What is Hwy 3a like Kaleden to Keremeos? - Escape Trailer Owners Community
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Old 05-22-2016, 04:38 PM   #1
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What is Hwy 3a like Kaleden to Keremeos?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking forward to heading to the rally - leaving Thursday from Aldergrove!

My question is about a route back home the following week.

After the rally we are spending a few days in Okanagan Lake North Prov Park, and I'm just wondering about the best route back home. I'm not really wanting to go all the way back down to Osoyoos to get back on the #3 though that is the most familiar to me.

97a - the connector looks closest, but I know it is very high so not my favorite way to go - especially pulling Doodle Bug.

Has anyone taken the 3a from Kaleden to Keremeos. It looks like a reasonable way to get back to #3 but I'm wondering if there are steep hills or any tricky sections. I'm not very experienced with pulling through the mountains so looking for a safe, easy drive back to the coast, if possible.

Pam
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Old 05-22-2016, 04:43 PM   #2
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Nice drive.
Look at Google maps. It's only half an hour and you can see the mountains ( hills ) on each side of the road.
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Old 05-22-2016, 04:58 PM   #3
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I wouldn't describe any of that road as "tricky", and I don't recall anything steeper than the other highways in the area (such as 3). Direct from Kaleden to Keremeos on 3A is much quicker and easier than going all the way down 97 to Osoyoos then 3 to Keremeos, and that's what I would take.

97A? That's the opposite end and side of the Okanagan from this route... did you mean 97C, the connector between the Okanagan highway (97) and the Coquihalla near Merritt? The Coquihalla is great with a car, but the long grades can be a tedious grind in an RV, and 97C is at least as bad this way as the Coquihala.

Even though the 97+5 route requires going north to Peachland first, Google Maps shows it as 30 km and one hour longer than the 97+3A+3 route, assuming that you are headed west of Hope. The time is based on a much higher travel speed on the Connector and the Coquihalla, which you are not likely to reach with a trailer. I would take the fast route in a car if I were in a hurry, and the south route through Keremeos with any vehicle to enjoy the drive... but I like Highway 3.
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Old 05-23-2016, 02:28 AM   #4
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Oops...yes, I meant 97C.

Thanks for the input both of you. Sounds like 3a is the way to go.
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Old 05-23-2016, 11:32 AM   #5
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That's funny. I saw the question but "Kaleden" didn't ring a bell. Finally looked at the map. I can't count how many times I've driven that road. We call it the "cut-off" because it saves a longer drive down towards Osoyoss.

Actually I drove up to Kelowna one day for a meeting and was driving back late in the evening and actually missed the cut-off and had to drive down to Oliver. It seemed to take forever.

If you're passing through Keremeous plan to stop at the fruit stands.

Ron
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Old 05-23-2016, 11:36 AM   #6
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Don't forget Old Hedley Road for some by-way miles.
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Old 05-23-2016, 04:11 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
Even though the 97+5 route requires going north to Peachland first, Google Maps shows it as 30 km and one hour longer than the 97+3A+3 route...
Oops - Google Maps shows the high-speed highways (97C & 5) as an hour faster.
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Old 05-23-2016, 04:23 PM   #8
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Don't forget Old Hedley Road for some by-way miles.
Old Hedley Road - between Hedley and Princeton on the other side of the Similkameen River from the Crowsnest Highway (#3): I can't believe I missed that!
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Old 05-23-2016, 04:31 PM   #9
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You only want to take Old Hedley if you have no destination or time constraints. I took it once ( had an assignment, and address and appointment ) and I couldn't believe the distance ( a half hour driving ) between 106981 and 106976 Old Hedley Road.
Nice drive though.
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Old 05-23-2016, 09:41 PM   #10
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We live in Keremeos and know Hwy 3 very well.
The Old Hedley road is a nice drive and away from traffic. Much more relaxing. From Princeton to Manning Park has a few sharp twists but if you follow the signs all is fine. Manning Park a nice place for a camp over. Mule Deer camp site is quiet, not like Lightning Lake campsite.
Yes must visit the fruit stands. Cherry's are almost ready and the asparagus is very fresh.
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