Sunshine Coast Trail - Section 1

Sunshine Coast Trail : Descriptions

INTRODUCTION:
As of Fall, 1998, Phase 1 of the SCT project is complete, all 175km of trail has been cleared and connected and is hikable. Phase 2 which involves putting up of signage and development of campsites is in progress. As for the portion that is finished or semi-finished under Phase 2, Nearly 120km is in very good condition. This stretches from Sarah Point (north of Lund) to Tin Hat Mountain ( just past Fiddlehead Farm, on Powell Lake)

While not all sections have finished campsites, there are enough so that , with some planning, hiking can be done without much inconvenience. The next 55 odd km have also been connected, although the km markers and signs are not in place and campsites are almost non existent.

This guide is for use on the 130km now in place. Others wishing more information on the rougher sections can contact:

Powell River Visitor Centre
Crossroads Village Centre
111- 4871 Joyce Avenue
Powell River, BC, V8A 5P4
604.485.4000 or toll-free 1 877 817-8669
info@discoverpowellriver.com

Section 1 (21.3 km) - Sarah Point to Malaspina Road

1) Lands End Trail
(12.1km) from Sarah Bay/Point (0 km) to Wednesday Lake (12.1 km)

Difficulty: Moderate (3 on a scale of 1-5)
Elevations: 0-220 m
Highlites:

1) Views, fishing at Sarah Point (0-0.6 km),
2) Desolation Bluff viewpoint (1.9 km),
3) Feather Cove (2.8 km): picnic site on beach rough, undeveloped oceanside campsite w/o freshwater
4) Myrmidon Cove (4.0 km); undeveloped campsite with water.
5) Hinder Lake(5.1-5.3 km); nice views, bird life.
6) Views from “THE KNOB”(7.6 km)
7) Views of Okeover Inlet from trail along bluffs(8.9-9l6 km)
8) Cochrane Bay: campsite in Desolation Sound Park (turnoff @ 9.6 km); oceanside camping, freshwater available.
9) Wednesday Lake(12.1 km):

Campsite:

Swimming, fishing ,water supply, new rough outhouse, wildlife viewing (beaver, loon) The best water supply should be from the small creek flowing out of Wednesday Lake at 12.2 km.

* The best way to begin the trail is to be dropped off at Sarah Bay by water taxi from Lund. See “Support Information”.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DO THE TRAIL BEGINNING FROM THE NORTH AT SARAH BAY (next to the power cable poles).

Potential weather problems could make water taxi connections awkward. * There are NO SANITARY FACILITIES on this trail section until Wednesday Lake, so use common sense. Especially be careful near Hinder Lake, (5 km) as this is used as a domestic water supply.

2) Gwendoline Hills Trail:
[9.2 km] from Wednesday Lake (12.1 km) to Malaspina Road (21.3 km)

Difficulty: Moderate+ (3+) Elevations: (120 km to 340 km)**SEVERAL ELEVATION GAINS AND LOSSES.

This is a very strenuous hike, you may decide to camp earlier than planned considering the next campsite is a distance away.

Highlites:

1) Views of Okeover Inlet from 50m sidetrail @ 12.4 km,
2) Views of Strait of Georgia from Manzanita Bluffs (16.0 km)
3) Scattered old growth along trail(around 17km)
4) Cedar Lodge Bed & Breakfast (turnoff @ 20.4 km) there is a sign on the trail.

*Caution: This section has no reliable water supply-CARRY ONE DAY’S SUPPLY! Also, there are no developed campsites on this section. The next place to camp MIGHT be at Fern Creek. ( @22.2 km) * No sanitary facilities yet.

CEDAR LODGE B&B is located at the end of a sidetrail. Prior arrangements needed for accommodation. Safe car parking may be arranged at the lodge. Also try Y-knot Campsite (D’Angio Rd; off Malaspina Rd @ 483-3243).

Section 1 Notes This 21.3 km section can be done as a two or three day unit: Option 1: (2 days)

Day 1 Sarah Point to Wednesday Lake. (12.1 km)
Day 2 Wednesday Lake to Malaspina Road (9.2 km) Could stay at Cedar Lodge that evening.

Option 2: (3 days)
Day 1 Sarah Point to Cochrane Bay (9.6 km);
Day 2 Cochrane Bay to Wednesday Lake(21.3) or Cedar Lodge.

Option 3: (for late starters)
Day 1 Sarah Point to Feather Cove (2.8 km) or Myrmidon Cove
(Sidetrail @ 4.0 km).
Day 2 To Wednesday Lake (12.1 km).
Day 3 To Malaspina Road (21.3 km) *There is a possible problem of changeover to the next trail (Thunder Ridge): When you reach the pavement @ Malaspina Road, you can cross the road to find the trail** or turn LEFT, and walk about 100m east, on the road, to find the next trailhead across Malaspina Road in a recently dug gravel pit.

Introduction | Part One | Part Two | Part Three