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Attention
Visitors - Important Notice!
- There
are no park alerts at this time.
Park
Info:Brent
Mountain Protected Area was established on April 18, 2001. It
is the only alpine area protected in the Southern Thompson
Upland ecosection. Within the protected area is an extensive system
of wetlands along stream channels as well as krummholz (very
old, low-growing shrub varieties of sub-alpine fir and spruce),
subalpine parkland, and subalpine and alpine meadows. A former
BC Forest Service fire lookout sits atop the Brent Mountain
adding to the recreational appeal of the area which provides
a variety of regional outdoor recreational opportunities, including
hiking, horse use and snowmobiling.
Park
Size: 4,344
hectares
Special
Notes:
Management
Planning:
Management
Planning Information
Location:
Bounded
by Broken Creek to the southwest, extending west from the
height of land along Sheep Rock and Brent Mountain and
encompassing the headwaters of Shingle Creek, Skulaow Creek,
June Creek and Shatford Creek, Brent Mountain Protected
Area is 22 km west of Penticton. Access to Brent Mountain
and Sheep Rock trail heads area via Green Mountain and
Apex Mountain roads. Turn right at 4.1km up Apex Road
onto a currently unnamed road. Follow this for 3.7km,
turn left and follow for 2.1km to a fork in the road; stay
right 700m to the
Sheep Rock trailhead parking area. The Brent Mountain trailhead
is 1.8km further; then turn left to the parking
area. The nearest community, town or city is Penticton.
Map/Brochure:
Any maps listed are for
information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be
used for navigation.
Nature & Culture:
- Cultural
Heritage - Though the area is most well-known for recreation opportunities, there are important natural values present. The alpine meadows contain red-listed lupins and, traditionally, the area was used by First Nations for plant gathering.
Visitor
Safety:
General
Visitor Safety Information (park
safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)
Reservations:For
parks that accept reservations,
all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover
Camping.
Explore
Parks: Fees, park listings, what
you should know before you go and other useful links.
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No
vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
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No
wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping.
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No
group campsites.
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No
day-use or picnic facilities.
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There
are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
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Potable
water is not available in the park. Water from the streams
must be treated by boiling, using iodine tablets or
filtering.
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There
is a BC Forest Service pit toilet at the lookout. |
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No
showers.
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No
sani-station/dump facilities.
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Campfires
are not permitted.
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There are no electrical hook-ups in this park. |
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There
are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at
this park.
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Brent
Mountain offers wilderness recreation for users with
knowledge of the area and good outdoor skills. There
are well established hiking trails put in by enthusiasts
using the area prior to its designation as a protected
area. Some signage remains from the Ministry of Forests
and trails are marked by fluorescent markers nailed
to trees but many need replacement. More markers are
needed, as are signs and maps.
The
Shatford Creek Trail is roughly 10 km. It is well marked
and easy to follow with an elevation gain of about 720m
to the Sheep Rock alpine area. Sheep Rock is made up
of rolling sub-alpine and alpine meadows and affords
panoramic views to the Coast and Monashee Mountains
as well as the Okanagan Valley. Allow 7-8 hours return.
The
Brent Mountain Trail is roughly 5 km. It is well marked
and leads to the summit of Brent Mountain (2203m) after
an elevation gain of 444m. It too offers rolling alpine
meadows and 360 degree views of the Okanagan Valley
and the Coast and Monashee Mountains as well as an unused
Forest Service fire lookout. Allow 4-5 hours return.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park,
obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting
trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
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This
park does not have a playground.
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No
swimming.
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There
are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this
park.
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This
park does not have a boat launch.
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Anyone
fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an
appropriate licence.
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Cycling
is not permitted.
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Horseback
riding is allowed.
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Pets/domestic
animals must be on a leash at all times and are not
allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible
for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry
areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to
wildlife issues and the potential for problems with
bears. |
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No
wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Though
there are no cross-country ski trails in the area, it is close to the
Nickel Plate cross-country area. The rolling sub-alpine and alpine
terrain offers snowshoeing opportunities but there are no trails or maps.
Given the summer hiking times of 4-8 hours return and the lack of facilities,
snowshoeing in the protected area must be well planned and visitors well
prepared with all necessary equipment. This is a backcountry area and
tobogganing opportunities are limited. Sheep Rock has long been a destination
for local snowmobilers. The open terrain provides excellent riding opportunities
and breathtaking views of the Okanagan. The fire lookout is a great spot
to warm up. Snowmobilers are reminded to take care and avoid damaging vegetation
protruding from the snow.
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No
SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities. |
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No
windsurfing opportunities. |
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No
waterskiing opportunities. |
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Brent
Mountain is open to hunting during the lawful game season. Please check
the Hunting and Trapping regulations for more information.
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No
climbing or rock climbing opportunities. |
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No
spelunking or caving opportunities. |
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The
Brent Mountain fire lookout is used as a warming hut.
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