The Keremeos Columns are tall columns of basalt
resulting from Volcanic activity, some 30 million years
ago.
This spectacular sight is 30-meters high and forms a
100-meter-wide cliff, with more or less regular
fractures of basalt which followed
further cooling of the already-crystallized liquid lava,
just like mud cracks after a puddle has dried.
These volcanic monuments of slowly cooled lava, with
the characteristic vertically-hexagonal columnar jointing
of basalt, loom out of the surrounding forest. This
is the same geological phenomenon that has formed the
Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and the Devil's Tower
in Wyoming.
The "Keremeos Columns Provincial Park' was
established on July 31, 1931, however, a 1954 survey
showed that the basalt was on privately-owned land and
even today, it is outside the 50-acre Park boundary.
To reach the 'Keremeos Columns Provincial Park, drive
north on highway 3A from Keremeos and, at the Keremeos
Cemetery (Approx. 4 km along,) turn right onto Liddicote
Road. The gate at the end of the road is access to
private property, Permission MUST be obtained in order to
go beyond this point. Ask
permission from the owners (at the last house at the end
of the pavement).
Wilson Clifton 499-5638
or Brad Clifton 499-5180
Once past the gate, the climb is steep and the road is
rough with many switchbacks. Follow the road past
the transmitter towers (this a very good viewpoint).
Past the second gate you will come to a fork in the road,
and a sign that reads 'Columns'; take the Left fork. Two
Kms farther up, there is another sign ("Columns'); if
you have received permission to drive up, park your
vehicle here. The columns are just ahead, about 100
meters. It's a hot hike to get here, rambling though
sagebrush country, bring full water canteens - at least
one litre per person.
Even in the afternoon, the area has shade and is often
cool, the perfect place for a picnic and a rest.
Have a look at the rest of the park area; note the cactus,
sage, and many different wildflowers. In the spring
the Lewisia blossoms are beautifully bright. As with
any remote area, expect to see wildlife in various forms;
please respect their presence, and disturb as little of
the natural beauty of the park as possible. (watch out for
rattle snakes)
With access across "Private Property please
respect the privilege, disturb as little of the natural
beauty as possible, and please remember to leave the gates
as you found them.
If the gate owners allow you to drive up, a 4-wheel
drive or high clearance vehicle is a must and the trip
should take about an hour. If you are hiking expect a 3-4
hour trek.
* Basalt - a dark, tough, heavy volcanic rock
~A sample of this basalt rock formation is on
display In Memorial Park, Keremeos~ Back |
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