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Monashee Provincial Park

Kamloops Trails Posted on by

Monashee Provincial Park is approached from the west side of the Monashee Divide.   Almost all of the approaches to the Monashees are difficult.   This is true wilderness and there are not many roads that penetrate the ranges.

The trailhead is reached by traveling west from Vernon through Lumby to Cherryville, and then north to Sugar Lake.   Drive 46 km north past the end of Sugar Lake and then turn onto the Spectrum Lake Road and follow it for another 16km.  The trailhead starts at the parking area.

The first leg of the hike is an easy 6km to Spectrum Lake.   This is a pleasant (but not spectacular) spot.   When I camped here, there was no one else even though there are 16 spots and a shelter.

The next part of the hike is a four hour (9.5 km) climb to Big Peters Lake.     This section feels long.   Hikers have to choose to take the shorter backpack into Spectrum Lake and or take the long hike into the Peters Lakes area.    If I had an early start, I would backpack all the way in and establish a camp at Big Peters Lake.   This spot, though, can be buggy in July.

There are 10 basic sites at the upper campground next to the lake.   The views are good here, but you can hike up high the next day for wider views of the highest peaks on the Monashees Divide, the Arrow Lakes, and beyond.     If you camp at Peters Lake, there are some good hikes choices:  through South Cariboo Pass to go up Mount Fosthall  (the next post) or over to the Valley of the Moon.

About KamloopsTrails

I started exploring this area in 1976 and I continue to follow tracks and routes wherever they lead, with the aid of map, compass, GPSr and camera. After many dead-ends, but also many discoveries, I chose to share this information. Getting out 12 months each year, I continue to explore trails, tracks, routes, and waterways of the Kamloops area and beyond.

Comments

Monashee Provincial Park — 10 Comments

  1. Hi there,  I have been up to Big Peter's lake twice.  Tried to reach Valley of the Moon.  But for lack of markers after you reached Fawn lake, made it difficult to know what directions to go in. If you have any information to send me in the right direction. I would appriecate it, as i plan on going back up there in the summer of 2011.  Also would like information on how to acces the Margie lake route via the logging roads. Thanks judy
     

    • It was a low overcast day and I couldn’t see much. I used my compass and took a bearing and was surprised by a cairn now and then. This will be a return trip.

  2. Hello,
    Wondering what the climate is like in late spring, say in May?  We'd be looking to avoid some bugs but still get a good experience.  Not looking for snow hiking though.  Thinking a 5 day thing, getting into Big Peters and doing day hikes, looks like a really nice area.  Thanks!

    • Wow. This will be a tough slog in the late spring. Snow lingers long high in the Monashees. At Big Peters Lake, there will be snow right to the end of June. If the aspect of the approach tail was more south-facing, there would be more melt. Bug season won’t start until late June, though. Good luck.

  3. Planning on hiking in to Spectrum Lake tomorrow and spending the night.  Hopefully there is not much snow and the nights don't get too cold. 

    Anyone been in the park yet this year?
     
     

  4. A friend and I are planning a trip to Big Peters this summer. Just wondering if there is a source for drinking/cooking water there, or does it need to be brought in?

    • When I camped at both Spectrum Lake and Peters Lake, we took water from the stream and boiled it for cooking, but for drinking you can bring a filter, bring your own, or boil and cool it. There is a good stream flowing into Peters Lake near the tentpads.

  5. A friend and I got back from Monashee last weekend. Great hike, great scenery. The bridge just past Little Peters that leads to Big Peters has been washed out and pushed downstream. We were still able to cross it, however it rests at 45 degrees.

  6. Hey, I’m just wondering how the road conditions are to get there. Would I need an SUV or truck to get there or would my Subaru Impreza work?

    • It was quite drivable when I was last there, but early in the season and in winter conditions it would be more challenging. Best to check with BC Parks before driving in.

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