A peak in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley is the centerpiece of a proposed national park

Stand atop this 6,145 foot (1,873 m) peak and savor sweeping jaw-dropping views encompassing snowy summits and sun-baked steppe. Look out across open ridges and slopes scented with sages and firs to the Okanagan and Similkameen River valleys, the North Cascades, the Kettle River Range and the Monashee Mountains. And stand in awe staring directly south to a procession of lofty bulky summits straddling the international boundary and soaring nearly 7,000 feet (2,100 m) above the valley below. It’s one of the most dramatic reliefs in Cascadia.

Mount Kobau lies within a transition zone between the snowy and rainy North Cascades and the drier and warmer desert-like Okanagan Valley. On this peak, sagebrush mixes with pines, firs, and cedars. The mountain is home to moose, bear (black and the occasional grizzly), mule deer, and bighorn sheep. In the valleys below, badgers, long billed curlews, canyon wrens, and other species struggle to survive in an area that continues to see conversion of habitat to vineyards, orchards and vacation homes.

The South Okanogan-Similkameen region is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Canada. It is home to 30 federal species at risk and more than 60 provincially listed species at risk including Great Basin spadefoot toads, desert night snakes, flammulated owls and yellow-breasted chats. This region represents the northern limit of the Great Basin and its shrub steppe ecosystem is one of the most endangered in Canada.

Since 2004, Parks Canada has been studying and working with local First Nations, provincial and local officials and local businesses about establishing a national park here. It has been met with a fair amount of resistance from locals who fear losing access to the land. However, support for the park has been strong in order to the Syilx Okanagan Nation to protect their ancestral lands. On July 2 of this year, Parks Canada announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding that starts the process to create a national park reserve. The memorandum was signed by representatives of the provincial and federal governments as well as leaders of the Osoyoos Indian Band and Lower Similkameen Indian Band. The new park will encompass more than 67,400 acres (27,280 ha) including the current South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area, which contains Mount Kobau.

What better way to celebrate this announcement than by taking a hike on Mount Kobau?

There are two trails on the mountain that are easy to hike and packed with sweeping views. Last summer I took my (then) 3-year-old son and his 70-plus grandmother on this hike. The trails start high on the mountain thanks to a long snaking gravel road that practically delivers you to the summit. The road was constructed in 1966 to help build the Mount Kobau National Observatory. It was slated (at the time) to be the second largest telescope in the world. However in 1968 due to rising costs the project was scuttled. Sky gazing is still great from this peak far from major cities, so consider bringing your own telescope and staying awhile after completing your hike.

Two trails departs from the small picnic area at the trailhead. Head first up the short 0.4 mile (0.6 km) Mount Kobau Lookout Trail. After traversing a patch of sage, the trail makes a steep and short climb to a summit highpoint granting spectacular views of the Okanagan Valley and Lake Osoyoos below. Take in views too of isolated summits Big White Mountain and Baldy Mountain as well as Washington’s Mount Bonaparte and the Kettle River Range in the distance. The view directly south is what you’ll probably be most fixated on. Here just south of the international boundary a slew of high peaks in Washington’s isolated Loomis State Forest pierces the sky. Admire Joe Mills Peak, Hurley Peak, Snowshoe Mountain and Chopaka Mountain which tops off a 7882 feet (2402 m). To their west are even more snowy, isolated lofty giants. Continue hiking to get a better view of them.

Retrace your steps to the picnic area and then follow the 1.8 mile (3 km) Chopaka View Loop Trail,which undulates between grasslands, sage, and clusters of conifers. The trail skirts a small wetland pool (dry by late summer) and then makes a little dip followed by a short climb across a wide-open slope culminating at the Chopaka Lookout. Here savor spectacular views of the Similkameen River Valley and impressive 8,494-foot (2,589 m) Snowy Mountain hovering above it. To the south of Snowy are a series of prominent peaks in Washington’s remote Pasayten Wilderness.

Enjoy the view and continue the loop, traversing an open slope of sage before dropping into a forested nook where mosquitoes from nearby Testalinden Lake may greet you. Then climb out of the nook and come to the park road where you’ll head downhill just a short distance to complete this magnificent loop. While gazing at all of the surrounding natural beauty, you may be wondering what Kobau means. No one is quite sure. The mountain was named by Canadian geologist George Dawson. But he left no explanation to its meaning. The Syilx people knew Kobau as Txasqin, which means “Nice Top.” I think that upon concluding your hike, you’ll concur that the top of this mountain is indeed a nice place to roam.

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Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than twenty hiking guidebooks, including Day Hiking North Cascades (Mountaineers Books), which includes many scenic trails just south of Mount Kobau in the Loomis State Forest and Pasayten Wilderness.

Location: South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area

Distance: 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 410 feet (125 meters)

Difficulty: easy

Trail notes: Dogs permitted on leash. Hunting permitted in season. Practice Leave No Trace Principles

Trail highlights: rare high altitude sage shrub ecosystem. Home to several species at risk. Exceptional alpine views; centerpiece of the new South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park

Contact: British Columbia Parks

Getting to the trail: From Hope, drive BC 3 (Crowsnest Highway) 145 miles (234 km) east to Richter Pass located 7.5 miles (12 km) west of Osoyoos. Turn left and continue on gravel Kobau Lookout FS road (high clearance recommended) for 11.8 miles (19 km) to trailhead.