There are many trails that criss-cross the park. Earlier in the week I had done the easier Cosens Bay Trail, crossing through the rolling hills and grasslands to a beach on the lake.
The Lookout Trail was next on my list, as it would take me up to the higher points on the hill/mountain on the north side of the park. I could also hike the Lookout Trail as part of a larger loop, making it longer or shorter as I wished.
There was some fresh snow on the ground, and a bit of ice on the trail, but we had no problems with traction with our hiking boots. With a bit more snow we might have wanted our trail crampons, and of course the trails will be great for snowshoeing later in the winter.
The first section of trail is called the Grassland Trail. It climbs gradually through a thin pine forest and then opens into grass fields. At a trail junction we continued left, joining up with the Corral Trail, so called because you travel through an old cattle corral.
We came to another junction and this time turned right, starting our climb on the Lookout Trail. The climb was mostly gradual, with lots of switchbacks to help us through the steeper sections. We were soon rewarded with great views south to the lake and the high hills beyond.
When we next came to a junction we turned left, joining up with the "Comin' Round the Mountain" trail section. While not as interesting as the high points, the trail still treated us to views north of nearby orchards and the outskirts of Vernon beyond.
If you have a couple hours to spend in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, then I would definitely recommend doing the Lookout Trail. It gave us a great taste of the different ecosystems of the park and some awesome views of the surrounding area. Plus, if you want to make it longer, you can turn right at the "Comin' Round the Mountain" junction and join up with the Cosen's Bay trail, dropping through the wider grasslands to a beach on the lake. A swim in the lake would be an especially great reward in the summertime!