The 30 min drive from Princeton is a winding scenic drive with beautiful valley, canyon, mountain and river views along the way. The paved road heads northwest as it follows the crystal clear waters of the Tulameen River and the historic Kettle Valley Railway. Some areas of the road feel daringly narrow as you cling to the rocky mountain sides, but it rewards you with beautiful backcountry scenes. About 3/4 of the way up, you'll find yourself driving into the small quirky village of Coalmont and its historical landmarks. You can still see evidence of its 100+ years of roots, including the famous Coalmont Hotel and other aged buildings. A few more minutes up the road and you'll finally find yourself in the popular recreational town site of Tulameen and Otter Lake.
Otter Lake is approximately 6km long and covers about 290 hectares (716 acres) at an elevation of 823 m (2700 ft). The clear blue lake is fed by fresh mountain runoff and natural spring water. It is a great recreational lake for swimming, boating, water-skiing and fishing for lake trout, rainbow, brook trout and Kokanee. The town of Tulameen is located at the south end of the lake and features an excellent public beach front and boat launch. The popular Provincial campsite borders the north-west side. The Trans Canada Trail runs along the east side providing wonderful scenery of the lake and mountains.
Tulameen offers easy access to a variety of horseback, hiking and ATV trails throughout the valley for those looking for a backcountry adventure. You will find an endless network of forest service roads that are perfect for long distance exploring in your 4x4 or ATV.
Trans Canada Trail: This historic stretch of the Trans Canada Trail is part of the old Kettle Valley Railway that runs along the East side of Otter Lake.The trail comes down from Brookmere near the Coquihalla Highway and runs through Tulameen, where it meets up with the Tulameen River. Keep going south along the river and you'll find yourself passing through train trestles, tunnels and beaches as you head through Coalmont, Princeton and out the Princeton Summerland Road.
Tulameen Falls: Located at approximately 30km on the Tulameen FSR, the 1km hiking trail is a moderate grade hike into a spectacular waterfall. It is recommended that it only be used during low water seasons as the unmaintained trail involves two river crossings. The hike winds through old growth forest and steep rocks banks along the river's edge and takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
Vuich Historic Trail: An "easy grade" 1km hike at the Jacobson Recreation Site and horse camp (46km out Tulameen FSR). The short section of the original Tulameen Valley pack horse trail that intersects with Hudson Bay Company Trail and the Rice Historic Trail at the south end of Jacobson Lake.
Rice Historic Trail: 4 km return trip, moderate hike that follows the old trail used by prospectors and trappers into lush grassy meadows dotted with tiny ponds. Starts from the Vuich Trail junction south of Jacobson Lake.
Hudson Bay Company Heritage Trail (West): The original route used by the fur brigades from 1849-1860. The 7.5 km moderate hike starts at the Vuich Trail junction and climbs into the alpine and past the pristine "Palmer Pond" at 1,805 meters. Venture further and stand on top of the Cascade Divide at 1,850 meters.
Hudson Bay Company Heritage Trail (East): A more challenging 20 km (one way) remote backcountry camping experience that runs through the Tulameen River, crossing at Horseguard Camp. Pass through the timber stand in the majestic mountains and up onto the Tulameen Plateau that joins the Whatcom Trail heading to Lodestone Lake.
The residents of Tulameen banded together to build a permanent roof over the outdoor ice rink, despite having a budget far short of the estimated cost of the project. All the hard volunteer work finally came to an end as the community project was finalized in 2013. The venue has been the perfect location for events such as hockey games, outdoor dances, basketball, floor hockey, swap meets and more! Also located near the rink is a beach volleyball court and fire pit.
Volunteers maintain and operate the fire department serving the rural communities of Tulameen, Coalmont and surrounding areas under authority of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
A parade takes place on Saturday at noon on the August long weekend. There are lots of activities and crafts for children and the younger people of our community, with a beer garden for the adults, and a horse shoe tournament. The community puts on a baron of beef/cob of corn lunch at a great price at the town community hall. There are a lot of sights, contests, duck races, raffles and booths to check out on the main street, in town. There's a pancake breakfast and town clean-up on Monday. All funds raised from the Tulameen Family Fun Days events supports the community of Tulameen and the Tulameen Fire Department.
