SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
1.1
PORPOISE BAY PROVINCIAL PARK TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 1
LENGTH/TIME: 2km/60 mins
HIGHLIGHTS: This trail system centers on Angus Creek, which flows through the park to the Angus Creek
estuary. In the late fall there is a large salmon spawn here, and viewing the fish is a major attraction. Other
trails in the park wind beneath large fir, cedar, hemlock, and maple trees.
ACCESS: At the main traffic light in Sechelt intersecting Wharf Road and Hwy 101, turn north on Wharf Road.
After 600m, turn right onto Sechelt Inlet Road and proceed for another 4km to the park entrance.
TERRAIN: Well-maintained provincial park trails.
1.2 SECHELT HERITAGE FOREST/HIDDEN GROVE TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 1
LENGTH/TIME: 25 min to Hours
HIGHLIGHTS: unique combination of ancient giant trees, maple wetland and rocky promontories. The trailheads
are well marked with signposts. On the west (Heritage Forest Side) the main trail leads to a yellow cedar
bridge over Deerhorn Streamlet and the Ancient Cedar (600-1000 years) which has survived two attempts to
fall, but still lives on. The east trailheads (Hidden Grove) is replete with groomed trails. The Main Maple
Wetland trail loops through lush ferns in a boggy zone thought to be the headwaters of Davis Brook and within
sight of tall maples. A viewpoint begins easily from the Wetland Loop then rises steeply up a rock-lined draw
toward a view of Sechelt through the tops
of old growth fir, arbutus, and pine. A short trail from the Grove leads uphill between rocky bluffs, to regard
the 27-foot circumference Douglas Fir. From there an Eastern Loop highlights a mix of trees and native plants
leading to power line viewpoint and also down to the Christmas Tree Farm under the power lines then goes west
to return to Sechelt Inlet Road. A Northern Trail with alternate timing of 20 minutes or 40 minutes leads to
the "Twister" a deformed old growth feature.
ACCESS: Coming from Gibsons at the main traffic light in Sechelt turn right onto Wharf Road and then right
after 600 meters to Sechelt Inlet Road. Follow Sechelt Inlet Road for 6 kilometres to the head of the trail
marked along this road. There is a parking area off the road on the Hidden Grove side.
TERRAIN: Easy, well-marked trails.
1.3
KINNICKINNICK PARK TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 1
LENGTH/TIME: 30mins
HIGHLIGHTS: Advanced second growth coniferous forest. Big trees.
ACCESS: Follow through the main traffic light in Sechelt intersecting Wharf Road and Hwy 101. Continue along
Dolphin Street (Hwy 101) and follow the Sechelt Golf & Country Club signs. Upon reaching the golf course, turn
right on Fairview Avenue and follow the road along the edge of the golf course. Park at the next right – angled
corner, and the trailhead is before you.
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Sechelt Visitor Center
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SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
1.4
SARGEANT BAY PROVINCIAL PARK TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 1
LENGTH/TIME: 1.5km/30mins
HIGHLIGHTS: This trail tracks between the ocean of the Strait of Georgia to the west and a wetland marsh
to the east. This area attracts a range of west coast birds with tree-hung bird feeders and is a protected
coastal provincial park. You may catch a glimpse of a beaver and its dam in the wetlands or see the fish ladder
located in the park stream.
ACCESS: 6.5km north of Sechelt on Highway 101. Turn left on Redroofs Road in Halfmoon Bay. The park is one
kilometer along this road on the left. Parking is available road side or at the bottom of the gravel road leading
into the park.
1.5 FRANCIS POINT MARINE PARK
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 1 (see also 3.0)
HIGHLIGHTS: A short easy wheelchair accessible walk to Beach.
LENGTH/TIME: 5 minutes to Beach, 30 minutes to Lighthouse (along goat trail)
ACCESS: A 45 minutes drive from Sechelt heading towards Pender Harbour. Take Francis Peninsula Rd. for five
minutes till you reach Merrill Rd. take a left and follow till the end and you’ll see a sign for the park. Dogs must
be leashed!
