Ravine Edge 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.
Ravine Edge Hike Description
© Vernon Outdoors Club 2020
Statistics
Hike distance 9 km round trip Altitude gain 334m
Hiking time 3.5 hrs round trip Max altitude 1300m
Govt of Canada topo map Oyama 82 L/3 Difficulty Moderate
This hike follows two sides of a ridge with beautiful views of the Lavington Valley, Bluenose and peaks beyond to the east and Kalamalka Lake & Provincial Park, Vernon and hilltops to the west and north. It’s a great choice in early spring or late fall when higher and more challenging destinations are inaccessible and a generally quiet refuge on a busy holiday weekend when other more popular trails may be very busy.
The trail is generally easy, except for two short but steep sections of descent. It’s an excellent choice for novice hikers or families with younger hikers. Or for anyone wanting natural beauty and exercise close to Vernon! At the time of writing the trail is well marked with red metal trail markers and green arrow direction signs. Sections of the trail are in forest. Although the VOC regularly clears this trail, be prepared for windfalls at any time of year which you may have to bushwhack around.
The trail is generally easy, except for two short but steep sections of descent. It’s an excellent choice for novice hikers or families with younger hikers. Or for anyone wanting natural beauty and exercise close to Vernon! At the time of writing the trail is well marked with red metal trail markers and green arrow direction signs. Sections of the trail are in forest. Although the VOC regularly clears this trail, be prepared for windfalls at any time of year which you may have to bushwhack around.
The trail was reflagged with orange diamond trail markers by VOC volunteers in 2020.From the trail head the trail runs through forest parallel to a tributary of Coldstream Creek. Bring bug spray in spring & early summer! After about 500m you will take a right fork and the trail descends in several steepish sections towards the edge of a ravine cut by the creek. Hence the name of the hike. After your first view of Kalamalka Lake and Kalamalka Provincial Park the trail turns left and climbs to a clearing. Hike across the clearing, following the VOC trail markers as usual, and head right on an old logging road. Hike along the road for about 200m and turn right to arrive at an old hang glider launching spot. This is a great place for a snack and a rest.
To return, retrace your steps for about 150m when you will see a BC Parks signpost with a VOC arrow on it pointing to the right up a shared trail that is also a mountain bike trail. Hike uphill and follow the markers and you rejoin the trail coming in from the trailhead. Return to the trailhead along the same path.
Note: use of these directions is entirely at your own risk.
Driving instructions for Ravine Edge Trail, current as of August 2020
1. Drive east from Vernon on Hwy. 6 towards Lumby.
2. At the traffic lights of Hwy. 6 and the 15th Street crossing, set your trip odometer to zero.
3. Drive east on Hwy. 6.
4. At 6.9km turn right onto King Edward Lake FSR, which is a gravel logging road. No sign, but Road Channel posted is RR-15.
5. At 11.0km (4.0km on the K.E.L. FSR) stay to the right.
6. At 15.5km stay to the right.
7. At 16.0km (9.1km on the K.E.L. FSR) turn right onto the C.J. Express FSR.
8. At 16.6km, just past a small stream, see trailhead on the right. Continue 100m uphill to a parking area.
Note: Road access is OK for a medium clearance vehicle or better, such as an SUV. King Edward Lake FSR is heavily used and may have potholes and washboard, especially after periods of wet weather.