Outbound Collective logo

Spotted Lake Viewpoint

Osoyoos, British Columbia

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

0.32 miles

Elevation Gain

36 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Caillum Smith

Unique geological wonder of the world. Okanagan Nation Alliance sacred site. Looks like something from Dr Seuss.

The Okanagan Highlands is home to a myriad of unique natural phenomena but nothing quite as otherworldly as Spotted Lake.Known to the Syilx People as Khiluk, or the "grandfather of lakes", it is a sacred place for healing and is said to contain 365 coloured spots, one for each day of the year.

Scientifically speaking it is a saline endorheic alkali lake. The coloured amoeba-like pools are formed each summer when the lake evaporates, leaving mineral-rich deposits of calcium, magnesium & sodium sulphates, making it one of the most mineralized lakes in the world. Their colours vary according to mineral composition & seasonal precipitation, varying from blue to green to yellow and nearly every shade in between.

The land surrounding the lake is owned by the Okanagan Nation Alliance and is normally closed to the public, both because of its cultural significance and its environmental sensitivity. It can, however, be viewed quite well from a pull-off on Hwy. 3, North-West of Osoyoos.

Here's an excerpt from the Statement of the Okanagan Tribal Chiefs on Spotted Lake in 1979...

“Since the dawn of history, Spotted Lake or 'Ha? Ki lil xw' as we call it, has been a sacred place. Indians from all tribes came to visit the lake for the medicine the lake contains. The ceremonial cairns, too numerous to count that surround the lake testify to that. Some of these are so ancient they have sunk underground and only their tops remain above ground. Some are buried altogether. There are many stories told by our ancestors about the cures this lake has provided, physically and spiritually through its medicine powers…

…Its medicinal powers are not to be taken lightly. This lake is a Chief among lakes, its powers are above the purely physical. It contains 365 circles in various shapes, sizes and depths. Each particular day of the year. Anyone who goes to this lake will find the right circle if he seeks.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app
Download GPX File

Features

Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Lake
Scenic
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Spotted Lake Viewpoint Reviews

Summer & Fall are best when water levels are low. Cultural & Environmentally sensitive area. Be respectful.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike the Similkameen Trail

Backpack the Pasayten Wilderness via Horseshoe Basin

Backpack the Pasayten Wilderness via Iron Gate Trailhead

Rock Climbing Adventures at Skaha Bluffs

Cathedral Lakes and Amphitheater Mountain

Backpack to Remmel Mtn. & Four Point Lake