The Pillar is one of the Shuswap's most unusual natural landmarks: a column of conglomerate rock nearly 20 metres tall with a massive boulder balanced on top, standing on the hillside above Pillar Lake. The hike to it is short but steep, and it's clearly marked. Walk a little past the base and you can look at the capstone almost at eye level.
Trail at a glance
- Distance: short out-and-back hike
- Difficulty: steep, with rocky, narrow footing in places
- Location: Pillar Lake on Chase-Falkland Road, reached from Highway 97 at Falkland
- Parking: at the Pillar Lake day-use area; the trailhead is across the road
Good to know
The Pillar is fragile — signs at the site ask visitors not to climb it, and its stability is uncertain, so admire it from the trail. Afterwards, Pillar Lake is a calm spot for a paddle or a swim, and there's a small boat launch.
The Pillar is a natural landmark rather than a business, so there's no owner to claim this listing; local stewards can contact The Shuswap Loop with access updates.