Hiking trails around Armstrong lead to wetland nesting grounds, wildflower meadows and forested ridges where viewpoints overlook a tapestry of lakes, forest and farmland.
The Spallumcheen Valley is excellent territory for bird watchers with opportunities for sighting other wildlife such as muskrats, beavers, deer and bear. Take a cue from locals who launch their canoes at the end of one favourite trail and paddle off for secluded picnics or stay in town and stroll historic routes and creek-side paths.
This 9km/5.6mi trail network on Mount Rose Swanson, 5km/3mi west of downtown Armstrong, is named for the first child born of pioneer settlers in the area (1862).
Rose's mother, Catherine Schubert, was the only woman in the party of Overlanders who made their way by land from the east rather than the traditional water routes from the west.
Wildflowers to Spot
From the trailhead/parking area off Chamberlain Road, two different routes lead to a variety of loop trails. In spring the wildflower show includes chocolate lilies, wild rose and Indian paintbrush.
Overview Lookout & Tower Viewpoint
Hike to Turner's Terrace near the summit for the best view to the north toward the Shuswap. The Overview lookout takes in Armstrong, the Spallumcheen Valley farmlands and the Monashee Mountains to the east. Tower viewpoint looks south over Otter and Swan lakes with Okanagan Lake in the distance.
Trails range in length from just under 0.5km/0.3mi to 3.1km/1.9mi. While there are some relatively level sections, steep climbs set the overall rating at moderate to difficult.
Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve Walking Trail
The 58ha/143ac Thomas Hayes Ecological Area, located 7km/4mi southwest of downtown Armstrong near Otter Lake, was originally created to protect a large colony of great blue herons. The herons have moved on, but this is still a great place to watch birds and see a diverse variety of plants and animals.
From the trailhead on Hayes Road, the easy 4.3km/2.7mi Coyote Loop circles the reserve. Two more easy trails, White Tail Wander (1.7km/1mi) and Chipmunk Cutoff (0.25km/0.2mi), connect with Coyote to create shorter loops.
Otter Lake Lookout
This path is short but steep. It's a great choice for bird watchers to look out over the wetlands surrounding Otter Lake. This is also a favourite with locals who carry in a canoe and paddle the tranquil lake to quiet picnic spots.
Stop by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Visitor Centre at 3550 Bridge St. to ask for directions to the Otter Lake Lookout and to pick up maps and brochures for all the popular trails.
Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park
Hike among old Douglas Fir and the low elevation grasslands of Reeves Lake. Take in volcanic rock and fossil sites and stand on the soaring cliffs to watch, eye level, as birds float by on the updrafts. This is habitat for moose, bobcat, marten, lynx, deer and grizzlies as well as the birds and bats that live on the cliff face.
Three trails, Reeves Lake (easy to moderate), Enderby Cliffs (strenuous) and Reeves Lake to Cliffs (easy to moderate) range in length up to 4.5 km/2.8mi. All contain some steep sections. Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park is located 19km/11.8mi northeast of Armstrong.
Practical Points
- This is bear country. Black bears are not uncommon even at lower elevations and definitely on the sub-alpine slopes where they feed in summer. Grizzlies may be encountered.
- When hiking in bear country, carry bear spray, make enough noise to announce your presence and be aware.
- The Armstrong Spallumcheen region can be very hot in summer. Consider timing hikes for early morning or evening. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and carry water.
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