Enjoying the great outdoors

While the Okanagan Valley is best known for its pristine lakes and sandy beaches, there’s a lot more to the Okanagan’s outdoor experience than just that.

In the hills, mountains and around the lakes are pathways that offer diverse terrain that both well trained hikers and novices can enjoy, according to Linda Jones Evans.

Jones Evans has been a key figure in the Okanagan outdoor scene for the better part of the last 30 years.

“We have some of the most fabulous trails and view points,” said Jones Evans, who is the owner of Outdoor Adventure Gear and also a trail guide for hiking programs based out of Parkinson Recreation Centre.

Jones Evans has been guiding people through the valley’s hills and trails for the last 21 years.

To her, one of the biggest advantages of this region is the diversity that allows all types of people with varying skill levels to interact with the outdoors—though she warns everyone should be wary of the conditions before they embark on a day trip.

“We have all these pockets of different terrain all across the region,” she said, adding that everything from a brisk walk through some historical highlights to breathtaking sights are all within a reasonable distance from Kelowna.

One of her favourite spots is Okanagan Mountain Park, but it was so damaged during the 2003 fires that it’s not necessarily the safest area to go off-path.

She explained that although safety crews have dealt with weak trees that could intersect with pathways, trees that are off the beaten path have been left mostly untouched.

“With these gusty winds we have been having, you have to stick to trails,” she said.

“One day I sat down to have lunch and I heard a (tree) cracking and didn’t know where it would fall.

“The tip of the tree landed a couple of car lengths in front of me. It took me by surprise, but it’s a forested area, not a meadow.”

Although the park is a favourite, Jones Evans said the end of July isn’t always a favoured time to go for a lengthy hike.

She recommends hikers look to quicker ventures in the summertime heat, such as to Hardy Falls in Peachland or Kalamoir Regional Park in Westside.

“At Kalamoir, you have the water and you have the viewpoint,” she said.

“Dogs are welcome on that trail, so long as they are leashed, but be careful of plants like poison ivy.”

The Peachland walk was named for Harry Hardy, one of the first orchardists in the area, and is a three kilometre hike from start to finish.

“It’s a jewel and it’s short and sweet,” she said.

“There’s a little waterfall in the end and over the years they have built a little trail and there are little bridges that go across.”

Along the way walkers can catch a glimpse of carp spawning in the creek.

Adjacent to the park is Antlers Beach Park where hot walkers can take a cooling dip.

While the walk is fairly simple, Jones Evans warned that she’s had the misfortune to brush against some poison ivy there, and that those who are taking a walk should be wary of the plant.

Another great hike for beginners, and those who are just looking for a nice walk is Paul’s Tomb.

“It’s an easy hike, but the southwest is exposed to the sun so some days it may be too hot,” she said.

“The reward is the water and the historic value of the hike.”

For someone who really knows what they are doing, Jones Evans recommends Pincushion Mountain in Peachland.

“It’s not for a beginner,” she said, adding hiking poles are really useful on that walk to help get better traction, as well as spread the work of the climb over the entire body, rather than just the legs.

Regardless of the destination, Jones Evans said that it’s important to bring water for any hike, and be prepped with the right gear to ensure that the experience is pleasant.

It’s always good to carpool to a hiking destination also, being as parking is at a premium.

And, she noted, while this time of year isn’t favoured by hikers because of the heat, in September interest will be revived. She recommends heading out and picking up a trail guide as it can really help hikers find their way.

For more information on hiking groups, go to the Parkinson Recreation Centre, or the Kelowna Tourism Centre also has a few hiking operators available.

To find out more about various pathways go to the Kelowna Tourism Centre, http://www.tourismkelowna.com.