Mount Rose Swanson

This 9km trail network on Mount Rose Swanson, 5km west of downtown Armstrong, is named for the first white child born of pioneer settlers, Catherine (O'Hare) Shubert in the area (1862). Catherine Shubert was the only woman in the party of Overlanders who made their way by land from the east rather than the traditional water routes from the west. Rose went on to marry Mr. Henry Swanson. There are beautiful views of the valley from this hike.

Wildflowers

From the trailhead/parking area off Chamberlain Road, two different routes lead to a variety of loop trails. In spring the wildflower show includes chocolate lilies, wild rose and Indian paintbrush.

Overview Lookout and Tower Viewpoint

Hike to Turner's Terrace near the summit for the best view to the north toward the Shuswap. The Overview lookout takes in Armstrong, the Spallumcheen Valley farmlands and the Monashee Mountains to the east. Tower viewpoint looks south over Otter and Swan lakes with Okanagan Lake in the distance.

Trails range in length from just under 0.5km/0.3mi to 3.1km/1.9mi. While there are some relatively level sections, steep climbs set the overall rating at moderate. Pets welcome.

Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve Walking Trail

Thomas Hayes farmed this land from the 1880's until the 1960's. In the early 1980's, 58 hectares were set aside as a park and wildlife refuge area. The 58ha/143ac Thomas Hayes Ecological Area, located 7km southwest of downtown Armstrong near Otter Lake, was originally created to protect a large colony of great blue herons. The herons have moved on, but this is still a great place to watch birds and see a diverse variety of plants and animals.

From the trailhead on Hayes Road, the easy 4.3km Coyote Loop circles the reserve. Two more easy trails, White Tail Wander (1.7km) and Chipmunk Cutoff (0.25km), connect with Coyote to create shorter loops that all lead to a peaceful scenic picnic area. Reminder that Thomas Hayes Ecological Reserve is an ecological reserve and human impact needs to be kept a minimum so please no dogs on trails.

Otter Lake Lookout

This path is short but steep. It's a great choice for bird watchers to look out over the wetlands surrounding Otter Lake. This is also a favourite with locals who carry in a canoe and paddle the tranquil lake to quiet picnic spots.