Trail: Trepanier Creek Greenway Trail
Trail Distance: 3.9 km
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Directions: This trail is located in Peachland and there are three entrances to choose from. The south entrance has two parking locations, the first is down on the corner of Beach Ave. and Todd Road and the second is on Clements Crescent, beside Peachland Elementary School.
The north entrance is located up Trepanier Road. From Kelowna, the easiest directions is to take Highway 97 and turn onto the Okanagan Connector towards Merritt. Take the first exit for Trepanier Road. Turn left onto Trepanier Road and go under the overpass and turn right into the small parking lot for Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park.
Description:
The Trepanier Creek Greenway Regional Park covers 4.35 hectares and offers a fantastic trail along Trepanier Creek!
There are two entrances, one on the north end and one on the south. The South entrance is technically the beginning of the trail, but also starts with the most challenging section.
From the south entrance, we walked along the trail beside Peachland Elementary. Once past the school, the trail went left and up a steep section of switchbacks. After the trail started to flatten out and get a little more leisurely, we got closer to the canyon and could hear the creek roaring below. There is a great spot for a little breather overlooking part of Peachland and Okanagan Lake before the next climb up to the old dam viewpoint.
As we continued to climb, we got closer and closer and soon found the information sign about the Dam site. In 1909, a small dam and wooden flumes were built along Trepanier Creek, using the water for farming, drinking and to power the city of Peachland until 1947.
The best viewpoint is if you continue on behind the sign, but please be cautious of steep cliffs and don't get to close.
After enjoying the views of the dam, you can end your hike here and head back the way you came in or continue on to do the rest of the Greenway Trail.
From the dam viewpoint the trail works it's way through the forest and into the burned area from a wildfire in 2012. With new growth and old growth still recovering please, stick to the trails!
From the south entrance to the north entrance it is 3.9km one way.
From the south entrance to the dam viewpoint it is just over 1 km.
From the north entrance to the dam viewpoint it is just under 3 km.
Remember to always be mindful of your surroundings, pack out what you pack in, stick to the trails and Happy Exploring!
Things to bring:
@HikingTheOkanagan
Born and raised in the Okanagan, Kristy Draginda has 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.
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