2.1
KEATS ISLAND
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: Maximum of 10km round trip
HIGHLIGHTS: Keats is a charming island in Howe Sound just off Gibsons. It is six kilometers in length and has
various roads and trails to a variety of destinations including sandy beaches and the highest point on the island.
ACCESS: The roads and trails all emanate from the Keats Government Wharf, where the Dogwood Princess
lands. The public road to Eastbourne on the eastern end of the island turns left for five kilometers after
leaving the wharf. Trails lead off this road to Plumper Cove Marine Park and also to the highest point on the
island. Turning west off the Government Wharf, a trail leads to the western extremity of the island at Salmon
Rock (1.3 kilometers) and another trail leads to a sandy beach directly across from Gower Point in Gibsons.
2.2
CLIFF GILKER PARK TRAILS
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: Maximum 3km/60mins (depends on which colored trails you decide to take)
HIGHLIGHTS: There are four named trails (Washout Trail, River Run, Katimavik, Shortcut) in this very popular
SCRD Park. Individual trails are colour coded and easy to follow and all loop back to the parking lot. The park is
largely advanced second growth Douglas Fir forest. The trails run alongside the pretty waters of Roberts Creek,
and the many ferns and mosses create a green ambiance. The trails cross Roberts Creek at various points on
rustic wooden bridges and the waterfall is a highlight (especially in the winter time.)
ACCESS: Cliff Gilker Park is on the east side of Hwy 101 in Roberts Creek; 600m south of Roberts Creek Road.
It is adjacent to the Sunshine Coast Golf & Country Club.
TERRAIN: Well-marked trails, some stairs. No cycling permitted in the trails.
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Sechelt Visitor Center
www.secheltvisitorinfo.com
SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
2.3
WILSON CREEK TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: Creek: 1km. – 40mins., round trip.
Powerline: 2kms. – 1.5 hrs., round trip.
HIGHLIGHTS: Peaceful walk through advanced second growth forest. Trail crosses Wilson Creek & continues to
the powerline. Walk west along the powerline for views of the Strait of Georgia & Vancouver Island.
ACCESS: Park on Jack Road, 1.5 kms. south of Field Road in Wilson Creek. The trailhead is directly across
Highway 101 from Jack Rd. The bridge across the creek is approximately 1 km from the Hwy and the powerline
about 2 kms. A trail going west along the powerline emerges on the Sechelt-Wilson Creek Forest Service road,
which returns to Hwy 101 at Field Road.
2.4
CHAPMAN CREEK HATCHERY TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: 500 metres – 30 mins., round trip
HIGHLIGHTS: An attractive trail running along the east side of Chapman Creek. (See also Trail 3.7 along the
west side of the creek.) Can be combined with a visit to the fish hatchery.
ACCESS: Drive 900 metres up Field Road in Wilson Creek, and turn left onto Parkway Drive. A sign here
indicates Chapman Creek Fish Hatchery. Follow Parkway to is end (600 metres) at the hatchery. The nature trail
is posted on your right. After a few metres the trail splits with the left fork going to the “Viewing Platform’,
and the right fork is the ‘Nature Trail’ leading alongside Chapman Creek to the natural spawning channels.
2.5
BIG TREE RECREATION AREA
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: 1km/10mins
HIGHLIGHTS: A scattered grove of old growth Douglas Fir among second growth forest. The ‘Halfmoon Fir” is
believed to be the biggest existing tree on the Sunshine Coast proper (Gambier Island has a bigger one.) Its
dimensions are 26 ft diameter, 8m circumference, and 65m tall. (8’3’’, 26 ‘, 215’ respectively.) The forest has a
lush growth of ferns, mosses, and mushrooms.
ACCESS: Excellent signage has bee put in leading to a 2-hour circle hike to Crowston Lake and the Beaver Pond.
Rough two-wheel drive. 9km north of Sechelt on Hwy 101, and 400m before Trout Lake, take the Halfmoon –
Carlson Forest Service Road, which leaves the highway at a small rock quarry on your right. Proceed exactly 2.8
km. On the main logging road, ignoring spurs to the left and right. A skid trail leaves the road on your right. Park
at a wide spot immediately beyond the trail. The trail meanders for 600-700m through second growth forest.
