One of Kamloops finest parks is Peterson Creek Park, a gorge that runs right into the downtown area.   The creek starts high on the rocky slopes of Chuwhels Mountain at 1746m (5730 feet).   Meltwaters drain to the east for 4km into Connolly Lake, then east down through douglas fir forests continuing east.

We have crossed Peterson Creek at various points in the Upper Timber Lake area while snowshoeing, mountain biking, and hiking.  From Connolly Lake the creek flows for 5 km before crossing under the Coquihalla Highway.

While exploring potential snowshoeing routes this summer, we crossed the creek several times on its 6 km route east, then north.  Wildflowers bloomed along the double tracks and single tracks in the uplands forest.

As Peterson Creek turns to the south it crosses the Bush Lake Road then enters and passes through the private ranchlands of Jacko Creek Ranch, then Sugarloaf Ranches on its way to Jocko Lake for 2.4 km.   From Jacko, the creek continues east toward the Goose Lake Road for 3.2 km.

For 4 km Peterson Creek follows the Goose Lake Road, crossing the Long Lake Road then it turns north for 2 km where it crosses under Highway 5A in Knutsford.   The next 3.8 km is through private farm and ranchlands as it enters the gorge east of upper Sahali.

From the upper end of Peterson Creek Park  to the lower end of the park is about 2.3 km.   The creek runs through a deep gully on its way to Bridal Veil Falls.

Most of the trails within the Park stay high above the creek, but the whole gorge is scenic.

After crossing under the Trans Canada Highway, the gorge starts to widen and the land levels off.

he creek flows down to Columbia Street near 6th Avenue before passing into underground culverts, reemerging into the light at River Street.   The creek flows down the west side of Kamloops Tennis Center before running into the South Thompson River, 2 km from the Yellowhead Bridge.   The length of Peterson Creek from top to bottom is about 28 km.  Really just a small creek with a big gorge…