You’ve probably driven by Spion Kop numerous times without noticing it. Even when you look at the peak from the highway it doesn’t look like anything special. That’s why it’s so shocking when you finally reach the summit and behold the expansive views. Spion Kop (Dutch for ‘look out hill’) is on a ridge of hills sandwiched between Okanagan and Wood lakes.
Officially, Spion Kop does fall in the category of hiking-mountains-with-loud-eyesore-communications-towers-on-top-but-we-do-it-anyway but we’ll give this one a pass.
There are several other trails aside from the summit hike. The grand overlook is another great view of the south and the Lupine trail North Overlook has views of Vernon and Kalamalka Lake
Directions To Trailhead:
For the main trailhead, from Vernon head south or Kelowna north to Lake Country and take Oceola Rd. Soon after there is a 4-way stop. Turn right onto Lake Hill Drive then left on Shoreline Drive and finally left on Apex Drive (along here there are signs).
For the alternate Raven Ridge trailhead, continue straight at the 4-way stop mentioned above onto Okanagan Centre Road East. Take a right onto Carrs Landing Road then keep right onto Moberly Road (hiker sign here). Follow the hiker signs the rest of the way, continuing on Moberly Road with a left at Forest Hills Drive then a right on Townsend Drive. A final left on Northstar Lane completes the switchbacks up the hill to the trailhead. There are no markings at the trailhead but park at the end of Northstar Lane and the trail continues from there.
Distance from downtown Kelowna to Trailhead: 30km (1/2 hour)
Walking time: 2 hours
Trail Length: 6km round trip
Elevation gain: 265m
GPS: Not necessary
Easy to Keep on Trail: There are several signed trails but also a lot of unsigned
