With all the travel restrictions in the last year we've found ourselves exploring places in our own backyard, and have slowly been working our way through the Kettle valley railway section by section. One of the best things about the KVR is its accessibility, all sections can be hiked or biked and many can be driven in a vehicle if a 30 kilometer bike ride isn't your idea of a great time. When arriving in naramata to begin your journey to the little tunnel from the north entrance or the south, if hiking or biking you can start from the south parking lot on Smethurst road, but vehicle access is only available from the north parking lot. First stop on this adventure is the little tunnel
Perched on a corner high above Naramata this historic gem offers some of the best views in the Okanagan and is a perfect place for a picnic or rest stop, it is also accessible by vehicle from the north side and is paved for wheelchair access! Continuing north we began to zig zag through the hills headed for our next destination, the beautiful and haunting Adra tunnel
The Adra tunnel (often referred to as the big tunnel) is located 14 kilometers north of the Smethurst parking lot and is closed and blocked off from the first entrance but well worth the short walk regardless. This 1600 foot semicircular tunnel took crews 16 months to dig by hand and was considered an engineering marvel with an unusual curvature. Due to unsafe conditions and falling rock, and a fire, the tunnel entrance was barricaded but is still accessible for a portion from the opposite end of the tunnel, just follow the bypass to continue to the open end.
South Adra entrance
North Adra entrance, we definitely recommend headlamps or flashlights if you're brave enough to venture inside!!
Heading north from Adra the next stop was the former water tower site, the foundation remains and now doubles as a picnic stop
A quick stop at some huge ponderosas, and then on to rock ovens park!
One of the 10+ rock ovens constructed by railway workers to bake bread while building the railway
The final leg of our journey included some amazing views and small waterfalls lining the trail which eventually landed us at Chute lake lodge for some amazing sunset views
Lakeside sauna, we will 100% be back to try this out!
All in all another amazing day of adventure!
Thank you for taking the time to read and follow our adventures!
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