Lake of the Woods and Rim Trail

Lake of the Woods and the Rim trail are located in Cathedral Provincial Park. The park is an expanse of mountain peaks, lakes, and alpine meadows. Nestled between the thick forests of the Cascade Mountains and dry environment of the Okanagan Valley, the park offers a diversity of plants, animals and mountainous terrain.

To access the park, you'll need to travel via hwy 3 to Keremeos, B.C. Three kms west of Keremeos, Ashnola Road leaves the highway. After traveling another 10km along paved road, you'll transition to the Ashnola Forest Service Road. Continue along this road.

There are three hiking routes that provide access to the park’s core (e.g., Ewart Creek, Lakeview, and Wall Creek). There are signed access points along the FSR. You can also access the park via a transportation service through Cathedral Lakes Lodge.

Unfortunately, a forest fire recently swept through this area. Cathedral Provincial Park is currently closed. Check the BC parks website for updates (https://bcparks.ca/cathedral-park/).

Lake of the Woods

Once at the Cathedral Lakes Lodge via a hiking route or transportation service, you can camp at Quiniscoe Lake or Lake of the Woods. In the past, it was possible to camp at Pyramid Lake. However, it is closed. We chose to camp at Lake of the Woods (picture below).

Camping spots are nestled amidst the trees.

Pyramid Mountain from Lake of the Woods campsite.

Goat visiting our campsite...

The Rim Trail

The rim trail traverses through pine forest, by pristine lakes, spectacular alpine meadows and across rocky mountains. With a doubt, it is the centre piece of Cathedral Provincial Park.

From Lake of the Woods, the trail begins with an ascent through sparse forest.

Snow is often present into the summer months

The trail will emerge out of the forest through alpine meadow.

Flowers are abundant

The trail climbs through a vast alpine expanse

Descending to Lady Slipper Lake, the trail winds its way through forest (picture below).

Circumventing Lady Slipper lake, the trail takes you toward the rim of the mountains.

The jagged rocky features of the nearby mountains (e.g., Grimface Mountain).

The trail begins to climb toward the crest of the ridge.

Along the way, there are expansive views of the surrounding distant mountains.

Once on the rim, you'll encounter 'stone city.' Rock features with a unique geology.

A rock formation that looks like 'Smokey the Bear.'

View of Lady Slipper lake from the 'rim' of Cathedral Provincial Park.

Hiking along the boulders scattered along the rim.

Glacier Lake

Returning through the forest below Glacier Lake

Fish rising on Lake of the Woods

Final Thoughts

Cathedral Provincial Park is a spectacular blend of pine forest, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, panoramic views and wildlife. While the rim trail is the highlight of the park, there are numerous trails to explore within the core area and beyond. Unfortunately, shortly after our trip, a wildfire devastated the area. BC parks is working to restore access to the Cathedral Lakes Lodge. However, it will likely take many years to return to its former state.