Difficulty: EASY

Rating: 4/5

Duration: 2hr / 9.5km Kayak

Kayaking

Z-Cliffs

Description:

Just past Smiley Face on the East side of Kalamalka lake you can find the unofficially named "Z-cliffs" easily recognizable by a scar in the rock face that looks similar to the letter "Z".

Although this is a popular cliff jumping spot for many Oyama locals, more recently it is becoming a spot for free-solo-climbing with the sharp rock face providing access to many climbing routes, and a semi-risk-free ascent with water landings if necessary. 

Personally we just enjoy the spot to hang out, it lays in a small alcove along the lake providing shelter from any winds on the lake and offering shade on those hot Okanagan days.

We must strongly discourage anyone from attempting to cliff jump from this location. Due to a combination of unpredictable winds and shallow landing zones, many people have previously died here.

Directions:

This destination is located in Oyama approximately 35 minutes drive from downtown Kelowna, or 20 minutes from Vernon

  1. Coming from Kelowna, drive North along Highway 97 towards Vernon.
  2. Once you're driving through Lake Country, take the Exit onto Pelmewash Pkwy.
  3. Drive for 6.0km then turn right onto Oyama rd.
  4. Park on your left near the General Store, and launch your kayak from the beach across the street.
  5. Z-Cliffs are located HERE, approximately 3.5km away.

Click to view this route on GoogleMaps!

GPS Coordinates:

  • Oyama Station Beach: 50.110435, -119.385944
  • Z-Cliffs: 50.145773, -119.354422

Features:

  • Kayaking Area
  • Cliff jumping
  • Climbing Area
  • Lake