After parking on Philpott Road right where it meets Highway 33, we decided to hike down to Mile Zero of the High Rim Trail. You can see the sign for the Mission Creek Trail about 100 meters prior to Philpott Road if you are driving from Kelowna.
Mission Creek Trail Head
There is also a High Rim Trail Head sign right at the Philpot Road parking area that shows which way to take for Cardinal Creek Trail and Mission Creek Trail. Mission Creek Hiking Trail is only 1000 meters of hiking to get down to Mile Zero situated right on Mission Creek.
Mission Creek Trail Fence Crossing
From Mile Zero, you can travel up or down Mission Creek via the trails along the riverbank. I have yet to discover which way the Mission Creek Falls are and will let you know soon! If you know, please post a comment on my blog or send me an email via the contact tab above.
Mile Zero of High Rim Trail
The beautiful cedar trees, mossy ground, risk of surprising a black bear to keep you on edge as you stroll along the meandering trails along the banks of the historic Mission Creek make this hike one that begs to be taken.
Cedar Trees on Mission Creek near mile zero of the High Rim Trail
The fact that it is within a short drive from Kelowna, a very short 1000 meter walk to mile zero and the lack of bikes, joggers, and other hikers zooming by you every few yards makes this hike even more appealing!
Mission Creek Hiking Trails
Mission Creek
Mission Creek Falls are quite a ways downstream from Mile Zero on the High Rim Trail. They are below the Black Mountain Rodeo grounds, and you need permission from the caretakers there to cross the rodeo grounds. Alternatively, you can use the Scenic Canyon access to the Mission Creek Greenway and head upstream. You’ll need to cross Mission Creek to see the falls. Wait until the water goes down though; it’s dangerous now (June 2009).
Another great way to the falls is from McCulloch Road near an old air strip.
According to Google Maps McCulloch Rd becomes Hydraulic Lk Road at some point. I get off the road and start hiking about 1200-1300m up Hydraulic Lk Road.
I would be interested in hiking to the falls from the north side of Mission Creek.
I normally like to take at least a day for a hiking expedition. But I work evenings next week so I could leave early and try to get back by 13:00 hours if you think we can make it. I have the next weekend booked to do some exploring around the Greystokes, Two Johns lake and Derickson Lake.
GPS Track for Mission Creek Trail or High Rim Trail is now uploaded to this post. The distance of the trail from the highway or Trail Head near Philpott Road is one kilometer and is steep narrow trail for a short distance. The rest of the trail is an old overgrown road.