Then take a rutted skid road that climbs off to the left. In 200m you will see a very large Douglas Fir on your
right and off to the left the Big Tree.
TERRAIN: Wheelchair accessible
2.6
CROWSTON LAKE
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
(See 2.5 - Big Tree Recreation Area)
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Sechelt Visitor Center
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SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
2.7 WORMY LAKE
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: 1.2 kms. – 20 mins., one way.
HIGHLIGHTS: A woodland lake popular with both fishermen and birdwatchers. Very peaceful.
ACCESS: 11 kms. West of Sechelt, at the bottom of the long downhill stretch just before Halfmoon Bay, turn
right onto Trout Lake Road. Proceed up this logging road for 3.2 kms. And bear right onto the Halfmoon –
Carlson Forest Service Rod. After 3.0 kms. A spur road leads off along the spur road for 500 metres to reach
the beaver-dammed outflow of the lake. A further 500 metres affords access to a viewpoint of the lake, and
also a spot for launching rowboats or canoes. A rough trail along the shore of the lake proceeds for another 200
metres.
2.8
CAREN OLD GROWTH FOREST
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: Optional, 5 minutes up.
HIGHLIGHTS: A yellow cedar stump yielded 1820 growth rings, meaning that it was a seedling in about 175 AD.
The forest contains a species mix of yellow cedar, mountain hemlock and balsam, with yellow cedars being the
greatest age. The forest at an elevation of about 1000 meters is essentially a ‘cloud forest’, with many fog
shrouded days, and a long season of snow cover. This produces a spongy, wet, forest floor with beautiful moss
gardens, and the ancient cedars are festooned with moss and lichens. There are many shallow ponds of great
beauty. The Marbled Murrelets can be observed flying into their nesting territory for up to two hours after
first light (4:30 – 6:30 am in June and July). The dawn chorus of Hermit Thrushes and Varied Thrushes (4:30 –
5:30 am) is another excellent reason to make an early visit or to camp overnight on the Caren.
ACCESS: Take Highway 101, 11 kilometers north of Sechelt. At the bottom of the long downhill stretch just
before Halfmoon Bay , turn right onto Trout Lake Road . Proceed up this logging road and at the main junction
at kilometer 12, take the left fork. The ancient stand of trees begins at about kilometer 15, and the road runs
through the stand for two kilometers. The best place to access the forest is to walk down slope 200 meters
before the next clearcut. There is no trail.
2.9
SIMSON MARINE PARK, SOUTH THORMANBY ISLAND
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: 3.6 km/2 hours, round trip
HIGHLIGHTS: A trail traverses the island, leaving from Farm Bay on the south-east corner of the island. It is
about 1.8 kilometers until the trail reaches the park boundary and terminates at private property.
ACCESS: 5 km offshore from Halfmoon Bay
2.10
SMUGGLERS COVE PROVINCIAL PARK TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: 1.5km/20mins one way
HIGHLIGHTS: This forested trail leads to the secluded anchorage of Smugglers Cove where five campsites
and toilet facilities are available. 500m further on, the main trail ends at a small bay off Welcome Pass with
views across to South Thormanby Island and north to Texada Island. Further rugged trails branch out from
here across mossy bluffs with Arbutus and Fir trees. These trails lead to southerly views of Welcome Pass and
the Straight of Georgia.
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Sechelt Visitor Center
www.secheltvisitorinfo.com
SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
ACCESS: The Provincial Park is signposted from Hwy 101. Heading north on Hwy 101, turn left onto Brooks
Road, 1km north of Halfmoon Bay. Follow signs to the end of Brooks Road, 3.5km from the highway. This is
where the parking lot and trailhead are located.
2.11
KATHERINE LAKE
LEVEL OF DIFFICUTLY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: Spring Creek Trail – 1 km. – 30 mins.
Unnamed Trail – 500 metres – 15 mins.
HIGHLIGHTS: Spring Creek Trail – Advanced second growth woodland.
Unnamed Trail – Elevated views of Katherine Lake.
ACCESS: North of Pender Harbour, turn left off Hwy 101 at the Petro-Canada gas station onto Garden Bay Road. After 5.5 kms.
