The Monashee Mountains boasts some of the most spectacular hiking areas in all of British Columbia. Walk through the Interior Rain Forests where the Cedar trees have stood for hundreds of years and the moss covers the forest floor. Follow the trails up to the Alpine meadows, jagged peaks and stunning white glaciers. If it's fishing you love, the Monashee Mountain Range has numerous pristine lakes that are full of healthy trout.
All hikers are encouraged to use extra caution when on the trails, due to frequent sightings of grizzlies and Black bears. The mountains are also home to Goats, Wolverines, Moose, Cariboo, Cougars and you never know if your lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the ever so elusive Sasquach.
Camels Hump
Imagine yourself standing on top of a once active volcano, taking in the panoramic view of the Okanagan valley. Camels hump hiking trail provides you with this opportunity. With its distinctive geographical features and breathtaking views the hike is well worth it. The trail is well maintained and suitable for most hikers of average health. Care should be taken on the loose ground when approaching the edge of the 200 meter plus sheer vertical drop.
About 1.5km east of Lumby on highway 6 you will reach Creighton Valley Road on your right. Turn onto Creighton Valley road, and follow it for approximately 15km, until you reach Clier Lake Road on your left. Keep your eyes open for Clier Lake Road because it can easily be missed. Follow Clier Lake road and turn left at the fork when you reach the small lake. Continue on this road until you reach the Parking lot where you will find the signs pointing out the location of the trailhead.
The trail Travels up the first hump, down into a valley, and up the second hump. This is a fairly easy hike, which covers about 6km, and takes around two and a half hours to complete. There is a gain of 630 meters, with the top of the peak reaching about 1200 meters.
Dennison Lake Trail
This 6-hectare fishing lake is at an elevation of approximately 1460 meters. From Lumby, Travel east to Creighton Valley road. Turn right onto this road and drive almost to Barb Lake, which is just over 15km.
Turn right onto Bonneau Lake Forest Service Road and follow it to the trailhead. This 2km hike is fairly easy, and well suited for beginners. Be sure to watch for the spectacular rock formations along the way.
Bluenose Mountain
This short, but steep trek rewards you with an exclusive view of the valley between Vernon and Lumby. Bluenose is a great place for a picnic or afternoon hike. The trail head is accessible by car and only 10 minutes from civilization. From Lumby, drive west towards Vernon until you reach the Lavington Shell Station where you turn left onto School Road. At the end of School Road you will reach Learmouth Road. Turn left onto Learmouth and follow it up the hill until you reach Aberdeen Road.
Now turn left onto Aberdeen Road. Bluenose Mountain trailhead is 4.5km up Aberdeen Road. You will reach a cleared area on the left hand side of the road after turning a sharp corner to the left where you will see the hiking trail sign. Park here. Go into the Timber at the top of the clearing, and follow an old track up the hillside until you reach the trail that zigzags its way up the mountain. About three quarters of the way up you will reach a junction where the left-hand fork will take you to the first peak, and the right-hand fork will take you to the third peak.
The second peak is private property, so there are no public trails leading to it. This hike is well suited for beginners and will take about 2 hours round trip at a leisurely pace. The final altitude is 1199 meters, with a gain of 200 meters.
Mable Lake Provincial Park
Coming from Vernon to Lumby, turn left at the red flashing light in the center of town. Follow this road for about 37km until you reach the park gates. From the parking lot, there is an easy, one-hour walk along the interpretive rainforest trail. On your way to Mable Lake, be sure to stop at the Shuswap Falls recreation area, where you can view the Wilsey Dam, have a picnic, or walk along the canoeists' portage route.
