Aberdeen Columns Hike near Vernon, British Columbia

Did you know that there are basalt columns in British Columbia? The Aberdeen Columns near Vernon are a great example of this impressive geological formation. Needless to say, they are a definite must see for beyond the beaten path enthusiasts!

And yes, these columns are very similar to the much more famous ones in Ireland (Giant’s Causeway) and Iceland.

Back view of JR standing in front of the Aberdeen Columns, a collection of basalt rock pillars (20m or so in height), some covered in yellow coloured lichen. — The Aberdeen Columns

While the Aberdeen Columns are not the only instance of this type of volcanic rock in BC, they are one of the most accessible. The hike to the base of the columns takes less than ten minutes on a steep uphill path.

JR and I visited the Aberdeen Columns for the first time last summer, on the way back from a two night backpacking trip in Monashee Provincial Park. After seeing this amazing place, we couldn’t believe we had never made the effort to go before (after 10+ years living in BC!)

A close view, looking up at a section of the Aberdeen Columns, a collection of basalt rock pillars (20m or so in height), some covered in yellow coloured lichen. — It is possible to get very close to the basalt columns

The Aberdeen Columns are a truly special sight to see. This post shares everything you need to know about visiting them, including detailed driving directions.

I’ve also suggested some nearby places you could combine with the adventure, to make the trip even more worth it!

Gemma sits on a rock at the base of the Aberdeen Columns, a collection of basalt rock pillars (20m or so in height), some covered in yellow coloured lichen. — Checking out the views from the Aberdeen Columns

An introduction to the Aberdeen Columns

The Aberdeen Columns are a collection of dozens of hexagon-shaped rock pillars perched on a ridge south of Lavington, British Columbia (near Vernon). Some are more than 20 metres tall.

Like other basalt columns around the world, Aberdeen Columns are a result of volcanic activity. The pillars are cooled lava, shaped by natural processes over millions of years.

Looking up at a section of the Aberdeen Columns, a collection of basalt rock pillars (20m or so in height), some covered in yellow coloured lichen. — Looking up at the columns – some are over 20m high!

The Coldstream Valley, the traditional territory of the Syilx and Secwépemc people, has a lot of volcanic features. Bluenose Mountain, a popular hiking destination just north of the Aberdeen Columns, is an extinct volcano.

The Aberdeen Columns are located just off Bucks Hill Road, an unpaved Forest Service Road. The hike to reach the columns from the parking area takes less than ten minutes one way (220m).

View from the Aberdeen Columns, across dense forest to the forested hills visible in the distance. A lone tree stands much higher above the others — Views from the Aberdeen Columns

It’s amazing to be able to see this type of geological formation with such little effort. Of course, visitors must still put in the time to drive the gravel access roads and venture up the steep trail.

The Columns are a popular climbing destination, offering more than 140 crack (trad) routes. I’m not a big climber (and when I do climb, I just go to the Skaha Bluffs in my hometown) so this post will be about the Aberdeen Columns hiking and viewing experience only.

Close up of one of the cracks in the Aberdeen basalt columns where plants are growing. The plants have purple flowers — These plants wanted a good view!

If you have any questions about the Aberdeen Columns after reading this post, join my BC and Alberta Travel Tips Facebook group and we can chat more about it.

Essential details

45 to 50 minutes drive from Vernon
Free to visit
Very short but steep and rocky hike up to the base of the columns
Best time to go is May to October (no snow)
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to hike the trail and explore
No facilities besides the established trail
Leave No Trace – pack out everything you bring with you

Back view of JR sitting in front of the Aberdeen Columns, a collection of basalt rock pillars (20m or so in height), some covered in yellow coloured lichen. The camera is low down, so the columns loom overhead — Taking in the views of the Aberdeen Columns, one of the most unique places we’ve explored in BC!

Hiking to Aberdeen Columns

As mentioned, the hike to Aberdeen Columns is very short – only 220m total.

The first half is features a path through the forest with couple of boardwalks across some marsh. This section can be buggy so prepare to walk fast or apply some mosquito spray first!

A boardwalk stretches out into the distance in a forest with plenty of green foliage at ground level — The approach to the columns features some boardwalk

The end of the forest section is lined by thimbleberry shrubs (big maple leaf like leaves). They can be quite dense and overgrown in places.

After the thimbleberries, the path becomes rootier and rockier and starts to climb higher. After traversing a pile of boulders, it is possible to spot the yellow lichen spotted columns through the trees.

The yellow lichen tinged basalt Aberdeen Columns are visible through the trees ahead, while a rough hiking trail leads away from the camera on the right. The route has plenty of rocks and tree roots — Note the view of the columns through the trees!

The trail then starts to become steep, with small rocks making up most of the surface. There are some small switchbacks (below).

The rocks become bigger and it can be more difficult to see the established trail. At this point, the Aberdeen Columns are very visible above.

Pick your way through the boulderfield (exposed dirt reveals the most used route) to reach the base of the columns. Be sure to watch your footing as there are some loose rocks.