On Garden Bay Road the road leading to the park is signposted on your right
2.12
SKOOKUMCHUCK
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 2
LENGTH/TIME: One hour in and one out
HIGHLIGHTS: whirlpools, strong currents and rapids from as the water exits/enters the Sechelt Inlet thru
the narrows. One hour walk on a wide trail sheltered by the trees. Be sure to time it with the tide change for
best viewing times.
ACCESS: An hour drive along Hwy 101 from Sechelt towards Earls Cove take a right on Egmont Road (if you end
up at the ferry Earl’s Cove Ferry Terminal you have gone too far). Drive 5-10 minutes to Skookumchuck parking
lot where you will see cars along the roadside. Take North Point Trail to view Ebb Tide (-) or Roland Point Trail
to view Flood Tide. Floodtides are the white waters that kayakers play on Ebbs are whirlpools.
3.0 FRANCIS POINT MARINE PARK
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 5 min. to wheelchair accessible beach. 30 min to light beacon.
HIGHLIGHTS: To the east a moderate shore walk on rocky bluffs to Francis Light Beacon.
To the west a 46 stair climb to an arbutus lookout.
ACCESS: A 45 minute drive from Sechelt heading towards Pender Harbour. Take Francis Peninsula Rd. for 5
minutes until you reach Merrill Rd. Take a left and follow till the end and you’ll see a sign for the park. Dogs
must be leashed!
3.1
MOUNT ARTABAN, GAMBIER ISLAND
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 10 km/5 hours, round trip.
HIGHLIGHTS: Views of Howe Sound islands and mountains from the summit of Mount Artaban at 610 meters
(2000 feet).
ACCESS: Boat to the wharf at Camp Fircom, just south of Halkett Bay. From the wharf follow the road to the
camp caretaker’s house. The trail begins behind this house. Ignore a road off to the left leading to Gambier
Estates, but soon after turn left off the road onto the trail proper. After a few hundred meters a side trail on
the right gives access to a rocky trail allowing good views of Howe Sound. The main trail bears left here, and
continues upwards, eventually gaining the ridge line which gives access to the summit.
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Sechelt Visitor Center
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SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
3.2 GAMBIER LAKE, GAMBIER ISLAND
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 15km/ 7 hours, round trip.
HIGHLIGHTS: A chance to explore the oft ignored Gambier Island.
ACCESS: 100 meters from the wharf turn left at the first fork. Ignore the first old road off to the left, but
take the second road to the left (about 50 minutes from the wharf), and soon cross Mannion Creek. At the
next fork turn right. After about a kilometer a trail to the left leads into Third (or Muskeg) Lake ,and
eventually to Mount Liddell (950 meters, 3100 feet). The Trail to Gambier Lake is about 2 kilometers past this
last intersection.
3.3
SOAMES HILL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: About 20 mins. Hike to the summit. Short but steep.
HIGHLIGHTS: Impressive second growth forest trails leading to spectacular views of Howe Sound Mountains
and islands (Keats and Bowen), Gibsons, and the Strait of Georgia.
ACCESS: From the traffic light at the junction of Hwy 101 and North Road in Gibsons proceed 1.9 kms. Along
North Rd towards the Langdale ferry terminal. Turn right onto Chamberlin Road and after the park entrance.
From the Langdale ferry terminal, Chamberlin Rd is 2.0 kms. Along North Rd. Access to the park can also be
gained from Marine Drive 1.1 kms. From Langdale terminal. There is a wide spot on the right for parking.
3.4
PENDER HILL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: Short distance on steep trail – 30 mins. Up.
HIGHLIGHTS: This trail is all about the view from the top. Added attractions are the dry, rocky arbutus
dominated ecosystem with its typical shrubs such as juniper. In April there is an excellent display of
wildflowers. The top of the hill is an open, moss-covered expanse with Pender Harbour at your feet. It is the
perfect spot for a picnic, or to take advantage of those ‘lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer’.
