Myra-Bellevue

Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park protects 8,634 hectares of mountainous terrain in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, located east of Kelowna on the western slopes of the Monashee Mountains. Established in 2004, the park preserves important wildlife habitat, old-growth forests, and provides access to historic resources including remains of the former mining community of Myra. The park's elevation ranges from approximately 800 to 2,100 meters, creating diverse ecological zones from interior Douglas-fir forests to alpine meadows. The park has become renowned among outdoor recreation enthusiasts for its extensive mountain biking trail network, particularly the world-famous Kettle Valley Railway trestle bridges. The area combines natural beauty, industrial heritage, and exceptional recreation opportunities in the heart of the Okanagan Valley.

The park supports diverse wildlife including black bears, mule deer, and mountain goats inhabiting higher elevations and rocky terrain. Smaller mammals such as yellow-bellied marmots, pikas, ground squirrels, and various chipmunk species occupy alpine and subalpine zones. Forest areas provide habitat for snowshoe hares, red squirrels, and occasionally cougars and bobcats moving through the region. Birdlife includes Clark's nutcrackers, Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, and various woodpecker species in forested areas, while raptors like red-tailed hawks patrol open slopes. The park serves as important seasonal habitat for migratory ungulates moving between winter and summer ranges. Aquatic habitats in small streams support insects and provide critical water sources for wildlife during hot, dry summers typical of the region.

Lower elevation forests are dominated by interior Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, and trembling aspen adapted to the region's dry interior climate. As elevation increases, lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir become more prevalent, forming subalpine forest communities. The understory includes shrubs such as kinnikinnick, juniper, Oregon grape, and various berry-producing species including saskatoon and huckleberry. Wildflower displays in subalpine meadows feature lupine, paintbrush, arnica, and numerous other species during the brief summer growing season. Alpine zones above treeline support hardy plant communities including heather, sedges, and low-growing flowering plants adapted to harsh conditions. The park includes old-growth forest stands representing centuries of undisturbed forest development, providing important ecological functions and habitat complexity.

The park occupies part of the Monashee Mountains, composed primarily of metamorphic rocks including gneiss and schist formed from ancient sedimentary and volcanic rocks altered by heat and pressure. Glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch carved the landscape, creating U-shaped valleys, cirques, and depositing till across lower elevations. The historic Kettle Valley Railway route traverses dramatic terrain including several trestle bridges spanning steep creek valleys, showcasing both geological features and early 20th-century engineering. Rock formations expose folded and faulted layers revealing the region's complex tectonic history. Small creeks cascade down steep slopes, continuing to erode the landscape and transport sediments downslope. The varied topography creates diverse microclimates and habitat conditions supporting the park's ecological diversity.

The park experiences an interior British Columbia climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters typical of the Okanagan region. Lower elevations receive approximately 400-500mm of annual precipitation, while higher elevations receive significantly more, primarily as winter snowfall. Summer temperatures at lower elevations commonly reach 25-30°C, while alpine areas remain much cooler. Winter brings substantial snowfall supporting winter recreation, with snowpack typically persisting from November through May at higher elevations. The region's rain shadow effect, created by Coast Mountains to the west, results in relatively dry conditions compared to coastal British Columbia. Weather can change rapidly in mountain environments, with summer thunderstorms developing quickly over exposed ridges. The extended dry summer period creates fire risk, requiring seasonal restrictions and careful visitor management.

The region has been utilized by Syilx (Okanagan) First Nations peoples for thousands of years, with traditional territories encompassing the Okanagan Valley and surrounding mountains used for hunting, gathering, and spiritual practices. The late 19th century brought mineral exploration and mining activity, leading to establishment of the Myra townsite and mining operations extracting silver, gold, and other metals. The Kettle Valley Railway, constructed between 1910 and 1916, opened the region to increased resource extraction and transportation, with the line including spectacular trestle bridges and tunnels carved through challenging terrain. Mining activity declined by mid-20th century, with the railway ceasing operations in the 1970s. The historic railway grade was gradually converted to recreational trails, preserving the engineering heritage while providing public access. First Nations maintain ongoing connections to their traditional territories within the park area.

Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park was established in 2004, protecting important ecological values and providing recreation opportunities in the Okanagan region. The park designation followed years of public use of the historic Kettle Valley Railway corridor for recreation, with formal protection ensuring continued public access and resource conservation. The dramatic trestle bridges along the railway route had already attracted hikers and cyclists, with park establishment providing official recognition and management framework. Since designation, the park has gained international recognition among mountain biking enthusiasts for its extensive trail network and spectacular scenery. Management balances recreation use with ecosystem protection, wildlife habitat conservation, and preservation of historic resources. The park contributes to regional conservation efforts and provides economic benefits through recreation-based tourism.

The Kettle Valley Railway route is the park's premier attraction, featuring the spectacular Myra Canyon trestles including 18 wooden trestle bridges and 2 tunnels along a 12-kilometer section of historic railway grade. The relatively gentle grade makes the route accessible to hikers and cyclists of varying abilities, though the exposed trestles require caution. Ruth Ridge Trail and other mountain routes provide more challenging hiking opportunities with panoramic views of the Okanagan Valley and surrounding mountains. The remains of Myra mining town offer glimpses of early 20th-century mining history, with interpretive signage explaining the area's industrial past. Crawford Falls provides a scenic destination accessible via forest trails. The park's extensive trail network supports various activities including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and winter snowshoeing, attracting visitors year-round.

The park is located approximately 15 kilometers east of Kelowna, accessible via Myra Forest Service Road off McCulloch Road. The main parking area near the trestles provides access to the Kettle Valley Railway route, with additional trailheads accessing other park areas. No developed campgrounds exist within the park, though nearby recreation sites offer camping opportunities. Vault toilets are provided at main trailheads, but visitors should bring water and supplies as no services exist within the park. Kelowna provides full visitor services including accommodations, restaurants, bike rentals, and outdoor equipment retailers. The trestle route is typically accessible from May through October depending on snow conditions, while lower elevation trails may be accessible earlier and later in the season. Winter use requires appropriate equipment and avalanche awareness in higher elevation areas.

The park protects important wildlife habitat including migration corridors for deer and seasonal bear habitat, requiring careful recreation management to minimize wildlife disturbance. Forest health monitoring addresses threats including mountain pine beetle infestations, which have impacted lodgepole pine forests throughout the region. Wildfire management presents ongoing challenges in the fire-prone Okanagan climate, with the historic trestles surviving the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire that burned adjacent areas but later succumbing to a 2003 fire, after which they were rebuilt. Trail maintenance focuses on erosion control and sustainable design to minimize environmental impacts from heavy recreation use. The park works with regional partners on invasive species monitoring and control programs. Visitor education emphasizes fire safety, wildlife awareness, and Leave No Trace principles. The park's popularity requires ongoing management to balance recreation access with ecological protection and visitor safety.