Hamilton Mountain rises above the grasslands between the Douglas Lake area and the Quilchena Highlands.    Most of the slopes are in the Nicola Provincial Forest and in the Hamilton Commonage, but access is bit limited, except by a gravel road which has a gate just off the Douglas Lake Road.     The road was added in 1951 to provide access to the fire lookout on top of the mountain.   In later years a microwave tower was installed at the north summit.   Although the high-clearance road can be driven, we prefer to hike the route to the top, exploring some bluffs and some viewpoints along the way.

The first 1.4 km goes through grasslands before entering open north-side forests.

A fenceline at 2.2 km marks the start of the Hamilton Commonage lands.   The fire tower at the top is at the 5.6 km mark.     There are wide views from the upper viewing area.

To the west, the south end of Nicola Lake was in the bottom of the valley.    Mt. Stoyama rises farther (60 km) away.    I have driven the rough road to the slopes of Stoyama then I hiked to the summit.

On the way up and down are some views of Douglas Lake and the surrounding hills and rangelands.

If you choose to hike Mount Hamilton, close all gates behind you and respect grazing cattle, but also enjoy the Hamilton Commonage grasslands.