Spion Kop Recreation Reserve

Spion Kop is Lake Country's summit trail system: over 17 km of marked trails and connectors in a 350-hectare wilderness recreation reserve above Wood Lake, ranging from easy/moderate to most difficult and winding through cool forest and grassy slopes along old glacial ridges, bluffs and basalt cliffs. All trails ultimately lead to the Spion Kop summit and its 360-degree view of Wood, Ellison, Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes, the Oyama benchlands and isthmus, and Little White, Knox, Bear, Terrace and Silver Star mountains. The District's trail map lists the Summit Trail at 2.4 km, Lupine at 5.6 km, Tower at 5.2 km and Paintbush and Ridge Line at 1.5 km each, and notes heritage horse-logging trails and stretches of the historic Old Mission Road. Large raptors, mule deer, bears and coyotes live here. Marked trails are recommended for hiking; parking and access are at the trailheads, including one midway along Pelmewash Parkway. Some 420 acres on the southwest side are private property — no trespassing. Keep dogs on leash.