Spotted Lake

Kliluk, called Spotted Lake in English, is heavily concentrated in magnesium sulphate, calcium and sodium sulphates and other minerals, and in summer most of the water evaporates, leaving the dissolved salts to crystallise into hundreds of separate pools rimmed with hardened mineral. The colours vary with which salt dominates and how much water is left, running from white through yellow to green and blue. The lake is sacred to the Syilx Okanagan Nation, used for healing, and it was bought back by the nation in 2001 after being privately owned; it is fenced and closed to the public. Viewing is from the highway pullout only.

Highlights

• The mineral pools - hundreds of separate rimmed circles in summer.
• The colour variation - white, yellow and green depending on the salt.
• The seasonal change - a full lake in spring, spots by mid-summer.
• The roadside pullout - the only permitted viewing point above the lake.

When to go

June to September, once evaporation has separated the pools; in spring it is simply a lake with no spots. The effect is strongest in a hot dry summer.

Practical notes

Entering the lake or crossing the fence is prohibited and disrespectful to the nation that owns it; people are turned back. Viewing is from a highway pullout at a distance. In spring there is nothing to see.

Nearby

Osoyoos lies southeast; the pocket desert is close.

Key facts