Continue with onX Maps
Sign in with Facebook
Cougar Canyon Climbing
| Elevation: | 1,824 ft | 556 m |
| GPS: |
50.1811, -119.2786 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
|
| Page Views: | 21,285 total · 100/month | |
| Shared By: | Peter Spindloe on Apr 27, 2007 · Updates | |
| Admins: | Sean Godwin, Mandie Walls, John L, Mark Roberts, Kate Lynn, Braden Batsford, Mauricio Herrera Cuadra |
Description
Located within Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park near Vernon, this hidden gem offers a surprising amount of climbing at a wide range of grades. Cougar Canyon’s Shuswap Gneiss has a grainier, more textured quality than the rock found near Skaha, with cleaning and development efforts having revealed a variety of unique features and holds. The climbing in Cougar Canyon is considered to be comparable in quality and character to Skaha, though it's admittedly less vast. Beginners will enjoy Creekside, Toad Hall, and Cedar Dome. Walls with quality moderates include Alpha, Rocky Horror, and Cougar while harder climbing can be found at Beta, Gamma, and Conspiracy. Raven's Wall, Swallow Buttress, and Gray Wall are works in progress and being cleaned as of October 2024.
For the latest and most comprehensive route information, pick up the guidebook Roped Up in the North Okanagan, available at Valhalla Pure in Vernon. A portion of the proceeds supports the bolt fund, helping maintain and expand the canyon's climbing potential.
Getting There
Directions to Parking:
Located on the Eastern shore of the beautiful Kalamalka Lake, Cougar Canyon is a 20 mins drive South from the heart of Vernon and a 60 Mins drive North from Kelowna. The access road is well maintained from spring to fall and is accessible with most vehicles, no 4wd s needed. No parking is allowed on Cosens Bay road and in the past people parking along the side of the road has led to a few grass fires in the park. Please park in designated parking only.
From Kelowna: Take Hwy 97 North, exit at College Way, followed by a Right onto Kalamalka RD, Right onto Mcclounie Rd, Left onto Coldstream Creek road, Vere right onto Cosens Bay, continue onto the gravel access road parking will be on the left after a 4KM drive.
Hike in:
Once at the Cougar Canyon Trailhead parking lot, follow the trail that begins next to the outhouse and bulletin board, at the first intersection hang a left to the crags (a right will take you to the lookout). At the second intersection hang a right and walk down into the canyon to access the majority of the climbs, straight will bring you to a handful of boulder problems and eventually to another lookout.
Google link to Parking lot: https://goo.gl/maps/16PH5GjUDBu9UBSF6
Classic Climbing Routes at Cougar Canyon
Weather Averages
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within Cougar Canyon
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About Cougar Canyon
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (5)
3 Comments