ACCESS: Five kms. North of Madeira Park turn west off Hwy 101 at the Petro-Canada gas station onto Garden
Bay Road. Follow this road for approximately 7 kms. at a junction after 4.5 kms. Stay straight ahead onto
Irvine’s Landing Road). The trail begins about 50 metres before you reach Lee Bay Road on your right (and
shortly after you pass Hotel Lake and Hotel Lake Road on your left.
3.5
LOWER MOUNT ELPHINSTONE FOREST TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: short loop – 1km/30mins. Other loops are longer.
HIGHLIGHTS: The trails meander between a spectacularly tall 80 – 90 year old second growth Douglas Fir
forest with scattered vets hundreds of years old. The forest is beginning to take on an old-growth attributes
as competition and disease creates snags. These are utilized by woodpeckers and other cavity nesting species,
and the dead trees host bracket fungi and other mushrooms. The lower Elphinstone forest is extremely
productive for fungi and unnamed species of Tricholoma mushroom. This advanced second growth forest is also
an excellent indicator of the high forest productivity of the low elevations of the Sunshine Coast.
ACCESS: From Highway 101 turn onto Crowe Road (3.0 km east of Roberts Creek Road). After 0.8 km Crowe
Road bears right into Lehman Road. Proceed another 500 metres and park in a wide flat gravel area. The trail
is circular so access can be gained from either end. To proceed in a counter-clockwise direction, walk back 50
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Sechelt Visitor Center
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SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
metres from the parking area and take a road to the right. After 100 metres turn right again and walk 300
metres through a forest plantation. This area affords excellent views of Roberts Creek shoreline and across
the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. After the trail enters the timber (marked with a pink ribbon) it
descends into the steep gully of Robinson Creek and crosses a bridge.
To follow a circular route keep bearing right at any trail junctions. While the path is easy to follow, the
junctions are not well marked. The final right turn will be onto a gravel road which brings you back to your
vehicle.
3.6
LOWER CHAPMAN CREEK TRAILS
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 2.8 km – 45 minutes one way
HIGHLIGHTS: The trail follows the west bank of Chapman Creek beneath advanced second growth forest.
There is much evidence of former logging in the huge, hollow red cedar stumps with springboard notches.
Chapman Creek is the largest drainage on the Sunshine Coast between Port Mellon and Egmont and this trail
access to the banks of the creek in many places. It is a beautiful river and the trail allows easy observation of
its many moods. This is a great hike for a hot summer afternoon. Bring a picnic to eat beside the creek.
ACCESS: Enter through Brookman Park in Davis Bay – off highway before south end of Davis Bay Beach- right
by little bridge on the Hwy.
3.7
CHAPMAN CREEK/CHAPMAN FALLS (FROM DAVIS BAY)
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 1 hour, one way
HIGHLIGHTS: As a destination for a hike the series of cataracts known as Chapman Falls is incomparable. The
trail traverses second growth forest, a new plantation, and some old growth with huge Douglas Firs. Thus, a
range of forest types can be experienced in one short hike. Bald Eagles often perch in snags along the route.
ACCESS: Park at the top of Havies Road (1.1 kms. North of the Davis Bay Stores on Hwy 101). The trail bears
off to the left, at first running alongside a chainlink fence. Thirty minutes hike along a wide, often muddy, trail
leads to a powerline. The trail resumes on the other side of the right of way, and converges here with the Selma
Park section of this trail. Fifteen minutes after the powerline, circumvent a gate, and another 15 minutes brings
you to the Falls.
3.8
CHAPMAN CREEK/CHAPMAN FALLS (FROM SELMA PARK)
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 1 hour one way
HIGHLIGHTS: See 3.8
ACCESS: 1.9 kilometres south of Sechelt, take the first road to the left – Selma Park Road. At the end of this
road (600 metres), park, and take the trail which bears off to the left at right angles. Ten minutes hike will
bring you to a powerline. Cross the right of way and enter the trail on the other side. A further fifteen
minutes hike leads to a gated road. Circumvent the gate and hike another 15 minutes to the Falls.
