Darke Lake Park
1,470 ha
Area
1943
Established
Class A
Park class
Park
Type
About this Park
Off the beaten track and surrounded by fir and pine-clad hills, this cool, quiet retreat is a great getaway for those who love to fish.
Local people call this the “Fish Lake” for the great rainbow and eastern brook trout. When the weather is warm, hikers will enjoy this remote spot as much as anglers. Also perfect for ice fishing in the winter.
Special notes
- Not recommended for large RV units.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Location notes
Located northwest of Summerland off Hwy 97 onto approximately 16km of gravel road. Follow Fish Lake Road through Meadow Valley to the park. The closest community is Summerland.
Activities
- 35:Fishing Darke Lake is a very popular fishing spot. It is stocked by the Summerland Trout Hatchery with both rainbow trout and brook trout.Darke Lake is very popular with local residents for ice fishing. It is small enough to freeze but large enough that it doesn’t freeze solid allowing fish to be active in the winter for ice fishing opportunities. Another bonus is the close proximity to Summerland and easy access.
- 35:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 35:Cycling Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Darke Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 35:Horseback riding Horses are allowed in this park and a permit is not required.
- 35:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
- 35:Winter recreation There are no specific cross-country or snowshoeing trails in the park. However, there are a number of old logging roads through the park that provide skiing opportunities depending on snow levels. Roads through the park provide opportunities for snowmobiling, though lack of snow may be a problem. The lake is small enough that you can ice-skate when it freezes.Darke Lake is very popular with local residents for ice fishing. It is small enough to freeze but large enough that it doesn’t freeze solid allowing fish to be active in the winter for ice fishing opportunities. Another bonus is the close proximity to Summerland and easy access.
Facilities
- 35:Pit or flush toilets The small camping area has one pit toilet.
- 35:Campfires Campfires are only permitted in the designated campfire pits in the campground area. Firewood is not provided and removal or burning of natural debris is prohibited. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
Location
49.72229, -119.85831 · South Okanagan
