Exploring Peachland's Bedford Trails
Discover the Bedford Trails, named after Wes Bedford, a long-time Peachland resident and pharmacist. These trails are ideal for hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. The trails are easy to navigate, marked with pink ribbons and "T"s on trees. The trailhead is clearly indicated with an orange sign reading "Wes's Trail." Start your adventure by exiting the bush at the powerline, then head right, walk over the hill, and continue left. The trail ascends with switchbacks, offering a 2.5 km hike up to an old hunting shelter before returning the same way.
Getting to Wes's Trail
To reach Wes's Trail, take Highway 97 south to Peachland, turn onto Princeton Avenue, and follow it past Zip Zone and Headwaters Rd./Peachland Forest Service Rd. Continue past the Silver Lake driveway; after about 1.5 km, you’ll find the trailhead on the right, marked with an orange sign.
Trail Details
- Difficulty: Options from Easy to Difficult
- Average Distance (Round Trip): 5 km
- Average Time (Round Trip): 2 hours
- Dogs Allowed: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
The Bedford Trail Network and Attractions
The area features a mix of single and dual-track trails, a stocked lake (Spring Lake, with 500 rainbow trout added annually), and a stunning lookout point with sweeping views over Okanagan Lake.
The main two-track trails include the Short and Long Spring Lake trails and the Lookout Loop, which connect to singletrack paths like Beeline and the Memorial Plaque Trail. Area maps suggest these trails are linked, however nature has gradually obscured parts of the route. The Memorial Plaque located on the trail, a tribute to Manville Bedford, is still in good shape, though it can be tricky to find.
The first two roadside entry points lead to steep, worn two-tracks that quickly level off and resemble wide quad trails. This whole area is great for easy hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Start at the lookout point for impressive views, no matter the season. Families will enjoy the quad-trail riding, which is relatively simple, while the singletrack trails offer a bit more challenge.
Overall, the Bedford Trails offer an excellent all-season, multi-sport family trail network. It could use local advocates to maintain and enhance it, however. Peachland Tourism has shown interest in funding new signage, and volunteers are needed for trail maintenance. Additionally, gaining rights from Crown land managers to create new trails, especially those connecting to the Trepanier trails, would greatly benefit the area. Join the effort to preserve and improve this wonderful trail network for future generations.