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Sechelt Visitor Center
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SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
3.9
CHAPMAN FALLS (AND SECHELT VIEWPOINT)
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 2 kilometres – 45 minutes one way
HIGHLIGHTS: As a destination for a hike, the series of cataracts known as Chapman Falls is incomparable. An
additional attraction to 3.8 and 3.9 is a beautiful panoramic view of Sechelt and the Strait of Georgia across to
Mr. Arrowsmith on Vancouver Island.
ACCESS: 1.9 km south of Sechelt, take the first road to the left – Selma Park Road. 400 metres up this road
take the gravel road to the left which leads to the powerline right of way after 800 metres. Park here and walk
200 metres west. This brings you to the crest of the hill and Sechelt will lie before you.
After viewing from here, return 200 metres to the east and take the road which bounds the west side of the
reservoir. After 1.2 km, circumvent the gate and a further 15 minutes walk brings you to the Falls.
The road/trail is drivable as far as the gate if you wish for a shortened hike.
3.11
TRIANGLE LAKE FROM SARGEANT BAY
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 4km/90mins one way
HIGHLIGHTS: Very attractive trail with old growth Douglas Fir. Triangle Lake is a shallow lake with rare
coastal bog ecology.
ACCESS: See directions to Sargeant Bay Provincial Park, but instead of entering the park on the waterfront
side of Redroofs Road (left side,) enter at the yellow bollards on the upland side of Redroofs Road, 50m beyond
the main park entrance. Walk this trail for 500m until you meet the signed Triangle Lake trail leading off to the
right.
TERRAIN: This is a newly completed trail.
3.12
SPIPYUS (CAREN) PEAK TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 2km/30mins
HIGHLIGHTS: Panoramic views of Sechelt Inlet and the Strait of Georgia from the summit. An ancient yellow
cedar stump, aged at 1736 years is in the area.
ACCESS: Take Hwy 101, 11km north of Sechelt. At the bottom of the long downhill stretch just before
Halfmoon Bay, turn right onto Trout Lake Road. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Proceed up this logging road and
at the main junction at kilometer 12, keep right. After approximately 3km, you’ll pass a spur road on the left,
which leads to Lyon Lake. Pass this turn off and continue a few more meters to the steep spur on the right,
which leads to Spipyus Peak. This spur is passable with four wheel drive. The steep spur flattens out after
100m and proceeds to the east side of the Caren Range. From the end of the spur, take a skid road off to the
left that leads through a clear-cut to the summit.
TERRAIN: A summit trail to the highest point of the Caren Range and the Sechelt Peninsula at 1259m (4130ft.)
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Sechelt Visitor Center
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SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
3.13
HOMESITE CAVES TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 2km/30mins
HIGHLIGHTS: This trail meanders around limestone caves and sinkholes, while also being situated amongst a
second old growth forest and a Homesite Creek waterfall.
ACCESS: Follow Hwy 101 north of Halfmoon Bay. Turn right onto the Homesite Creek Forest Service Road
which is the third right after Brooks Road (First two are Sutherland Rd and Stephens Waye, and the third one
is the Homesite Creek road). This forestry road has a green sign saying “Campsite 2km.” Take this road for 1.4
km and park on the left. Gravel road – car accessible.
3.14
RUBY LAKE – KLEIN LAKE TRAVERSE
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 3
LENGTH/TIME: 4km/60mins
HIGHLIGHTS: This new five-star trail links two of the major recreational sites of the Sunshine Coast. The
trail traverses the saddle between the two lakes. At the height of land, rocky bluffs afford spectacular views
of Ruby Lake and the Sechelt Peninsula – a perfect spot for observation and a picnic. Most of the trail is
through conifer plantations; however the Klein Lake ends along old logging roads beneath an alder-conifer
canopy.
ACCESS: Can be accessed from either end. From Hwy 101, park at Dan Bosch Park, which is 600m north of the
Ruby Lake Resort at the north end of the Sunshine Coast. Enter the trail 50m along the highway south of Dan
Bosch Park. The trail begins as an old logging road, which has been deactivated with deep water bars (do not
attempt to drive,) and leads into the newly constructed trail section.
