Bluenose Hike
Hiking Trail Information
Use of this information is entirely at your own risk and the VOC accepts no liability whatsoever for your use of any trail information on this website. VOC clears and flags trails to facilitate group hikes lead by a VOC member. Hazards may exist on the trails and route finding skills and navigation aids such as a GPS and/or map and compass may be required. You must assess your own ability and readiness to hike any trail mentioned on this website.
Bluenose Hike Description
© Vernon Outdoors Club 2020
Statistics
Hike distance 6.4 km round trip Altitude gain 475 m
Hiking time 2.5-3.0 hrs round trip Max altitude 1275m
Govt of Canada topo map Oyama 82 L/3 Difficulty Moderate
Bluenose is a landmark in the Lavington Valley and is visible from many parts of Vernon as well. The first and third summit of the hill are accessible using the trail by permission of the landowner. The second summit is currently “off limits” and should not be hiked. Close to Vernon this hike offers a steep initial ascent for a good workout and super views of the Monashees from the third summit but can be completed in three hours or under. A great destination for a shorter hike within close reach of Vernon.
The trail ascends steeply from the rear of the parking area. Please use all the switch backs and do not “short cut” the trail. Steep short cuts around the switch backs causes erosion by water run off and is damaging the trail for all users.
The trail ascends up the hill above the parking area and then flattens out as it makes a gentle turn to the north. At this point you can take a path to the left to reach the first summit. Hike to the first summit and enjoy views of Vernon, the Aberdeen Plateau across the Lavington Valley and also of Silver Star ski resort. Return by the same path to where you left the main trail and continue to reach the third summit. From the third summit you will see Camel’s Hump and Lumby close up and, if conditions are clear, the Monashee peaks further east. The return trail leaves the southern end of the summit area and descends once more into forest. As you get lower down the trail crosses an area of cedar and a side trail is signed to an old old-growth larch, which is well worth a visit. The trail continues to descend and loops back to the parking area.
Driving Directions – Bluenose. Last updated June 2020.
© Vernon Outdoors Club 2020
- Drive east from downtown Vernon on highway 6 towards Lavington.
- At the intersection of 15th St/Middleton Rd and highway 6 zero your trip odometer.
- At 12.2km turn right onto School Rd. in the hamlet of Lavington
- At 13.2km turn left at the T junction onto Learmouth Rd
- Continue generally east on Learmouth – it’s twisty!
- At 16.5km turn left at the T junction onto Whitevale Rd
- At the 18km point the road surface changes to high quality gravel and the road name changes to Aberdeen Main FSR (but it is shown as Bluenose Rd on many maps).
- At 21.8km turn left into the trail head parking area.
Road conditions: No special requirements – a regular street vehicle is normally fine. The gravel portion is short and generally well maintained.