Hiking
Two hikers admiring the views (Picture BC photo)
Lumby styles itself the "Hiking Capital of Canada" with some justification. Within easy reach of the village, more than 100 trails cover hundreds of kilometers of tremendously diverse terrain and ecosystems.
Varied Hiking Terrain
Since Lumby lies in the transition zone between the semi-arid Okanagan Valley and the interior rainforest of the Monashee Mountains, hikers can explore dry grasslands, ponderosa pine parkland, old growth cedar/hemlock forests, alpine wildflower meadows and mountain top glaciers.
Natural Sights
Around Lumby hikers can trek to four different waterfalls and expect to see a wide variety of birds and wildlife. The region is home to bald eagles and a host of songbirds. Rivers and creeks host spawning salmon, while mountain trails can produce sightings of whitetail and mule deer, moose, caribou, mountain goats, cougars, wolverines, black and grizzly bears.
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Trail Info
Stop by the Lumby Visitor Centre for maps and trail guides. The Lumby, Cherryville, Mabel Lake visitor guide also contains trail information or log on to the Monashee Tourism website for information and ratings on 26 area trails plus the trails in Monashee Provincial Park.
Highlight Trails
Salmon Trails
No need to leave the village for an adventure in salmon spotting. This area is the most easterly spawning ground for Chinook and in late summer the Coho and Chinook reach the end of a 1,000/km/621mi swim from the Pacific to complete their life cycle. Flat, easy-walk trails follow the banks of Duteau and Bessette creeks – each exploring a different environment.
The interconnected trails offer routes ranging from 0.5km/0.3mi to 8km/5mi with interpretive signage to explain the salmon habitat, journey and life cycle. Trail guides are available at the Visitor Centre.
Camel's Hump
Camel's Hump, the remnant of an ancient volcanic plume, is the most recognizable geographic feature near Lumby. The 6km/3.7mi round trip hike to the summit is rated moderate with a 630m/2,066ft elevation gain. From the 1,200m/3,937ft top of the hump, see the point where three valleys merge along with Lumby, Vernon, Silver Star Mountain and some of the area surrounding Mabel Lake.
Cascade Falls
The short trail to Cascade Falls is approximately 50km/31mi from Lumby. Drive through rolling farmland then into the forest and past Mabel Lake Provincial Park to a pullout just beyond the 15km forestry road marker. Rated moderate because of narrow patches and slippery sections in the mossy undergrowth of the towering cedar forest, the dim light and damp air give this walk to the hidden waterfall, an otherworldly feel.
Practical Points
- Black bears are not uncommon even at lower elevations and definitely on the sub-alpine slopes where they feed in summer.
- The wilderness area of the Monashee Mountains is grizzly bear habitat.
- 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.
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