy.Rim Trail via Wild Horse Canyon Trail: 1 km, 45 min, moderate.End of Canyon to Commando Bay: 1.8 km, 1 hr, moderate.End of Canyon to Buchan Bay: 1.5 km, 45 min, moderate.End of Canyon to Good’s Creek: 3 km, 2.5 hrs, difficult.Divide Lake to Baker Lake: 2 km, 1.5 hrs, difficult.Baker Lake to Victor Lake: 1 km, 45 min, moderate.Trailhead South Parking LotGemmill Lake: 2 km, 1 hr, easy.Divide Lake via Mountain Goat Trail: 5 km, 3 hrs, difficult.Viewpoint Trail: 500 m, 30 min, easy.Parking lot to Divide Trail South Junction: 5 km, 2 hrs, moderate.Divide Lake Trail South: 5 km, 2 hrs, moderate. Junction at Wildhorse Canyon to Divide Lake.Frederick Creek: 6 km, 2.5 hrs, moderate.Frederick Creek to Baker Lake: 4 km, 3 hrs, moderate.Frederick Creek to Good’s Creek: 4 km, 4 hrs, moderate.Good’s Creek Trail: 1 km, 45 min, moderate. Junction of Wildhorse Canyon Trail and Good’s Creek.Check the trail conditions report before visiting.For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.Please note there is little surface water available away from the lakes. Carry plenty of drinking water, particularly in summer. Also, keep in mind that it is easy to become disoriented by the rugged terrain and deep canyons.
- 259:Canoeing There are wonderful opportunities for canoeing or kayaking daytrips and multiple day trips along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, bordering Okanagan Mountain Park. Camping among the marine park campsites gives the illusion of being tucked away along the coastal saltwater bays, yet being inland. If possible, use a Canadian Hydrographic Chart 3052 for Okanagan Lake. This is available for a fee. Phone 250-765-3995 in Kelowna and 250-492-2628 in Penticton.
- 259:Swimming Swimming opportunities are plentiful along the undeveloped shoreline. There are many bays easily accessed by boat that make for a great place for snorkeling.
- 259:Fishing Norman, Baker and Divide lakes are all stocked with rainbow trout by the Summerland Trout Hatchery.
- 259:Wildlife viewing There are fantastic views from the Rim Trail, the Pinnacles and the viewpoint just west of the south parking lot. The rugged terrain and steep canyons in the park make plentiful viewing opportunities for sheep, goats, elk, and birds of prey.
- 259:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. Owners are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with wildlife.
- 259:Cycling There are cycling opportunities at this park. Obey the signs that allow mountain biking within Okanagan Mountain Park. For details on e-biking, see the e-biking section.
- 259:Waterskiing There are opportunities for waterskiing and wakeboarding on Okanagan Lake.
- 259:Horseback riding Horseback riding is permitted at this park. Please use the designated trails because the park is rugged and even experienced riders can be challenged. Most areas in the park are inaccessible even by horseback, so please travel with caution.
- 259:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
- 259:E-Biking Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Okanagan Mountain Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
- 259:Kayaking There are wonderful opportunities for canoeing or kayaking daytrips and multiple day trips along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, bordering Okanagan Mountain Park. Camping among the marine park campsites gives the illusion of being tucked away along the coastal saltwater bays, yet being inland.If possible, use a Canadian Hydrographic Chart 3052 for Okanagan Lake. This is available for a fee. Phone 250-765-3995 in Kelowna and 250-492-2628 in Penticton.
- 259:Mountain biking
Facilities
- 259:Picnic areas This park is popular amongst Kelowna residents for day-hikes and mountain biking.
- 259:Pit or flush toilets This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.
- 259:Campfires Campfires are permitted and campfire rings are provided at some campsites. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using camp stoves instead. Firewood can be purchased when a park operator is available on the marine campsites, or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park.
Location
49.73083, -119.66362 · East Okanagan
