DIRECTIONS: Drive to Porteau Cove Provincial Park and use day parking. This hike requires the use of a canoe, kayak or boat. By canoe and a 6-8km head wind it took us 1hour and 10 minutes for the 2 of us to get to the east shore or the lowest part visible from hwy 99. The return trip was in calm water and was only 45 minutes. Water was very warm even in the middle of Howe Sound.
The staging point for our hike is a small beach 200 meters opposite the main, quite long "No Trespassing" signed beach. create
SUMMARY: We opted for an old bushwacking hike and followed the topography to stay away from the prominent rocky bluffs visible high above the approach. Starting at the small fresh water creek you follow an old flagged route. The trail basically follows the creek trough and you need to know this as the flagging disappears often along the way. The trail is periodically visible but mostly covered with dead branches, rotting veg or ponderosa needles. Keep going up and always be aware of the bluffs as you can easily find yourself trapped below them. The rule is-if you have to climb anywhere that puts you at risk of injuring yourself if you lose grip then you likely have strayed off trail.
This rarely used trail makes good sense once you are on it and affords periodic views . Lots of fungus and rotted trees that look good to step on but break through like pie crust when weighted, be careful! Going up is about 3.5-4 hours as its steep and slow going trail finding. Hardly any underbrush at all, just loose/veggie ground. The flagging eventually returns near the crest and the tee with the main Leading Peak trail from the Bible Camp. This main trail is in good shape.
We found almost no water so bring your own, one small pool was enough for the 2 dogs we had but it wasn't running so don't drink unless you can filter it.
Some minor construction up top and an awesome heli-pad that made a first class viewing platform. About 2.5 hours down and a very welcome swim in the ocean before hitting the oars home. Bank on a 10 hour day. The view is second to none and way worth the canoe trip!
Strong hikers with route finding skills and GPS.