The Trout Creek Stroll represents one of the easiest routes described in this publication, yet it doesn’t lack in charm or amusement as it is situated in close proximity to many interesting attractions.  Immediately at hand is the Summerland Ornamental Gardens - which I highly recommend, as well as the Pacific Agrifood Research Centre, the KVR trestle and one of the area’s most popular destinations; Sun-Oka Beach.  Additionally, Giant’s Head Mountain look off, with its fantastic vistas and incredibly easy access, is just minutes away.  In this chapter I’ve chosen to navigate the Trout Creek Stroll clockwise, but it can be enjoyed equally in either direction.

Your starting point for the Trout Creek Stroll is a small parking lot adjacent to the only bridge along this stretch of highway.  Travelling from Penticton on Hwy.97, you arrive at an intersection which allows a right turn into Sun-Oka Park or a left to the Pacific Agrifood Research Centre (PARC).  Turn left onto the road leading to PARC and Summerland Ornamental Gardens (well-signed, just outside of Trout Creek).  Fifty meters in you will notice a small, unmarked pavement route branching off to the right and leading down to the creek.  Take it and you will soon see the dirt parking lot on your left.  Once onsite you will notice a wood and wire gate barring a path to one side and a yellow metal bar-gate across the same path in the other direction.

Pass through the wooden chicane gate and up the creek-side path, following along the bank of Trout Creek.  The canyon which the creek emanates from eventually steepens significantly, especially beyond the point where the obvious dirt trail ends and the rock walls become increasingly prone to shed boulders.  I would seriously suggest that you go no further.

The route presents itself as a flat two-track stroll for nearly its full length, the end of which is oftentimes within sight of the Trout Creek trestle (aka; the Mark Ricciardi Walkway).  Seasonal water flow dictates how close you are safely able to position yourself in relation to the trestle.

Double-back along your route you came in on as far as a wooden bench that you’ll have no doubt noticed on your way in.  At that point, take a south-east route past the front of the bench, looping back toward your vehicle by way of a trail which traces the foot of the clay embankment to the south.  Eventually it rejoins the path you originally walked in on.

Along the way you’ll see some of the largest sage-bushes in the Okanagan and be treated to a classic bit of singletrack trail.  There are numerous singletrack trails in the forest to the South of the creek; however, they all end up back on the two-track.

Once back at the parking lot, head around the yellow metal gate and beneath the bridge on Hwy.97 Staying near the creek, pass through two further gates, both of which are generally unlocked.  Six hundred meters in from the bridge you will find yourself arriving at Okanagan Lake and its beautiful shoreline.  There are many fun but short singletrack trails to explore in the adjacent stands of mixed forest; check it out.

The mouth of the creek offer opportunity for those with fishing licenses to test their skills or just enjoy the relative quietude provided by this hidden location.  Later, be sure to visit Sun-Oka beach as well as the Ornamental Gardens.  The gardens are located up the paved road, just beyond your original parking area.  Follow the signs or call 250-494-6385 for more info.  Next, check out the KVR trestle from above.  Directions to the trestle and a load of other cool stuff is available at the Summerland Visitors Centre, located 6k north on Hwy.97

The only reservation I have about this area is that it hosts both prickly-pear cactus & poison ivy in numbers.  I see their familiar faces each time I visit.  Keep kids and pets in check.

A little known tidbit about Sun-Oka beach; locals once referred to it as Siwash Bay.  I am tempted to refer to the singletrack east of the highway as the Siwash Trail - in honor of the areas original settlers.

Getting There From the Peach in downtown Penticton, drive west on Lakeshore Drive.  Lakeshore turns into Riverside Drive and connects with Hwy.97 out of Penticton.  Stay on Hwy. 97 north-bound for approximately 8.5 kilometers and you will arrive at the turnoff to the parking lot for this stroll.  There are numerous indicators of the area, including Sun-Oka Park on your right, the ‘Welcome to Summerland’ sign just beyond it and the overhead flashing light. 

Low: 345m | High: 364m | Length: 5km Loop | Water: Not potable | Cell Access: Spotty