Trail Overview
The Long Route to Bouleau Lake is an adventurous 12.7-mile point-to-point trek designed for intermediate offroaders, high-clearance SUVs, and SxSs looking to explore the rugged, wildfire-scarred backcountry of the Okanagan Valley. Starting near Okanagan Lake off Westside Road, this scenic route climbs steadily from an elevation of 1,148 feet up to 3,659 feet, gaining over 2,550 feet of elevation along the way. Navigating through narrow valleys, creeks, and active ranch lands, travelers will experience a shifting landscape that showcases both the stark recovery from the 2021 wildfires and beautiful mountain vistas. The initial sections are relatively straightforward, but the dirt track quickly deteriorates, offering a technical rating of 4 due to increasing obstacles.
As the route progresses deeper into the mountains, drivers will encounter deep potholes, heavy rutting, and steep sections that drop sharply to the valley floor below. Four-wheel-drive is highly recommended, and standard passenger cars should avoid this route entirely. While summer and early fall offer the best travel windows, late-season adventurers must prepare for rapidly building snow and extremely icy conditions at higher elevations, which can easily force a turnaround. Packing extra supplies and snacks is essential for this remote journey, which leads to the popular Bouleau Lake Recreation Site.
