Trail name: Rose Swanson Hiking Trails

Trail length: 5-9 km, 2-3 hours

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Directions:

Located in Armstrong, turn at the lights on Smith Road from Hwy 97. Turn right at the three-way stop on Smith Drive. Smith will turn into Pleasant Valley. Turn right at the four-way stop across the train tracks. Turn left on Wood Avenue and continue on where Wood Avenue turns into Salmon River road for about 4 kilometres. Turn left on Hallam Road. After approximately 2 kilometres, make a sharp left turn onto Chamberlaine Road. Follow for 2 kilometres where you will find the parking lot on the left hand side. 

Description:

The Rose Swanson Trail is an easy to moderate hike with amazing views from the top—perfect for any season! This trail has great snowshoeing in the winter, beautiful wildflowers in the spring and a large variety of mushrooms in the fall.

At the beginning of the trailhead, there is a great trail map showing a few different trail loops to choose from.

We started to climb up the wide trail and after 2 kilometres we found another trail map. Here, we had a choice to either continue along to the Tower or go right to Turners Terrace view point. It is a short steep climb to Turners Terrace and offers a great view of the Spallumcheen Valley. But I personally think the view from the Tower is my favourite! We continued for a kilometre past Turners Terrace to the tower. Here we were treated with an amazing view overlooking Armstrong and the three lakes; Otter Lake, Swan Lake and the Okanagan Lake. We found a perfect spot to relax, take in the view, and watch the clouds roll in and out. After a quick break, we continued the loop back through the forest to the parking lot.

This time of year, the Spallumcheen Valley is often covered with a blanket of fog. 

If you’re lucky enough to be at the top above the clouds, you get to experience the view on a whole new level.

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.