iN PHOTOS: Gems along Kettle Valley Rail Trail from Myra Canyon to Chute Lake

Kelowna resident Chris Klugh went for a trucking adventure with a friend on a back road last week and ended up on a section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail between Kelowna and Penticton. Klugh took photographs of all of the interesting gems he found along the way that included stunning views, a lodge and lake, and an old railway tunnel. “It was the first time I went out there and didn’t expect to see much but the woods along the way,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to become so interesting, I should have brought my real camera.” Klugh’s lived in Kelowna for eight years and this was his first time exploring part of the decommissioned Kettle Valley Rail Trail, an extensive recreational trail with almost 650 kilometres of connected pathways throughout the region that draws hikers, cyclers and adventurers. His favourite discovery along the route was Chute Lake Lodge, a mountain resort on Chute Lake near Naramata.  “The friend I was with was talking about this place we can stop at to get drinks and described as unbelievably great,” he said. “Upon arriving at Chute Lake and seeing it for myself, it’s a gem, and it’s open all year round. People go camping in the middle of winter there, to be cut off from the world. It’s not some dirty old campsite, it’s very posh.” READ MORE: Vernon woman humbled by award for lifetime of search and rescue service https://infotel.ca/newsitem/vernon-woman-humbled-by-award-for-lifetime-of-search-and-rescue-service/it104734 Another favourite find for Klugh is the historic Adra Tunnel near Naramata, a railway tunnel roughly 486 metres long that was built more than 100 years ago. The tunnel connects Kelowna and Penticton and is currently under construction as the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is directing efforts toward reopening it. https://infotel.ca/newsitem/community-led-effort-to-reopen-historic-tunnel-on-kvr-trail-near-naramata/it101971 "It was barricaded on both ends, there looked to be a minor cave in," Klugh said. "You can't see though to the other side, its big enough once you get to the middle you can't see light from either end.  But its not much bigger then that." Some sections of the rail trail are for non-motorized recreation some are mixed uses and some can be driven on. The rail trail corridors are extensive and cross remote terrains, with more sections being added on https://infotel.ca/newsitem/shuswap-portion-of-rail-trail-going-ahead-along-mara-lake-csrd/it104342 .  “The road is mostly wide and flat, I’d recommend a truck and not a car, but most city SUVs would have no problem.” READ MORE: Plan in the works for 671-acre neighbourhood in Kelowna's north-end https://infotel.ca/inhome/plan-in-the-works-for-671-acre-neighbourhood-in-kelownas-north-end/it104736 Klugh is happy to share photographs of his adventure and likes the idea of promoting it so people can see it for themselves. “It’s fun to disconnect for awhile, get back outside with friends and have these adventures.” Go here to view the rail trail system. https://www.bcrailtrails.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3tkAouRt7kZ8OBz6rKl02YIyumtFGxASLbBcHXYBZ7xX3gB0uZK-smhH0_aem_AQCLyxhhOEAGLnW_Ly3wIbJMSStdqCb0zbxQmh2HiD0cuvLgk5ha1SGExUjtCBqnF614fpmSYUhmHQhzoF8D_NLF We’d love to see your photos of interesting finds on the rail trail, send them to news@infonews.ca. mailto:news@infonews.ca To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie mailto:sainslie@infonews.ca  or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .