iN PHOTOS: This South Okanagan gem a must-see for birders, outdoor enthusiasts

A conservation area in the South Okanagan is a must-see this summer for anyone who loves nature, hiking, birding or biking.

White Lake Grasslands Protected Area is 3,741 hectares of aspen groves and open pine forests full of wildlife and stunning views of lakes and rugged mountains located just west of Okanagan Falls.

No vehicles or campers are allowed in the area allowing for peaceful hiking and wildlife watching. Birding is an especially popular activity there, according BC Parks.

Okanagan wildlife photographer Shelley MacDonald explores the area with her camera regularly.

“My photos are mostly taken when I lucked out and spotted something while hiking,” she said. “Other bird watchers are more committed to the hobby and will spend hours out there waiting to spot a bird.”

A brightly coloured mountain bluebird is caught on camera in White Lake Grasslands Protected area in the South Okanagan in spring. iNFOnews.ca/ Kathy Green

There are rare species of birds to watch for, including the long-billed curlew, yellow-breasted chat, and the white-headed woodpecker that rely on the old growth stands of ponderosa pine in the area. Popular sites for birding are Kearns Creek, Mahoney Lake, Rattlesnake Lake and McIntyre Bluff.

The area is home to numerous threatened of endangered wildlife species including reptiles, amphibians, bats, insects and plants. It has winter range for mule deer, and winter range and lambing sites for California bighorn sheep.

For those who love hiking, there are roughly 20 trails to try out in the region. White Lake Trail is just under 13 kilometres long. It begins south of Mahoney Lake at a gravel pullout and takes hikers through an aspen grove and along a chain of alkali ponds.

It goes through rock bluffs and trees before winding down to the lake and running along its western shore until reaching Green Lake Road.

“There’re small parking areas at Mahoney Lake, White Lake and Rattlesnake Lake that are access points lead to many kilometres of trails,” MacDonald said. “The trails aren’t crowded, actually, the whole area is peaceful and quiet.” 

South Okanagan wildlife photographer Jodi Forster is pictured on a hiking trail in White Lake Grasslands Protected Area in the South Okanagan. iNFOnews.ca/ Dianne Bersea

Recreational mountain bikes are allowed on designated roadways.

Another thing to look for when exploring are archaeological sites, rock shelters and pictographs from the historical First Nations use of the land, as well as a piece of the fur brigade trail and a cache pit from early European settlement.

The best way to access the area is from Green Lake Road and Fairview-White Lake Road.

Go here for a detailed map of White Lake Grasslands Protected Area

Do you have an outdoor gem in your neck of the woods? Let us know at news@infonews.ca.

A downy woodpecker perches on a tree trunk at White Lake Grasslands Protected Area in May. iNFOnews.ca/ Shelley MacDonald

A white-crowned sparrows perches on barbed wire in White Lake Grasslands Protected Area. iNFOnews.ca/ Kathy Green

This shiny tree swallow lives at White Lake Grasslands Protected Area in the South Okanagan. iNFOnews.ca/ Kathy Green

A flock of sandhill cranes rest on their spring migration at White Lake Grasslands Protected Area. iNFOnews.ca/ Kathy Green