The terrain around Princeton is ideal for mountain biking. Riders can take it easy on rail trails that skirt the Tulameen and Similkameen rivers near town or head out across the rolling grasslands and pedal to high country lakes. Winter cross-country ski trails provide lots of options for rides through forested highlands while historic pack trails leading into the Cascade Mountains demand greater fitness and stamina.
Scenic Rides
Along with the different levels of challenge these trails deliver plenty of worthwhile sights like railway tunnels, First Nations pictographs, vermillion coloured cliffs and great views of the valley and sawtooth peaks of the Cascades. Trails in the Princeton area also attract hikers and horseback riders.
Awesome Rides
Trans Canada Trail
Anybody who can ride a bike can handle the easy railway grades on the Trans Canada Trail. It runs through Princeton on the bed of the historic Kettle Valley Railway (KVR). Ride along green riverbanks and through narrow rock canyons.
Ochre Bluffs
Stop for a look at the red rock of the Ochre Bluffs. First Nations mined the ochre for millennia to make paint for their rock art and as a valuable trade good. Pedal through cool, dark tunnels, climb long switchbacks over open rangeland and picnic beside blue mountain lakes.
Osprey Lake to Brookmere
The 113km/70mi former Princeton subdivision of the KVR from Osprey Lake to Brookmere is maintained by locals. They've installed interpretive signage explaining the plants, animals and geography of the region along with rest stops and picnic areas.
Daytrips and Overnighters
Princeton makes an excellent base for exploring the region. It's just a 15.2km/9.4mi round trip to Parr Station along the banks of the Tulameen River. This easy ride takes in the Ochre Bluffs, two tunnels and a narrow canyon.
Jura Station
Travelling northeast, the trail crosses wide-open grasslands with great views of the snow-capped Cascades. The ride to Jura station (16.7km/10.4mi one way) includes the famous Jura switchbacks, created so that trains could make the steep descent from the plateau to Princeton in the valley. Signage and a shelter make this a good turnaround point or rest stop on the way to Osprey Lake, 51.5km/32mi from Princeton, where campsites, other accommodations and services are available.
Heritage Trails
Fur Brigade Trail
Riders who are fit and up for a little more challenge can roll into history on the Hudson's Bay Company Fur Brigade Trail. It runs between Princeton and Hope with the original fur trader's campsites still discernable 40km/25mi apart along the way.
Whatcome Gold Rush Trail
Check out more heritage trails including the Whatcome gold rush trail, pushed through in 1858, and the Dewdney Trail, blazed in 1860. Take a few hours or head out overnight. There is a forestry recreation campsite on the Dewdney. Climbs into the Cascade Mountains make these trails moderate to difficult.
China Ridge Trails
The China Ridge Trails, 8.5km/5.3mi northwest of Princeton, are best known by cross-country skiers and snowshoers, but this is great terrain for riders too. Over 40km/25mi of single and double track marked trails rated as easy and moderate are great for family riding or adventurous kids.
Pedal across the forested plateau and stop for a break at cross-country ski cabins. The China Ridge hut stands at a lookout point with awesome views of the Coquihalla Range of the North Cascade Mountains. These trails also connect with the Trans Canada Trail, but the downhill is seriously steep.
Trail Info
Ask staff at the Princeton Visitor Centre, 105 Hwy 3 East, for information on area trails. Maps are provided in the Princeton Visitors Guide. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen website also hosts a good trail map and descriptions of China Ridge Trails.
Practical Points
- The Similkameen region can be extremely hot in summer. Consider timing hikes for early morning or evening. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and carry water.
- When hiking in the dry grasslands, be aware that this is habitat for the western rattlesnake.
- Black bears are not uncommon even at lower elevations and definitely on the sub-alpine slopes where they feed in summer.
- When hiking in bear country, carry bear spray, make enough noise to announce your presence and be aware.
- The best time to hike in the mountains is late June through September, depending on snow conditions. Trails in the valley are accessible year-round.