Peterson Creek Park

Peterson Creek has cut a deep gorge through the hills south of the Thompson River Valley.   Trails follow the benchlands and sidehills of the creek gully from the City into the hills.   Peterson Creek Park is 94 ha and has 30km of hiking trails.   Trails going north-south are more gradual.   All east-west trails have to descend into the gully and back out again making them steep choices.   The trails are along interesting routes and are fun to explore. 

Driving Directions and Trailheads:

  • There are several access points into the trail system.   The main trailhead is at the lower end of the creek at the end of Glenfair Road.   Drive along Columbia Street and turn south on Glenfair just west of 6th Avenue.   The parking area and trailhead are signed.

There are also 6 upper trailheads in Sahali using Summit Drive as the main corridor.   Two of the trailheads are shown on the map.

Trails:

  • The lower entrance continues up the creek valley toward Bridal Veil Falls, though the last section is in a narrow gorge with a danger of falling rocks from above.
  • From the end of the lower route, trails go up both sides of the gorge with a vertical climb of about 126 m (400 feet).   Both sides go up to a benchand above the gorge.   As we hike south, the trails continue to climb.
  • One of the better trailheads to minimize the steep climb, with good views and good trails is found at the corner of Summit Drive and Whiteshield Crescent.   Trail signs can be found at this parking lot.
  • A favorite route is to park at the trailhead on Whiteshield Drive and Summit Drive and hike a combined series of trails starting with Grassland Trail to Tom Moore Trail then choosing options as the hike climbs south.
  • Trails go around the canyon to the east side.   Some of the east side trails are outside the park.   Similarly trails go south but end up at fencelines.
  • Many loop routes are possible, although some will involve steep climb out of the canyon.

 

Some Peterson Creek Images:

 

More information:

  • East Rim Loop
  • A Ramble in Peterson Creek
  • I have been hiking in Peterson Creek for 45 years so I have done all of the routes, some of which are featured on the website.   Use the Search Bar for more routes.