Middleton Mountain (Farnsworth Nature Reserve)

Middleton Mountain is the grassy summit between Vernon and Coldstream, and the Farnsworth Nature Reserve at its top protects native grassland where three loop trails — the Bluebird, North, Middle and South Loop trails — give 360-degree views of Kalamalka Lake, the Coldstream Valley, the Monashee Mountains, Swan Lake and the City of Vernon. Tourism Vernon lists the Middleton Mountain Loop at 2.66 km and rates it Difficult, because steep stairs climb to the summit from the trailhead sign on Mt Ida Drive opposite the Emerald Views housing complex; there is also access from Middleton Mountain Park. Benches and interpretive signs describe the geology, flora and fauna, wildflowers bloom from early spring to mid-June, and deer, marmots, bluebirds, meadowlarks, quail, eagles and hawks live here. Dogs must be on leash — to avoid the cactus as much as to protect the grassland wildlife.