Trail: McDougall Rim to Rose Valley Reservoir lookout

Trail Length: 4-6km, round trip

Trail Difficulty: Moderate, with a steady incline

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

Directions:

This trail is located in West Kelowna. Turn North on Bartley Rd off Highway 97. Turn left on Shannon Lake Road and a quick right to get back onto Bartley Road.  Continue on Bartley as it turns to a dirt road. Drive slowly along the narrow road to be courteous to the private-property owners. Just after the Niche Wine Company, you will find the unmarked parking lot on the right.

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

Description:

Rose Valley Regional Park offers some great trails for both hiking and mountain biking, but the lesser known Bartley side of the park provides a whole new terrain to explore!

There are no signs or markers to point out where to go, the trail is more marked by usage with the odd kilometer sign, but this certainly is a 'must-hike’ trail here in the Okanagan!

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

We began by following the beaten trail along the west side of the Niche Vineyard. Within a half a kilometer we came to an opening overlooking Kelowna and the bridge. With a steady incline almost the entire way it's a great workout! As the trail switchbacks to looking the opposite way, we got a great view of West Kelowna and Boucherie Mountain. We continued on and the trail kept climbing giving us fantastic views the entire way.

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

After about 2km, the trail flattens out with a lot of tree fall, pay attention to the beaten path. Finally, after the last little uphill climb, we came over the ridge to get treated to an amazing view! The panoramic view overlooking the Rose Valley Reservoir, Okanagan Lake and Kelowna are absolutely beautiful! I find that the Reservoir adds a different perspective to viewing the Okanagan Lake. After taking some pictures and checking out the area we decided to head back to the vehicle following the same trail back down.

Photo Credit: Kristy Draginda

This trail is just the start of the McDougall Rim trail. The trail continues on to Hayman Lake, Hayman Mountain, and more!

With the summer heat here to stay, be sure to pack adequate water and snacks. Stay away from cliff edges, always be mindful of your surroundings, pack out what you pack in, stick to the trails and Happy Exploring!

Born and raised in the Okanagan, Kristy Draginda 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.