Access from the north end is gained by driving 1.8km along Egmont Road from its junction with Hwy 101. Turn
right onto North Lake Forest Service Road, staying right at the first junction after 1.4km and proceed to Klein
Lake at 3.3km. Campsites and parking are available here, but it is also possible to stay on the main road and
drive in for a further 1.5km to a fork in the road. Here you will be confronted by some large rocks in the middle
of the road. TERRAIN: The trail grade is mainly downhill when travelling from Klein Lake to Ruby Lake, and
when commencing at Ruby Lake you are confronted by a fairly steep grade up to the saddle. Note: The driving
distance between the two ends of the trail is 12km.
4.1
MOUNT RICHARDSON (WEST SIDE)
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 4
LENGTH/TIME: 3 kilometers – 3 hours one way
HIGHLIGHTS: Stunning views of Sechelt Inlet, the Sechelt Peninsula (Caren Range) and Sechelt village from
the summit of Mount Richardson (986 meters, 3234 feet).
ACCESS: See 4.5. Follow directions as far as the “west” road. About 800 metres after this junction an old
grown in logging road off to the left leads in the direction of the peak. This road ends in a forest plantation and
from there it is a bushwhack to the ridge leading to the summit.
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Sechelt Visitor Center
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SUNSHINE COAST HIKING TRAILS
** level of difficulty of each trail is measured on a Grade 1 to Grade 5 scale.
1 being the Easiest and 5 Being for experienced Hikers and Backcountry persons only.
4.2
MOUNT RICHARDSON
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 4
LENGTH/TIME:
2 kilometers – 2 hours to the summit
1 kilometer – ½ hour to the lake
Four wheel drive access to Richardson Lake. Good lakeside campsites.
HIGHLIGHTS: Stunning views of the Sechelt Inlet, Sechelt Peninsula and Sechelt from the summit of Mount
Richardson (986 metres)
ACCESS: From the traffic lights in Sechelt, take Wharf Road & East Porpoise Bay Road for 9.8 km to Tuwanek.
Just beyond the Tuwanek sign turn right on Upland Drive. Proceed to the stop sign and turn right on the gravel
road. You will note a sign “Tetrahedron” here. After 100 metres, you will be confronted with a sign warning of
an active logging road. Proceed 500 metres to the left, and then take the “west” road or left fork. After
another 5.6 km, take “Branch 300” to the left. (The main road has kilometer markers Branch 300 is near the 7
km marker). On Branch 300 drive for 3.6 km to the foot of a steep hill where the road becomes 4 wheel drive.
Either park here and walk up the steep rutted road for the remaining kilometer or continue in 4 wheel drive.
Where the road flattens out by a swamp on the right, a road to the left leads to Richardson Lake. The summit
of Mount Richardson can be reached by bushwhacking through timber.
4.3
MOUNT DANIEL TRAIL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 4
LENGTH/TIME: 2.5km/60mins up
HIGHLIGHTS: This trail is rewarded with an incomparable view of the geography of the Pender Harbour area.
ACCESS: North of Pender Harbour turn left on Garden Bay Road at the Petro-Canada gas station. Travel 3.4km
on Garden Bay Road or 1.5km after Oyster Bay Road. Take the first dirt road on the left after Oyster Bay
Road. There is a sign here (hard to see,) which states ‘Mount Daniel Trail – Take a Hike!’ On this road take the
left fork after 200m and keep bearing left. After another 200m there is room to park and the trail begins.
TERRAIN: A fairly steep trail with magnificent views of Pender Harbour.
4.3
MOUNT HALLOWELL
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: 4
LENGTH/TIME: 2 Km/60minutes one way
HIGHLIGHTS: Unsurpassed panoramic views of Pender Harbour, Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island.
ACCESS: Take Highway 101 for 11 kilometers north of Sechelt. At the bottom of the long downhill stretch just
before Halfmoon Bay turn right onto Trout Lake Road. Proceed up this logging road and at the main junction at
kilometer 12, take the left fork. At kilometer 15, the road passes through the Caren Range Old Growth Forest.
Carry on to kilometer 19.5 where an improved trail begins at an abandoned red cable spool. The trail leads
through both clear cuts and old growth forest to the summit and the fire tower.
11/18/11
Page 10
Sechelt Visitor Center
www.secheltvisitorinfo.com