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Princeton
Princeton
is located 133 km (83 miles) east of Hope
on Hwy 3 and 112 km (70 miles) west of Penticton.
Similkameen
and Tulameen Rivers
Princeton is situated along the Similkameen and Tulameen Rivers
and has a dry climate similar to the Okanagan Valley. Very rich
in mining history, Princeton provided a link to the Okanagan from
Vancouver via the Kettle Valley Railway during the 1900's.
Mining
and Gem Displays
When you stop in Princeton have a look at the town museum located
on Vermilion Avenue. The museum depicts Princeton's proud past with
a remarkable collection of local fossils and gem stones.
Historical
Walk Tour Map
Within walking distance of the museum there are also some interesting
things to look at including some historic buildings and memorial
cenotaph. You might want to pick up the historical walk tour map
from the Town of Princeton.
Swimming
Hole at Bromley Rock
Bromley
Rock is a large outcrop along the Similkameen River just east
of Princeton on Hwy 3 just before Hedley.
This large rock provides the best swimming hole in the area. Make
sure you get a chance and stop here for a dip, the place is great.
Lots of people make Bromley
Rock the starting point for inner tubing down the Similkameen
River.
Bromley
Rock Provincial Park
If you would like to stay here for a few days there is the Bromley
Rock Provincial Park campground located right next door. If
this park is full try looking at the numerous forestry sites on
the other side of the river on Old Hedley Rd.
China
Ridge Ski Trails
Princeton has some excellent cross-country skiing located at the
China Ridge Ski Trails. To get here travel towards Tulameen
for about 8 km (5 miles) to the Bear Mountain Recreation Area turnoff
then follow the signs to China Ridge. Located at Bear Mountain is
a small ski hill that features a T-Bar and some excellent dry powder
snow.
Tulameen
For outdoor adventures make a trip into Tulameen.
Located here is Otter Lake Provincial Park and access to some of
the best hunting and fishing opportunities in British Columbia.
Kettle
Valley Railway
The drive into Tulameen follows the old
rail line of the Kettle Valley Railway along the Tulameen River
through Coalmount. The KVR is now part of the Trans-Canada Trail
and can take you past Otter Lake eventually all the way to Hope.
Osprey
Lake
The Trans-Canada Trail also heads east from Princeton all the way
to Summerland. The route follows the
old Kettle Valley Railway right-of-way along Hayes Creek past Osprey
Lake. Osprey Lake is noted for its great Rainbow Trout fishing.
Summerland
Back Road
To get here by road take the route to Tulameen
cross the bridge then follow the signs for the Chain Lakes and Osprey
Lake Road. The backcountry drive to Summerland
is very beautiful and has various names from Highway 40, the Five
Mile, Osprey Lake Road, to the Summerland Back Road.
"The
Whipsaw"
For other backcountry driving and remote fishing lakes there is
"The Whipsaw" route that starts at Coalmont. Take the
Granite Creek Road out of Coalmont over the Tulameen River. This
Forest Service Road goes through some higher country into some very
nice remote fishing lakes and mountains.
Mile-High
Lakes
There are some rustic campgrounds available at Lodestone Lake and
Wells Lake situated at 1590 metres (5,217 feet). These mile-high
lakes contain some lovely rainbows. The FSR road continues with
a route back to Hwy 3 near Princeton.
Recreation
Map
A good recreation map of the area can be found through the Princeton
Chamber of Commerce web site and the Forests Service Recreation
Interactive web site for the Merritt Forest District.
First
Nations Art
The soil found throughout the Princeton region contains high levels
of red ochre. Called yak-tulameen the soil allowed the First Nations
in the region to develop high concentrations of native rock art
or pictographs. There are quite a few first nation pictographs drawn
on the very large rock formations found throughout the region. Some
areas to look include parts of the Cascade Recreation Area and Manning
Park.
Traveling
Hwy 3 Hope-Princeton
The section of highway on Hwy 3 west of Princeton has had a reputation
for being a little harder on vehicles. There are quite a few steep
hills and sharp corners between Princeton and Hope.
Make sure you are aware of this and make sure your cooling system
and brakes are functioning properly.
Chevron
Gas Station
If you are driving from the east, the Chevron gas station located
in Princeton on Hwy 3 is convenient for vehicle checks. There is
lots of room for RV parking plus a good spot for a rest with plenty
of fast food outlets handy.
Princeton
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