The established hiking path ahead leads through a sparse forest, with a slope on the left. The path is pretty rocky and uneven — Small switchback on the way to the columns

Once at the base of the columns, note that there are not many flat areas. Stepping over large rocks is necessary to explore. Don’t forget to check out the views of the forest and hills that the columns face (behind you)!

All in all, the uphill hike from the parking lot should take ten minutes or less. Return the same way.

Feel like a longer adventure? It is apparently possible to hike along the rocky base of the columns and get to the top of some of them, but we didn’t try it. Be very careful!

Looking through the trees to the yellow lichen covered basalt Aberdeen Columns, which loom over 20m high — Almost at the base of the columns

Aberdeen Columns driving directions

The Aberdeen Columns are 37km from Vernon, around 45 to 50 minutes drive. Driving from Kelowna? The one-way journey is 84km, about an hour and 40 minutes.

From Vernon, the first 18km of the drive is on paved roads. The remaining 18km is on unpaved Forest Service Roads (FSRs). We have driven a lot of industrial roads in BC and we found these FSRs to be pretty decent – just a few potholes and loose rock here and there.

A few things to keep in mind before you go:

The FSRs are unpaved but are suitable for most 2WD vehicles, more details below
Prepare to drive slowly on these industrial roads
Check your spare tire and make sure you know how to replace it
Logging trucks and other industrial vehicles may be present on the FSRs – always slow down and give way
Keep your headlights on at all times
Driving a rental car? Check that you are able to bring the vehicle on unpaved roads first
We didn’t have any phone signal at the columns
With the above in mind, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back/in contact again
Winter visits are not recommended – the access road is not plowed and the trail will be covered in deep snow

Bluenose Road, which becomes Aberdeen Lake Road, is wider and more used than Buck Hills Road, where the Aberdeen Columns trailhead is located.

Close up of a handwritten Aberdeen Columns sign nailed to a tree, with an established hiking trail visible in the forest to the left — The Aberdeen Columns trailhead

Detailed directions

Drive Highway 6 towards Lavington
Turn right on Learmouth Road, about 15 minutes (12km) after leaving Vernon
Follow Learmouth for 2.7km and then turn right on Reid Road
Follow Reid Road for 3.4km
At the Bluenose Road/Whitevale Road junction, continue straight for 10km. The road becomes gravel shortly after the junction
Bluenose Road becomes Aberdeen Lake Road
After 10km, look for the Buck Hills Road turn-off to the left
Follow Buck Hills Road for 7.8km
Keep your eyes peeled for a parking area on the left hand side of the road (space for 3-5 vehicles)

The trailhead is marked with a hand written ‘Aberdeen Columns’ sign nailed to a tree. Keep in mind that this sign could fall off, so look for it on the ground! The established trail should be obvious through the trees.

As of the time of writing this post, the directions on Google Maps to Aberdeen Columns are correct. I would still, however, refer to the above instructions or have them handy as technology can change.

Sceenshot of Google Map showing location of the Aberdeen Columns, southeast of Vernon and northeast of Kelowna — Aberdeen Columns location on Google Maps

Other things to do near Aberdeen Columns

Here’s some examples of other nearby places and activities you could combine with a trip to Aberdeen Columns:

Bluenose Mountain, an extinct volcano, is probably the most popular place to visit before or after the columns as the trailhead is located on the same access road (Aberdeen Lake Road). The moderate 4.1km loop hike takes in two of three summit areas. Access to the other peak is restricted by the landowner
Camel’s Hump is another popular hike in this area, also an extinct volcano. The reason for the name becomes immediately obvious after you first spot it! The 5.5km return hike features a solid climb. The unpaved access road can be a bit rough
Shuswap Falls BC Hydro Recreation Site has several short hiking trails and viewpoints over the waterfall and Wilsey Dam. The latter was built in 1929. BC Hydro is currently working on plans for to restore the fish passage in this area, to help the salmon migrate
Rainbow Falls is not very close to Aberdeen Columns but the combination makes for a great full day outing from Vernon. This huge waterfall is located in Monashee Provincial Park near Sugar Lake (unpaved road access). Consider checking out Brenda Falls at the Sugar Lake Dam on the way
Exploring this area for a few days? Spectrum Lake, Twin Lakes and Pinnacle Lake are all fantastic hiking trails, with backcountry camping opportunities

Looking up at twin waterfall, Rainbow Falls, which is cascading from rocks, surrounded by forest — Rainbow Falls, Monashee Provincial Park

Check out these other Vernon area posts

50+ Best Things to Do in Vernon: Ultimate Guide

15 Fast and Fun Hikes in Vernon

6 of the Best (Tried and Tested) Places to Stay in Vernon

The Best Okanagan Valley Waterfalls

Enderby Cliffs Trail (Tplaqin): Complete Hiking Guide

Okanagan Valley Road Trip: What to Do and Where to Stop

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Gemma

One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Consider buying us a coffee if you have find any of our guides helpful!