Princeton to Coalmont on the KVR
Here is another beautiful Kettle Valley Railway run. I have to tell you, if you're coming from Vancouver it's nice to just drive for 3 1/2 hours and you're there. Lets face it most of us just stop in Princeton for gas and coffee then continue to Penticton, Kelowna or other Okanagan destinations. Stop here for a day or two, check out the town, check out the KVR trail riding in the area! There's lots. Use Princeton as a launching base for the rest of your trip. Accommidations are very reasonable here.
This day I, with a cycling friend Bob peddled from Princeton on the railbed to Coalmont. The trail wanders off in a west northerly direction skirting the Tulameen River.
Do you know what a Hoodoo is? Well I didn't before this trip. I do now and I'm not saying any more than there are Hoodoos on this part of the KVR. They're neat lookin'.
A good starting point is around the Subway restaurant on Highway 3. The building is after all the original Princeton KVR railway station. You're best to have a mountain bike with some suspension. I rode this section with my thin wheeled, high pressured tire hybrid with no suspension, no cushy seat springs. I really enjoyed the trip anyway. Out of Princeton the trail is actually paved for a distance.
It becomes gravelly and somewhat rugged after the first tunnel. This 350 meter tunnel provides access beneath Highway 3.
After the tunnel an old railway trestle bridges the Tulameen River. From here on the trail meanders along with the river. It is outstanding and peaceful.
Here is one of the most picturesque rides I've been on in British Columbia.
The countryside is everything from rolling hills to more rugged steep cliffs exposing the ancient bedrock. A couple spots along the trail landslides have blocked the path. They are however easily passable.
The entire trip time to Coalmont & return was 7 hours. A nice relaxing day with easy peddling, lots of stops for snacks, enjoying the moment and picture taking. Actual cycling time was 4 hours round trip.
That's about it. Remember this is rugged terrain in the wilderness with wild animals, precipitous drop-offs and ledges, do your homework, be prepared and do not forget to bring a camera.
I have added a jpg map taken from a highly recommended book - "Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway", third edition, by Dan & Sandra Langford. This is a must read & reference book for anyone cycling in the Okanagan Valley. It is loaded with fascinating history & landmark information about this part of Canada's railway history.
jpg Map from Cycling the Kettle Valley RailwayChapter-Indigo's Link to the book - "Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway"Google's Link to the book - "Cycling the Kettle Valley Railway"
