13. Mill Creek Regional Park

Category: Return

Distance: 2.6 km round trip

Height gain: 71 m

High point: 526 m

Time: 1 hr.

Difficulty: Easy

Seasons: Early spring, summer, late fall

Trailhead coordinates: N49 58.332 W119 21.799

Directions to trailhead: From Quail Ridge Blvd., at the Kelowna International Airport traffic lights, travel north for 2 km to reach Old Vernon Rd. After 1.1 km, Old Vernon Rd. becomes Spencer Rd. at a yield sign. Continue along Spencer for 400 m and turn right at the “Mill Creek Recreation Area” sign. Drive a short distance to the parking lot.

This short hike begins as a streamside stroll through a cedarshaded canyon. This shade provides refreshing relief from the blazing Okanagan summer sun.

  1. The Mill Creek Trail begins as a wide path that eventually narrows to a single-track trail as the canyon becomes tighter, thus bringing the trail and creek closer together.
  2. Right away the route splits into two distinct trails, but both forks quickly rejoin to create the main trail. Going left takes you on a five-minute journey up a staircase and back down again to a boardwalk, while taking the right-hand option means you will stay level, making your way through the cedar forest.
  3. Shortly after the two trails become one, the route crosses Mill Creek on a sturdy, wood-beam bridge, placing the creek on the right side of the trail.
  4. Five minutes past the bridge crossing, there is a small, yet noteworthy waterfall on your right. Just past this waterfall the trail begins to narrow to become a single-track path.
  5. After the trail narrows, it takes two distinctive courses. Depending on the water level, you can take the high ground as it travels somewhat erratically between trees and over roots, or you can take the flatter, quicker streamside option if the water is low enough.
  6. Roughly 20–25 minutes from the starting point, the second, and higher, of the two waterfalls is found. Since this is such a short hike, take some time to stop and enjoy this peaceful spot. It is very calm, beautiful and relaxing.
  7. A few short minutes beyond this waterfall, you will reach the park boundary sign. Although the trail continues past the boundary, it is not maintained and becomes considerably rougher and more unpredictable.