The High Rim Trail (Okanagan Area)

The High Rim Trail (Okanagan Area)

A good training backpack for those wishing to graduate to some serious backpacking one day. (:

(THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER EVENT. DO NOT OVERESTIMATE YOUR ABILITIES PLEASE).

Be sure to answer the questionnaire in order to be considered for this event.

ABOUT
Stretching through the forested highlands between Kelowna and Coldstream, the High Rim Trail offers a rugged, remote Okanagan adventure. This 60 km point-to-point route traces the edge of the valley, climbing 2,000 m in total elevation gain across its length.

Starting at Highway 33 at Philpott Road, the trail begins with a steep ascent known as “Cardiac Hill,” then winds past Cardinal Creek, Frog Pond, and forested ridges. From there, it continues across wild meadows, mixed forests, and quiet alpine lakes before descending to Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. Panoramic viewpoints along the route offer sweeping vistas of the valley and distant peaks.

Trail surfaces range from old forest roads to narrow, rooty singletrack. Look for pink-and-black markers to navigate. Backcountry campsites with tent pads and outhouses are located at select points, including near Grand View.

Dogs on leash are welcome. Main access points include Highway 33 at Philpott Road and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Cosens Bay.

Wild, scenic, and full of story, the High Rim Trail is a true Okanagan classic.

The Plan:
This will be done over 3 leisurely nights or 4 days including travel time Starting from just east of Kelowna and ending in Vernon. Looking for 2 or 3 folks to join us on this one so please be sure of your availability during the week. This will help with tenting sites. Not totally sure about how many there will be hence the keeping the numbers small. We will either have two vehicles for either end of this linear trail or possibly take a larger cab or uber back to our vehicles. Haven't worked that out yet. Will pick the best four days the week before to assure success the following week.

GPS here:
Closer to 60k then shown here and well over 2000m gained https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/okanagan-high-rim-trail

Trip Report here:
https://foreverlostintravel.com/hiking-the-high-rim-trail-kelowna-to-vernon-bc/

Youtube video of what to expect if you were running the entire thing. That's optional of course but I won't be myself. He totally misses Damer Lake Camp the last night for us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbnE4OyJtE0&t=43s

Weather Outlook:
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/park/ca/british-columbia/wrinkly-face-provincial-park/14-day

Gear list:
Water filter such as Befree, Sawyer or gravity filters.
Backpack with whistle attached
Hiking boots
Trekking poles (if you use them)
Headlamp and spare batteries
Waterproof/wind-resistant jacket and pants
Layered clothing (wool/polypro base layers, etc)
Down jacket
Base layers
Socks
Toque & gloves
Water bottles and/or hydration pack
Food
Water treatment (filter, tablets)
Bear canister\Ursack
Bear spray/Bug Spray
Insect repellent and head net
First aid supplies, sunblock, lip balm
Medication for any health issues you may have
Sunglasses & sun hat
Camera / phone
Navigation equipment (GPS, map, compass)
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Stove, fuel and cooking equipment
Fire starter (waterproof matches, lighter)
Pocket knife or multi-tool
Plastic garbage bags
Toiletries including toilet paper
Change of clothes for the drive home
Bag to put your dirty/wet boots in while carpooling

FOOD AND BEVERAGES AFTER HIKE:
Perhaps afterwards a bite to eat and drink at a local establishment to replenish those calories lost and to just shoot the breeze about the days highlights before heading back. Something I usually like to do. Open to suggestions.

More info to those coming.

Carpooling:
Please carpool to events whenever possible. The high cost of gas and maintaining a vehicle make this a very sensible option for vehicle owners and allows those without a car to get to the events. While vehicle owners are free to set their own reasonable fee for carpooling, it is typically suggested that passengers offer the driver $10.00 per hour of driving (includes mileage and vehicle wear & tear). This is only a guideline and the driver may charge more or less depending on the situation.Please state in your RSVP whether you can offer a ride or need a ride, and where you will be coming from. Passengers, please ensure you show up on time and bring an extra bag for wet/muddy footwear and clothing. Also, please make every effort to get to a convenient pick up place for your driver! Please do not leave carpooling arrangements until the last minute – you, not the event organizer, are responsible for arranging your own carpooling to events. Thanks!

DISCLAIMERS:
LEGAL INFORMATION, LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
We are a group composed of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or pro event organizers. However, as a group of friends and acquaintances, we will look out for each other. The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during and at anytime after this event. By RSVPing "Yes", for this event, you acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your own health, safety and well-being before, during and at anytime after the event as stated previously.
All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.
Every attendee must display a clear, unobstructed, current close-up photo of themselves. Also, if you do NOT answer all of the questions in your profile, and/or if you input random characters or info to fake an answer to the one RSVP question, then your RSVP will be Ignored or Rejected. Until corrected, those on the Waitlist ahead of you with a proper profile will be Accepted before you.