Trail: Needle Peak/ Flat Iron Peak Trail

Trail Distance (one way):

Needle Peak – 4.3 km

Flat Iron – 4.8 km

Lake – 4.5 km

Trail Difficulty:

Needle Peak: Difficult with a technical scramble to the peak

Flat Iron: Difficult

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

Directions

Located in the Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area, travel on Highway 5 (the Coquihalla Highway) from Kelowna. When you pass the old toll booth, take exit 217 for Zopkios Rest Area and go left into the tunnel to go under the Coquihalla Hwy. Go straight towards the maintenance yard, and go right towards the parking area.

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

Description

Alpine hiking is finally here, so why not try out a hike in the beautiful Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area! Located at the Summit of the Coquihalla is the iconic Yak Peak on one side and Needles Peak on the other. Both have equally breathtaking views, but the trail up Needles/Flat Iron has options for first timers in the alpine.

From the parking area, cross the little creek to find the trailhead located on the left. The trail is easy to follow through the beautiful lush green forest. The first 2km in the forest is pretty steep and a really good workout! As you get higher, the trees start to open up and so do the views. If you look across the way, you can see the towering Yak Peak.

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

As you continue to climb, you will soon reach the saddle between Needle Peak and Flat Iron. There's a sign that splits the trail, left heading to Needles and right heading to Flat Iron and an alpine lake. The trail to Needles does get a little technical, with the last km being a scramble.

If you have a fear of heights, I wouldn't suggest the trail up to the peak of Needles. The trail to Flat Iron, on the other hand, is not technical at all and is a perfect trail for all abilities. We decided to check out the lake and Flat Iron peak, but no matter what direction you go, the surrounding views are absolutely stunning.

As the trail to Flat Iron continues, it loses a bit of elevation before heading back up towards the lake. Once reaching the Alpine Lake, the surroundings are perfect with a beautiful crystal clear alpine lake and views for days! It's a pristine spot to have a relaxing break before or after reaching the summit of Flat Iron.

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

The trail continues on the right side of the lake and becomes an easy little scramble to the summit. At the top there is a communication tower and endless views of the surrounding mountains. It's a surreal experience standing on top of a mountain just shy of 1900m.

After enjoying the views we headed back down the way we came and right into the parking lot. This area is a fantastic place to explore and you can do the trail as fast as you want or spend the day or even the night exploring!

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

Please be aware that weather can change very quickly in the alpine, always be prepared. Layers are a good thing to have, it may be a perfect temperature at the bottom, but once you reach the top it can be windy, raining or even snowing.

It's also a good idea to make sure you let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Always remember to be mindful of your surroundings, pack out what you pack in, stick to the trails and Happy Exploring!

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

Special Notes

NO FIRES are allowed in this area at any time of the year, especially now.

Things to bring:

• Good Footwear
• Bear spray and whistle!
• Lots of water
• Lunch/Snacks
• Bug Spray
• GPS (I use the Ski Tracks app on my phone)
• Hiking Poles, if needed
• Camera/Phone

Born and raised in the Okanagan, Kristy Draginda has always had a strong passion for the outdoors. Whether it be hiking to the top of a mountain or standing below a waterfall, she says there is no better feeling than being inspired by nature. Follow along as Kristy shares different hiking locations in and around the Okanagan. For more adventure photos, check out Hiking the Okanagan on Instagram or Facebook.