Looking for Quilchena Falls I ended doing a scenic drive on the Thompson-Nicola Region. I did a quick stop in Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park where I asked a ranger where the falls were located. "I heard about them but never being there" was her answer.
'A lake a day as long as you stay' is no idle boast for the Thompson-Nicola region. Relative to its size, this region is unsurpassed in British Columbia for its sports fishery. There are close to 150 lakes in the area, and almost every lake offers new fishing opportunities.
Alleyne Lake
None of the lakes in Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park have natural spawning streams, they are stocked with rainbow trout.
West and East Pond
Kentucky Alleyne Provincial Park is a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike. An endless choice of activities takes you away from the rush of modern living. You can enjoy swimming, canoeing, walking, fishing, and hiking. Boating is restricted to paddle watercraft, as powerboats are not permitted.
The hike to access Quilchena Falls from this park has been closed because it goes through private party. Dissapointed, I keep driving trying to find an alternative route. After leaving the park I took a backcountry road hoping to find some kind of trail.
But after a few kilometres a road closure sign marked the end of my trip. I noticed this area is being treated for pine beattle-infested pine trees. There is some debate about the economic value of harvesting these sick trees. Some ecologists doubt the government is doing enough to contend the epidemy and instead it is being used as a pretext for major monetary gains.
I couldn't find the falls but that didn't stopped me to keep driving in "The-one-lake-per-day area". I ended my day at Bob's Lake. Nestled in among other easily accessible lakes this area is noted for its clean air, peaceful surroundings, and wild life.
Other lakes in the area include Boulder, Elkhart, Johns, Reservoir, Skunk and Walker. All are high elevation lakes that consistently produce good catches throughout the hot summer months. Some of these lakes are hike-ins and you can get directions to them by visiting the lodge at Paradise Lake.
The BC Forest Service maintains numerous small, rustic campsites in the region. As you can see, many are located near lakes and rivers, blending in with the natural surroundings. Although these sites do not offer sophisticated amenities such as power hookups and piped water, they include basic sanitary facilities, fire rings, picnic tables, and, where appropriate, boat-launch ramps. Keep in mind that access is mostly via narrow unpaved roads, not always suitable for large RVs.
To reach Bob's Lake, fom Merritt travel south on Hwy. #5A to Hwy. #97C, located just before the community of Aspen Grove. Turn east onto Hwy. #97C and follow it to the Elkhart exit. The Lake is located about 3 km. north of the Elkhart exit.
Round Trip: 700 kms (437.5 miles)