Shorts Creek

Shorts Creek is the longest creek flowing into Okanagan Lake at Fintry Provincial Park. The upper reaches of the creek run through a deep, steep-sided canyon and this hike follows the northern rim of the canyon. Terrace Mountain, a prominent landmark, lies about 4 km south of the canyon. On a good day the views are excellent.

A significant part of this trail is through forest so bring bug spray in season! The trail is generally straightforward hiking apart from a couple of steep sections where you descend into a gully to cross streams. Both streams are forded using stepping stones and logs placed in the stream bed – hence the difficult rating for this hike. Be careful in wet conditions as the steep sections can be slippery.

For the first 300m the trail follows an old logging road which leaves from the back of the parking area, after which you turn left at another Shorts Creek Canyon Rim trail sign. This left turn is abrupt, through a narrow gap in the trees so keep your eyes open for signage and flagging tape. From here the trail curves west towards the rim. After 2km you cross the deep gulch of Attenborough Creek after which you enter a more mature forest. This forest used to be dominated by pine trees but most of these were killed by the mountain pine beetle, and the remaining forest is now open grown Douglas Fir.

Shortly you are back on the rim climbing steadily to reach an open viewpoint. From here the trail leaves the rim again for about 1500m and continues through the forests, before coming to a steep pitch which leads to the high point of the rim. Just beyond this is an open down-slope to the west which overlooks the side canyon of Young Creek. You have now reached the end of the trail. Enjoy the views. Return the same way.

Note: use of these directions is entirely at the risk of the user.