Waterfalls to do this spring in the Okanagan

Now that spring is here, the winter thaw is making for some high-volume and absolutely stunning waterfalls.

This is the time to get out and hike to the falls to take those epic photos. Sure, summer weather may feel better for hiking, but you’re going to miss out on sheer water volume, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Just be careful and use appropriate footwear!

Here are a few waterfalls to check out this spring:

1. Naramata Falls

Naramata Creek Park is about a 15-kilometre drive from Penticton.

Round trip, the hike takes about one to two hours.

2. Hardy Falls

Hardy Falls is an easy trail that's about 400 metres in length. It's wheel chair and stroller accessible, with plenty of viewing points along the way.

Directions:

Heading south on Hwy 97 towards the end of Peachland. Follow the signs for Hardy Falls, turn right on Hardy Road. Park along the left and the Trailhead is on the right.

3. Canyon Falls (Editor's note: Canyon Falls is currently closed, so it will have to be on your bucket list for later in the summer!)

This is a short, but very steep hike. Be prepared with good footwear.

The distance is about two kilometres and the falls are quite an impressive gem hidden in the Crawford subdivision.

Located just above the Crawford subdivision in Kelowna, be prepared for a moderate to difficult 2 km hike. Regardless, the two impressive (lower & upper) falls certainly make the trip worthwhile.

Directions:

To get there, take Gordon Drive south and turn left on to Dehart Road. Follow Dehart Road and turn right on Crawford Road. Take a right on Westridge Drive, right on Canyon Ridge Crescent and then right on Canyon Falls Court. There is a small cul-de-sac at the end. Look for the trail head and a small pathway that leads to Crawford Falls.

4. Fintry Falls

Located in West Kelowna, Fintry Falls is an easy hike and is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Kelowna.

Fintry Falls boasts not just one but three waterfalls and deep pools.

Directions:

Follow the signs to Fintry Creek Provincial Park.

The trail starts just after the Fintry campground.

5. Bear Creek Regional Park

Bear Creek Falls is located just across the road from the Bear Creek Provincial Campground on the west side of Okanagan Lake.

The trail to the falls are clearly marked and takes about an hour to do the loop. In good weather, it's a nice sunny spot to hang out and spend a couple of hours.

6. Mill Creek Regional Park

The hike to Mill Creek falls takes about one to three kilometres, depending on conditions. Therefore, plan for about one to three hours, depending on trail conditions.

Otherwise, the terrain is fairly straightforward.

Directions:

Mill Creek is located just north of Kelowna on Highway 97.

Turn right on Old Vernon Road, just after the airport. Go straight at the stop sign onto Spencer Road. After the sharp left bend in the road turn right into the parking lot.

7. Christie Falls

Christie Falls is about a 35 kilometre drive from downtown Kelowna.

Don't be surprised if you see some rock climbers while you're in this little rock haven!

Directions:

Once you cross the bridge on the west side, take the Westside Road exit heading north just past Bear Creek Provincial Park.

Turn left at Bear Lake Main Road.

You will pass BurnCo Rock Products on your right and a cattle guard shortly after. Turn right on Esperson Forest Service Road and continue on, passing the Big Horn Dam.

There are logging truck kilometre markers along the gravel roads that will help you find the hiking trail.

You will see a sign for "Christie" while passing the dam at the 24 kms logging marker. Turn right. After the 27 km logging marker on the road, you will see a gravel road on your left. Turn here!

There is a wooden sign several feet down the road on the left hand side that says "Christie Falls’". WARNING! It is very easy to miss, so make sure you drive past the 27th marker with the fork in the road, the next left turn has a sign for Christie Falls.

8. BX Falls

BX Falls is a short, but beautiful hike if you find yourself in Vernon.

Directions:

From Vernon, take Silver Star Road East (48th Ave becomes Silver Star Road). Just past the BX School, turn right onto Star Road. You will see a sign and parking is located at the trailhead on the right just before turning left up the hill.

Alternatively, you can park at the top of the trail. To get there, continue up Silver Star Road another 2 km and take a right on Tillicum Road. Parking is on the right, just after the hard right hand turn (about 1 km off Silver Star Road). If you pass Cedar Falls Campground, you have gone too far!

9. Carrot Mountain

Carrot Mountain is a hefty, moderate to difficult hike, but quite rewarding.

One thing you need to prepare for is a change in the weather. Dress in layers as the weather could turn from sunny, windy, snowy, rainy and back again.

The views are stunning and there's a rewarding waterfall along the way.

Directions:

From Highway 97 in West Kelowna, turn right onto Bartley Road, then left on Shannon Lake Road towards the golf course. Just before the golf course, take a right on Shannon Woods Drive near the Community Gardens. Continue on until you reach Shannon Hills Drive and take a right. Finally, take a left on Shannon Heights Place and continue until you reach the end of the street, which is a dead end. You can park and head up the trail.