Unnecessary Mountain (Cypress Provincial Park) via Lions Bay
Unnecessary Mountain (Cypress Provincial Park) via Lions Bay
Unnecessary Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park is a peak offering phenomenal 360 views with some of the best views into the Howe Sound. The trail from Lions Bay is well marked but extremely steep, requiring no technical skills but remains challenging, and overgrown as it receive far less traffic than the other way to Unnecessary Mountain via the Howe Sound Crest Trail. The trail is transit accessible which opens up the entire mountain range available to people without access to vehicle.
Distance (Round-Trip): 6.8 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Season: June to October
Elevation: 1,548 m (5,079 ft) Gain: 1,220 m (4,003 ft)
Scenery: ★★★★★
Camping: YesFrom Vancouver: 1 hour (30.9km)
Public Transit: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes (but difficult)
The trail begins at the end of Oceanview Road and continues beyond a closed gate leading on a gravel road. Past the gate, hike shortly past the following switchback and there will be a well announced trail on the right side.
The trail starts gaining elevation quite fast and continues the entire way to the summit. A few hundred metres into the trail there will be a fork and you will want to take a left which will be announce by a large arrow marked “Unnecessary Mtn”. The other way is a loop called the “local trail” which reconnects with this trail higher up.
Continue up the trail weaving around old growth and rock faces; climbing up rooty and rocky terrain. The trail remains under the tree canopy nearly the entire distance to the top. Keep good eye on the orange and white diamond markers and ribbons to follow the trail. If ever confused about direction, back track until spotting a marker.
The steep trail will eventually hit a plateau finally offering stunning views of the Howe Sound. This will be the first time you spot the summit of Unnecessary Mountain and will wonder where the trail goes, it goes straight up. Stick leftwards on the plateau following the trail markers. The trails descends slightly after the plateau and clings on the mountain side heading straight up. There is no real exposure, it is simply steep with many good holds to maneuver upwards.
Unnecessary Mountain Trail Map
CAMPING WITHIN CYPRESS PROVINCIAL PARK: YES
Camping is allowed in the backcountry, no permit required. Pack it in, pack it out.
DOG FRIENDLY TO UNNECESSARY MOUNTAIN: YES
Dogs are welcomed on the trail although the trail does get really steep and challenging at points for dogs.
MOUNTAINS AROUND UNNECESSARY MOUNTAIN: YES
You can access other mountains from this peak such as The Lions following the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
PARKING AT TRAILHEAD: YES
There is room for about 3 cars to park on Oceanview Road right before the gate.
