Lodestone Mountain is accessed from Coalmont.   Drive into Coalmont and go south on the west side of the Tulameen River past Granite City, and follow the good road up the Granite Creek drainage all the way up to past the working Basin Coal Mine operation and then continue on to Blakeburn (at 6km), an old ghost town.   Continue to climb on a good road.  At about 9km, the road crosses the old Hudson’s Bay Brigade Trail (going to the right towards Tulameen), but stay left and watch for a sign at 9.8 km designating the road as part of the Brigade Route.

The Blakeburn Road meets the Lodestone Forest Service Road at Km 13.  Turn onto this rougher road and follow it for 8.5km.   Early in the season, you may encounter snow on the higher parts of the route.   Ahead Olivine Mountain will be on your right (north).   Many people park at a fork at 18km from Coalmont since the road gets rougher yet and it is only 4km to the lake.   The Brigade Trail goes right to the lake at 6000 feet, where there is a BC Recreation site.   There are 2 camping sites at the lake with tables, toilets, and a boat launch for fishing.   The trail continues past the lake, heading west.   At the east end of the lake, there is rough side road bearing left that goes to the top of Lodestone Mountain.   Wide views of the Cascades are the reward for a long drive and a moderate hike.

The best way to do this is hike is to combine it with some area exploration – Coalmont, Granite City, Blakeburn, and the Kettle Valley Railway.   We like to camp at Otter Lake and explore the historic trails, roads, and sites.   There is much to recommend in this area.

Coordinates:

• Start of the Blakeburn FSR – N49 30.311 120 40.867
• Lodestone Lake – N49 27.962 W120 50.876
• Lodestone Mountain – N49 27.816 W120 50.197