Pincushion Mountain

Today i went and explored Pincushion Mountain above Peachland.
Taking the Hike from Trepenair Greenway up to the Mountain was a real eye opener as i hadn't been hiking in the area in a while and to get to an area that has been bulldozed and the forest ripped to shreds was really disheartening. I had tried this trail once before with some friends but I now realise we turned around about 3/4s of the way to the Picnic table. I did find my way to the Mountain top even though the trails had been completely demolished but i had a slight idea on where i was going and some of the terrain looked familiar, so i followed roads the best i could and got lucky.

They say you aren't really a True Peachlander if you haven't climbed to the top of Pincushion Mountain which i accomplished today. At the top awaits you a picnic table for you to bring some lunch and to enjoy the view while the Canadian Flag blows in the wind. The view at the top is absolutely amazing on a Clear day and the best thing about it, it's virtually all within the heart of Peachland.

You don't really need a hiking stick to do this hike, if you are good on your feet and have some good shoes and exceptional balance but i carried one and it came quite handy keeping myself from hitting the ground especially on the hike down as the dirt is quite slippery when its dry in the summer time which can make it a little dangerous.


Pincushion Mountain Facts:
Summit : 815m / 2 673.88 ft
Elev at the gate (start) (Ponderosa Trailhead) : 570 m (1875 ft)
Distance to the top : 1.2 km
How it got its name : A fire Prior to 1890 burnt the top of the trees leaving just the trunks. To the Early Pioneers, the burnt trees and the mountain made it look like a Pincushion.

Directions :
Turn onto Ponderosa Drive, follow it until almost the end, until you see Private Drive. Park at the bottom of the Private Drive and hike 100 m up the private drive to the trailhead. Coming from Penticton, travel north on Hwy 97, turning left on Ponderosa Drive.

Map : 
http://www.peachland.ca/cms.asp?wpID=91