Windstorm Results

(July update)

While our normal concern about the weather is if the rock is too wet or if the rock is too hot, last November a huge windstorm brought down a plethora of trees that impacted access trails.

In the Boulderfields, the Ridge Trail, Southeast Trail and High Road were hardest hit. Escalator Ramp is currently a tree-hopping adventure, but with the trees down at least there is no problem with someone new to the area finding Rogue's Drop!

Fortunately, Mike Shannon loves his chainsaw, and the south trails are looking much better. Jani and Mike are planning another tree-clearing day this month to work on the High Road. Anybody else interested in helping out, just let us know.

At Cedar Park, it was easier for Aaron Culver and friends to make a slight change to the Lair Trail than deal with the ground fall (see below). In the Lonely Crags, you will notice a few downed trees across the path to Lonely Girl and Lone Pine. Mount Boucherie was not impacted by the windstorm.

Trails

Whether you're hiking to a climb, or prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are some wonderful trails in and around climbing areas in Kelowna.

The Lair Trail

The Lair Trail runs along the backside of Cedar Park’s main wall to its most recently developed wall, the Lair. Initially Aaron Culver and Adam Tutte had hoped to cut a more direct trail from the west end of Cedar Park, but dead trees and steep terrain were an issue. They settled for coming in from the east end and expanding upon a deer trail, which is still very much in use by these beautiful animals. My last walk along it I came across 6 white tails (and 2 rocky mountain ticks, which happen to love deer blood).

Culver and Tutte did a really nice job developing and marking the Lair Trail. Tape and Cairns will keep you from going astray on the 30-minute hike (one way), which is quite road-like for the first half of the journey. Allow a bit of extra time for the way home, as there is a tad more uphill than downhill on the return trip.

From the Cedar Mountain Regional Park parking lot, head towards the main crag. Go right at the first main fork in the trail. This will take you along the far side of the Scruffy Bluffs, and past the fence line. The trail heads down a fairly steep slope, all the while offering up great views of the valley and Okanagan Lake. The trail veers left (west), and levels off as you walk along the backside of the main area. After about 15 minutes there is a small chossy crag to your right. Follow the trail along the left side of this crag and then right, up a short, steep slope, to the top. The panoramic view of Okanagan Lake returns for pleasant hiking through a meadow. After traveling along a really nice rock path (which passes by a photogenic patch of burnt forest to your right), you will come to another slightly bigger chossy crag. Follow the path along its right side, take in the views of CedarCreek vineyards, and in five minutes you shall be at the 65-metre long Lair. The Lair is a work in progress and is in need of more cleaning. However, those making the hike will enjoy the scenic journey as well as the climbs, as there is a good crag under the scruff.

Other Trails and Hikes:

For information on other hiking trails in the Kelowna region, go to:

• Toursim Kelowna
• Kelowna Regional District

Tell Us About It!

If you have any information about trails in and around Kelowna climbing areas -- let us know!