KVR Princeton to Coalmont 2024 (BC, Similkameen)
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- čas přidán 21. 08. 2024
- Flooding in late 2021 wreaked havoc on the section of KVR trail from Princeton to Coalmont. Part of the bridge outside Princeton was washed away, cutting off access from the east. To make the situation worse, embankments were washed away part way to Coalmont cutting off access from the west. This leaves a section of trail with many features that are completely inaccessible (several old bridges, the Parr tunnel, scenic trail and cliffs).
We hadn't seen any reports since the flooding so decided to bushwhack down onto the trail for a first hand investigation. The trail is washed away in so many locations that it is impassible when the river is raging. In the early spring it was possible to navigate the full length to take in the full scope of destruction.
Thanks, was wondering just how bad it was. Cycled it many times from the mid-90's onward. Was so impressed when they finally repaired and turned it into the Trans-Canada Trail, its heartbreaking to see it now.
I remember the days with little kids and finding things to do that were adventurous for the whole family. I appreciate what you're doing here...WHAT NOBODY ELSE IS DOING! Kids will appreciate it even if they complain along the way how hard it is or whatever. You're a good Dad. We had a 1986 VW Van that we went everywhere in.
The kids are entering teenage years - the pushback is increasing!
Thanks for your video. I was thinking of doing a similar trip this summer but may have to reconsider. I didn't relize the flood damage was as bad as you showed it.
Amazing that the gazebo is still there....likewise for that "bridge". Pity you didn't/couldn't make it to White Sands as I sure would like to see how/if that area survived.
So heartbreaking to see the condition of the trail now...I'm glad I travelled this section before the devastation.
Thank you for the update.
The only reason I didn't go to further is because I just visited that section on a previous trip. The white sands beach area looks surprisingly quite good! czcams.com/video/FBMtiV3GED8/video.html
Cool skeleton!
That's a great trail ride😁
It's amazing to see how far up the flood waters came.
Thanks for the ride. Still cool to see …
It was good while it lasted. Just Mother nature taking back her dirt. Looking forward to riding the new trail from Sicamous to Armstrong once completed. Should be interesting, new territory. Thanks for sharing your KVR adventure. 🤙and oh yeh, crews are getting the 1000ft Addra tunnel, above Naramata, ready for us soon. 🤞🤞
Yeah I’m looking forward to north Okanagan trail too!
Thank you for your video. I was hoping to ride again that section but I see it is out of question. 😢
Sad to see the destruction.
That flooding really did a number on this part of the KVR. Without major funding and/or volunteer labour, I also agree this trail might never fully recover.
Thanks for the update.
Thanks Steve for your efforts on capturing this recent update. Its unfortunate about the flooding affects on this amazing section of the KVR. Great editing and drone work! Cheers, Tom & Suzanne
Thanks for the video, have seen the destruction from the road and was wondering how it looks down there. Trans Canada Trail is still on my bucket list, hope they fix it up again.
Great video!! I live in Princeton and used to bike that part of the KVR for a few years!! I am sad to see how bad the damage is!! I only ventured a little ways from the Princeton side past the red ochre bluffs! It was way too hot out in August for me! My brother and sister-in-law were with me and we went as far as the next major washout area!! I said there is no way I am going any further!! We were on foot so it was a hot and long enough journey!!
Your video footage is amazing!! Thanks again for sharing! I wish they could fix this trail but wow it is majorly damaged!!
Thanks! I agree that it is quite the chore to navigate at the moment. A good adventure but would be great if there was appetite to repair the route.
Really enjoyed that video.
My wife and I rode this a few years ago. It’s so sad to see the destruction.
What you thought was a caved in mineshaft in your video was actually a oven for cooking food when the railway was being built. I have actually stopped that exact oven and didn't know what it was at first until I researched it.
Interesting, thanks! I thought you were going to say you actually bbq'd there once haha.
it's a shame that our government cant find the funds to repair these washed out sections/ broken down pathways, so we could all continue to enjoy these old historic trails and incredible scenery, but I guess after filling their pockets there is nothing left to give back to the communities...damn shame.
Cool adventure
A big disappointment to see that the trail is no longer accessible
Really interesting. Thanks. I've rode some sections around Rock Creek, GF and near Kelowna
I must be a little on the crazy side because this makes me wanna bikepack the KVR even more...😆
You should! It’s definitely more interesting now compared to long manicured sections of pathway.
Is there a detour route that you could suggest, possibly Coalmont Rd. to the north and east?
Yes, Coalmont Rd is possible bypass but to where? There is a bit of good trail around Otter Lake but really the whole section through Princeton-Coalmont-Tulameen-Brookmere is in ruins.
BC Bike Trail goes to Brookmere and then down to Hope. From Hope into Silver Skagit and over the Paleface to Chilliwack Valley to Cultus Lake. That is end/start of the BC Trail to Fernie. I did our side up to Midway. It is hard and not very well maintained. After this damage you showed us it is going to be less attractive and start will be moved to Merritt permanently. Climb from Hope to Brookmere turnoff will be eliminated and only one big climb will stay. Climb over Grey Pass by Balfour. That one is brutal.
Awesome job .
you will see a big pile of rocks and a part of the river where it slows down at the mouth of granite .There is now a campground there now
That's what us locals called that part of the river lota swimming camping fishing in that area
Great, I’d like to check it out.
I grew up in coalmont 19 68 to ,86 commented on one of your vidios awhile ago we used to ride our moterbikes fown that trail in the summer and fall fishing was awsome and used to have hot dogs and swim in thst river for hours ,did you go to yhe dredge and granite creek while you where up there
I’ve visited Granite Creek but what is the dredge?
Need hardy rebuilding committee -it can be done
How about “Over and around” bike trail to reach Coalmount Road and exit to Brookmere then out to Hwy 5?
Yep, Coalmont Rd is a viable bypass but it’s just not the same. It’s hardly worth heading West from Princeton anymore as there are hardly any decent sections of trail the whole way to Hope.