Hiking Pender Hill on the Sunshine Coast
Contents
Pender Hill Hike Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.60Km
Elevation Gain: 165m
Highest Elevation: 234m
Average Gradient: 20.63%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Low / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 1.5 – 2 Hours
– Moderate: 1 – 1.5 Hours
– Fast: 0.75 – 1 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Pender Hill Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°38’33.1″N 124°03’43.1″W
Pender Hill Overview
Located in Pender Harbour, Pender Hill is a fairly popular hike along the Sunshine Coast thanks to its surprisingly panoramic views of Hotel Lake, Mount Daniel, Pender Harbour, and out towards the Strait of Georgia, all for modest effort.
Given this hike is almost 1 hour 15 minutes of driving from Langdale Ferry Terminal, it sees less traffic than the likes of Soames Hill, yet offers far superior views. In fact, out of Soames Hill, Mount Daniel and Pender Hill, this hike probably offers the most expansive views despite the fact it’s the lowest of the three. This is thanks to the fact that the summit is largely unforested, with numerous viewpoints and plenty of space to spread out on the top and soak it in.
There are a couple of starting points for this hike, however the main route goes from the corner of Lee Road and Coastview Drive. There is a small parking lot here with room for perhaps 6 vehicles, but I’m sure you can find overflow parking if needed.
Thanks to its low elevation this is a year-round hike. The only time this may be tricky is if snow/ice forms along the trail, which could be tricky as the hike is steep throughout. This is a dog friendly trail.
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Is Pender Hill worthwhile?
Pender Hill offers beautiful coastal views for very little effort, relatively speaking. Fit parties could complete this hike in under an hour with ease, and given the expansive views on offer the reward is more than worthwhile. Even if the hike is a bit out of the way compared to something like Soames Hill, the effort to get here and hike up is worth the payoff. You could also easily combine this with the nearby Mount Daniel if you are looking for a more thorough trip.
How difficult is the hike to Pender Hill?
Pender Hill is a very short and fairly steep grind with an average gradient of around 20%. While steep, it is so short lived I would still consider this an easy hike physically speaking.
Technically the hike is also straightforward, it’s just the usual steep, rocky and rooty terrain throughout. You might want some proper footwear as there isn’t much of a defined trail to follow, it’s more of a pick your own route through some sporadically slippery conditions.
Pender Hill Route Information
As noted the trailhead is from the corner of Lee Road and Coastview Drive, with a small parking lot that is hidden away in the forest with space for around 6 vehicles. If the lot is full I’m sure you can find parking on the road, though obviously don’t block any resident drives.
Once you’re on the trail there is only one way to go with zero junctions to worry about. It’s merely a case of putting one foot in front of the other until you reach the top.
The trail initially starts off mellow, but this doesn’t last long and in short order you’ll start a steep climb up that doesn’t really stop until you reach the top. The route is unmarked and there isn’t really a defined trail, you simply follow the worn out route that climbs up through the open forest.
After a short but steep climb you’ll eventually crest the peak where the view starts to open up as the trees thin out. You’ll want to continue hiking ahead, descending slightly as the view continues to expand. Soon enough you’ll reach one of several expansive viewpoints, with panoramic views of the Strait of Georgia and Pender Harbour. You’re free to wander around the summit looking for the best viewpoints, as there are several spots you can relax and soak it in. Head east a little to a broad bluff overlooking Helen Lake and Mount Daniel behind for one of the better views from the summit.
Once you’ve rested and enjoyed the scenery you simply return back the same way. Take care on the steep sections of the descent as some spots can be slippery.
When should I hike Pender Hill?
This is a year-round hike that can be completed whenever you prefer. The only time conditions might be concerning is if it’s icy/snowy. Obviously you will be better off timing this for a clear day if you want to appreciate the views.
Top Tip
This hike can be completed in under an hour, including some time at the summit. If you want more bang for your buck you can drive over to Mount Daniel and hike that as well, which will take around 2 hours or less. The views from Daniel are not as good as Pender, however.
