Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is the largest provincial park on Kal Lake located just south of Vernon, British Columbia. It encompasses an area that is approximately 3,700 hectares or 9,140 acres and is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, sight-seeing, swimming, cliff jumping and in the winter time, cross-country skiing.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. To date, the number of vascular plants that have been identified in the park is 432 which is a very high number for such a relatively small area. Common animals that reside in the park and surrounding area include deer, squirrels, marmots,, snakes, minks, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, red fox and cougars.
Kal Park is easily accessible from a number of locations - the most popular being on Kidston Road and Cosens Bay Road in Coldsteam. Kal Park, has a huge network of well looked after hiking trails that meander through the thick groves of ponderosa pine and Douglas-firs and out into the open grasslands with amazing views of the surrounding area and Kalamalka Lake.
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Acres Of ParadiseKalamalka Lake Provincial Park
THE CLIFFS
One of the most frequented spots in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park is 'The Cliffs'. This spot is located on Rattlesnake Point and faces east into Cosens Bay. As is the case with every spot on Kalamalka Lake, the views are stunning from every angle but the ones from this area are arguably the best.
There are numerous places where visitors jump off the cliffs into the refreshing waters below and the heights range from anywhere between 15' to over 90'. Most of the jumping spots are easily accessible off the main trail that runs along the east side of Rattlesnake Point and there are a lot of places to sit and relax and enjoy the action.
If you do visit the spot and intend to jump, please be very cautious and follow all local laws as there are restrictions and numerous people have died over the years jumping off these cliffs.
Image Credit: Jay Woodford
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park
COSENS CREEK WATERFALLS
Not many people are aware of this waterfall in Kal Park and even few people have seen it in it's springtime glory when water levels are at their peak. This photo shows just how much water can flow from this waterfall during the spring run off where as during a typical summer, it diminishes to nothing more than a mere trickle.
The map below shows where Cosens Creek Falls are as well as a trail that you can take from the Cosens Bay Beach. There are numerous trails that will get you there but according to local experts, this one is the nicest. As you get closer to the water falls, the trail becomes less obvious, but if you go to the falls in the springtime, you'll be able to hear the sound of rushing water which can be your guide.
Image Credit: Ryan Van Keen
