The accessible portion of the Cougar Canyon ecological reserve contains a hike up to some rocky cliffs as well as a popular rock climbing area. This is a relatively short hike that is good for the whole family (until the end when kids never want to stay far enough back from treacherous cliffs).
Directions To Trailhead:
From Coldstream Creek Rd south of Vernon, take Cosens Bay Rd all the way to the Kalamalka Lakes Provincial Park parking area. At the back of the parking lot the road continues unpaved, winding down the hillside (quite narrow in this section, be careful). 4.3km later on the left there will be a parking lot for access to Cougar Canyon.
Distance from Vernon to Trailhead: 14km
Walking time: 1.5-2 hours
Trail Length: 5km round trip
Elevation gain: 115m
GPS: Not necessary
easy to stay on trail: yes
