16. Lost Lake

Category: Return

Distance: 8.4 km round trip

Height gain: 256 m

High point: 792 m

Time: 2–3 hrs. round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Seasons: Spring, summer, late fall

Trailhead coordinates: N49 48.738 W119 26.558

Directions to trailhead: In Kelowna, at the intersection of Gordon Dr. and Highway 97, drive south on Gordon for 3.7 km to Casorso Rd. Turn left onto Casorso. Follow Casorso Rd. for 2.3 km as it goes through two traffic circles. At 2.3 km, the road splits into DeHart Rd. going right and Bedford Rd. going left – get onto Bedford Rd. Stay on Bedford for 1.4 km to where it intersects with Saucier Rd. and Stewart Rd. E. At this junction, Bedford Rd. terminates, so go straight onto Stewart Rd. E. In 1.5 km Stewart Rd. E. ends at the Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park parking lot.

This is a stroll that takes you through thin forests, burnt trees and open meadows. Lost Lake is more of a pond than a lake, but the tranquil setting makes it a popular destination.

  1. From the parking lot, go to the kiosk, which contains maps and general information about this region. From here the trailhead is well marked and is just slightly uphill beyond the kiosk.
  2. This is one of the best-marked networks of trails in the entire Okanagan Valley, so I will include only distances at major intersections. The first one comes within the first five minutes, and the signpost clearly says to go straight.
  3. Many marked and unmarked trails intersect with the main Lost Lake trail. Routes with names like Fairlane Trail, Fairlane Loop, Upper Bench Trail, Galloping Trail and Salamander Trail criss-cross the main trail, but the way is always clearly marked.
  4. Most of the elevation gain is acquired throughout the middle segment of this trek. The grade is almost unnoticeable, but there is no doubt that the net result is an increase of 256 m.
  5. You will arrive at an important intersection at the 2.4-km mark, or 30–35 minutes from the trailhead. The “Teddy Bear” junction is distinguishable from all other forks or junctions on the trail (or anywhere else for that matter), as the trees around the junction are littered with – you guessed it – teddy bears. This is quite an unusual, and somewhat creepy, sight to come across way back in the woods. Regardless of how it affects you, take the left turn, continuing up the Lost Lake Trail.
  6. More marked and unmarked trails intersect the Lost Lake Trail, but again the way is marked and obvious.
  7. At 3.1 km, or roughly 50 minutes into the hike, you will come to a fork and its sign that needs your attention. One marker would send you continuing up Lost Lake Trail, while the other one directs you to the left to Lost Lake Loop (to Lost Lake). Go left onto a single-track trail.
  8. Five minutes later you will arrive at another sign with two markers. One sends you along the Lost Lake Loop, while the other directs you to the left along the Spring By-Pass Route. Both of these trails meet up farther along the way. The Spring By-Pass Route does not refer to a spring of water but to a bypass that should be taken in springtime when water levels are high along the main trail.
  9. After the two trails join together as one again, it crosses a couple of wooden bridges in quick succession. The trail has reached its apex and the remainder of the hike is on flat ground.
  10. Lost Lake is reached about five minutes from the bridges.
  11. Return the same way.

More of a pond than a lake, Lost Lake provides water for several species of wildlife in an environment where water is scarce.