Yesterday, I decided just after school to finally make this hike, and even if I was prepared mentally for it, it took us so much more time than planned.
Where is Campbell River Lookout Trail?
Sadly, there is no indication to get there, so you have to be very eyes open!
But, if you put it on Google Map, you will be able to see around where this is.
Coming from Campbell River, you will have to take Highway 19 to the North of the Island, and you will have to stop after Ripple Rock Trail (there is a sign for this one!) and after the road that goes to Marina’s Bay (Brown’s Bay Road). The parking entrance is not so far away after the sign 190 km and after a place called Grey River Netting (they have a sign for it!). And you will see a little ribbon there, and this is how I knew it was the right place!
Once you parked, there is a sign, Campbell River Outlook, and you will have to follow it.
What can you expect on this trail?
This trail is considered difficult, and I understand why!
I had done my research before, and I was prepared for 6.1km, but I didn’t expect it to feel this hike so long!! I was so waiting for arriving at the top!
So, initially, the trail seems flat with many roots on the floor, and once you passed this big tree over the river. It is now the start of a serious matter.
The trail is up almost up to the top, and we had the impression sometimes it was never going to end! So, you have to be careful to watch for the little ribbon because, trust me, sometimes, you will doubt the path you choose!
Who for is this trail?
If you love hiking and using chains to get up on rocks, you will love this trail; there are four places to use it. But, even right at the beginning, you will have a huge step to get to the path!!!!
Once you are at the top, the view is breathtaking, and you will see Campbell River in front of you and the mountains around. It is the perfect place to make a nice stop and get some rest as the way down will be intense too. Be sure to have with you some hiking sticks or just branches you take on your way. It is going to help you!
This trail is not for everybody because some people prefer a flatter hike, but this one is for you if you are prepared for adventures!
On our way home to Campbell River, I had to stop as the view on Quadra Island was so beautiful. The sun was right on it and we were lucky to see a double rainbow on the water! So ending a hike around 9 PM give you sometimes really nice suprises!
