For full directions and descriptions of these trail sections, see The Sunshine Coast Trail guidebook, by Eagle Walz, available online or at Tourism Powell River (on Joyce Avenue) and Breakwater Books in Powell River (on Marine Avenue).
Sarah Point to Lund via Manzanita Hut – 2 days
Take a spectacular water taxi jaunt to beautiful Sarah Bay in Desolation Sound, or a rugged 4×4 ride to the beginning of the Sunshine Coast Trail, and start your 2-day adventure on Land’s End trail section. After hiking 5-6 hours along breath-taking coastline and in beautiful forests, spend a restful evening at Manzanita Hut (on Gwendoline Hills Trail) atop the splendid Manzanita Bluffs. Panoramic views of Lund lowlands, Savary, Hernando and Vancouver islands, and the Strait of Georgia. On Day 2 descend southward through gnarly old growth, and at the bottom of the hill take the Spire exit trail that will take you out to nearby Lund.
Saltery Bay Loop – 2 or 3 days
Starting at the southern terminus of the Sunshine Coast Trail, hike in to Fairview Bay in 2-3 hours. As you make your way along the shoreline you will find handcrafted benches on which to sit and sip. Spend the night in the hut at this peaceful bay; the nearby waterfall or the sound of the waves lapping the beach below will lull you to sleep. Another option is to just stop for a break, perhaps a swim at the head of the small bay, and then continue for another hour or two up to Rainy Day Lake hut and stay the night there. Completing the loop via the Saltery Bay Trail the next day, you will come upon spectacular views of Jervis Inlet from Freil Falls Vista, and other viewpoints as you begin your descent to the hamlet surrounding the ferry terminal.
Sarah Point to Shingle Mill – 3 days
Treat yourself to a water taxi ride through Copeland Islands Marine Park to beautiful Sarah Point in Desolation Sound, or get dropped off by 4×4 at the start of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Then hike past vistas and coves through verdant old growth to Manzanita Hut in the Gwendoline Hills for your first night’s stay. Enjoy the expansive views of Lund lowlands, Savary, Hernando and Vancouver islands, and the Strait of Georgia. Day 2 consists of the lovely and lush Thunder Ridge, Toquenatch and Marathon trails. Close to Appleton Creek you will find a hut at Rieveley’s Pond where you will stay your second night. Listen for the symphony of frogs! On Day 3 enjoy your amble down along Appleton Creek with its many waterfalls. Continue on Sliammon Lakes Trail, passing three inviting lakes, and finally ascend the shoulder of Scout Mountain, which provides yet more spectacular views – this time of the area surrounding the City of Powell River. Powell Lake lies at your feet, beyond there the city stretches along the waterfront of Malaspina Strait. Climb down to the Shingle Mill for a well-earned refreshment!
Inland Lake to Lewis Lake – 3 days
After starting your journey along the shore of idyllic Inland Lake, you will ascend through massive old growth fir and cedar to Confederation Lake. Plan to stay the night at the Confederation Lake hut. On Day 2 you will take the Fiddlehead Trail down to the former Fiddlehead Farm. Take a break in the orchard – all that remains now of this historic site. Prepare for the steady climb to the summit of Tin Hat Mountain via West Tin Hat Mountain Trail. The climb is worth the spectacular 360-degree view you get from the top of the mountain. The hut that awaits you is a beautiful, full cabin, furnished with a pellet stove to keep you warm on chilly nights. Stay here on your second night. On Day 3 follow the Tin Hat Mountain Trail down the East Ridge and through old growth in Pipes Canyon to Lewis Lake campsite, where you can arrange to have a ride waiting for you.
