Known as julianfvicente on GaiaGPS.com, this trail runner has provided a fantastic trail report for the Okanagan High Rim Trail! Complete with 100+ photos and some video!
‘The trail is in decent passable shape as far as blow downs are concerned. I took a photo of every downed tree & obstacle along the entire route. If you click on the photo it will show you the location on the map. Currently the trail is 70% post hole, 20% mud and 10% runnable. It’s going to be at least another month or so before it’s hike-able. Snow level is around 1200 meters. North facing aspects are the worst. Let me know if you have any questions. https://www.gaiagps.com/public/IfkHT9StG06ONHGahIqTkrpD “
Hi there! I just completed a thru-hike of the High Rim Trail (HRT) northbound. I omitted Cardiac Hill since I hiked it before and wasn’t keen on hiking through the burned area. I started at Goudie Road, spent the night at the Monolith (hiking 31km) and finishing at Cosens Bay (hiking 21km). About 7-8 years ago I attempted the same with friends but it was so difficult to hike the trail due to all the blowdowns that we abandoned our attempt at Oyama Road. This time I made it through and enjoyed my experience. Especially the second day is great with more views, less overgrown bushes and less mud. Many thanks for clearing the trail and posting signs. My recommendations for improvements would be:
There are still blowdowns on the trail. There are maybe 10 large logs that require a lot of scrambling, and many smaller ones.
It would be so useful if you could post on the website when you clear which section.
I found myself “lost” and having to use the GPS app almost every time I hit a dirt road. A simple arrow on the existing signs, indicating which way to turn, would eliminate some of the “extra” hiking.
I am dedicated to LNT (Leave no trace) hiking and found the trail mostly clean (besides all the cow poop!). Next I will try the Ok Highlands Trail section; let me know if there are any reports on the trail condition.
Went in to hike up to the tower today but had a last minute change in plan. Went in at Cosens Bay and hiked south to 51KM. No major deadfall on the trail that is impassable. There is dead fall between where Upper Stone Free interacts with the HRT but is passable with a pack on. Heading south bound HRT will go up to slide location and will direct you to the right onto Interstellar. Be aware that the left onto The Steep RT is unmarked for HRT. Heading north bound HRT sign posted onto The Steep RT but nothing to send you onto Interstellar. You will eventually meet up with the trail. Trail was dry and clear with no wet spots in Bear Valley and only a trickle flowing at Cosens Creek. Great Saturday morning hike.
Parking area on Postill Road hiking south to Kelowna Creek.
9/6/2020
deadfall across the trail, trail overgrown, Bridge over Kelowna Creek is out.
It was a beautiful day for a hike, so we decided to take on a new (for us) leg of the High Rim Trail – walking south from Postill Road. We almost did not find the trail as the signage at the parking area was either somewhat hidden or down altogether. The walk through the valley was cool and beautiful of course, but if you go, you will be challenged to cross Kelowna Creek using a fallen tree as the bridge is washed out. It seems the trail signs have been much improved on the south side of the valley. We walked for about six km there and back.
Before Nan’s Path and after Nan’s path. There is a 3rd one in between South Clark and these pics that I didn’t bother with a pic, it might have been no big deal.
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