Fiddlehead Landing to Lang Bay – 4 days
Drive or boat out to the historic Fiddlehead Farm and start your hike from Fiddlehead Landing. First, climb up the West Tin Hat Mountain Trail, and stay at the wonderful cabin atop the mountain. It’s hard work, but worth the spectacular 360-degree view. On day 2 hike down Tin Hat Mountain Trail on the other side of the mountain, hook up with Lewis Lake Trail, March Lake Trail (where you will find some of the SCT’s most spectacular old growth patches) and make your way to the Elk Lake Hut at the beginning of Elk Lake Trail. On day 3 hike the Elk Lake Trail, and start your climb through the Smith Range. The cabin at the top of Walt Hill will be the site of your stay on the third night. Your last day consists of Suicide Pass, Smokey’s Blue Ridge Trail and Eagle River Trail – you will emerge at Lang Bay, where your ride can pick you up.
Lang Bay to Saltery Bay – 3 or 4 days
Starting at Lang Bay, enjoy a lovely stroll along the Lois Lake shoreline before heading up the Elephant Lake Trail and continuing on to the West Mount Troubridge Trail. Jocelyn Pond offers an opportunity to get refreshed as you make your way to the top of Troubridge, the highest point of the SCT at 1300m. Here, you will find a gorgeous log cabin that will provide welcome reprieve from your hike. From there, prepare your descent down the East Mount Troubridge Trail to Rainy Day Lake. Great swimming in this lake. Continue on the Fairview Bay Trail another 2-3 hours before arriving at Fairview Bay. In another 2-3 hours you will finish at the southern terminus of the Sunshine Coast Trail.
Inland Lake to Lang Bay – 5 days
Starting your journey at peaceful Inland Lake, head straight up Confederation Lake Trail and plan to stay the night at the Confederation Lake cabin. On Day 2 you will take the Fiddlehead Trail down to Fiddlehead Farm, and prepare for the climb to the top of Tin Hat Mountain (on West Tin Hat Mountain Trail). It’s hard work, but worth the spectacular 360-degree view you get from the top of the mountain. The hut that awaits is a beautiful, full cabin, furnished with a wood stove to keep you warm on chilly nights. Stay here on your second night. On Day 3 follow the Tin Hat Mountain Trail down to Lewis Lake, and continue on to complete the March Lake Trail. At the beginning of Elk Lake Trail you will come upon the Elk Lake Hut, and your next night’s accommodation. On Day 4 hike the Elk Lake Trail, and start your climb through the Smith Range. The cabin at the top of Walt Hill will be the site of your stay on your fourth night. Your last day consists of Suicide Pass, Smokey’s Blue Ridge Trail and Eagle River Trail – you will emerge at Lang Bay, where your ride can pick you up.
Powell River to Lang Bay – 6 days
Start your hike on the Mowat Bay Trail, just on the other side of the bridge from the Shingle Mill Pub & Bistro. At Mowat Bay you will have to walk through part of Cranberry Lake residential area and head up toward the Telus Tower. Continue on Tony’s Trail and the Lost Lake Trail, reaching lovely Inland Lake by night fall. You can stay your first night in one of the shelters at this campsite. On Day 2, head up Confederation Lake Trail and plan to stay the night at the Confederation Lake cabin. On Day 3, take a short hike down the Fiddlehead Trail down to Fiddlehead Landing where you can break for a swim (or stay for the night), and prepare for the climb to the top of Tin Hat Mountain (on West Tin Hat Mountain Trail). It’s hard work, but definitely worth the spectacular 360-degree view you get from the top of the mountain. The hut that awaits is a beautiful, full cabin, furnished with a pellet stove to keep you warm on chilly nights. Stay here on your third night. On Day 4 follow the Tin Hat Mountain Trail down to Lewis Lake, and continue on to complete the March Lake Trail. At the beginning of Elk Lake Trail you will come upon the Elk Lake Hut, and your next night’s accommodation. On Day 5 hike the Elk Lake Trail, and start your climb through the Smith Range on the Walt Hill Trail. The cabin at the top of Walt Hill will be the site of your stay on your fifth night. Your last day consists of Suicide Pass, Smokey’s Blue Ridge Trail and Eagle River Trail. You will emerge at Lang Bay, where your ride can pick you up.