Hiking the Hunter Logging Road Trail in Mission
Contents
Hunter Logging Road Hike Information
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 8.20Km
Elevation Gain: 305m
Highest Elevation: 443m
Average Gradient: 7.44%
Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / High
Time Needed:
– Slow: 3 – 4 Hours
– Moderate: 2 – 3 Hours
– Fast: 1.50 – 2 Hours
Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: Year-Round
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None
Hunter Logging Road Trail
Trailhead Coordinates: 49°15’02.3″N 122°18’08.5″W
Hunter Logging Road Overview
Hunter Logging Road is an unfortunate name for an otherwise enjoyable hike in Mission. While the entire hike follows a logging road (hence the name), the actual reason people enjoy this hike is for the beautiful viewpoint above the always scenic Stave Lake and its surrounding mountain range. A better name for this hike would be something along the lines of “Stave Lake Lookout”, but it seems Hunter Logging Road has been agreed upon now, so that’s what we’re going with.
This is a very simple hike that follows a mellow logging road the entire time, with little of note to see along the way. At no point is the hike particularly steep, and given it’s relatively modest stats and easy accessibility it’s become a very popular hike, especially in the summer. While the hike itself is rather dull, the viewpoint you’ll be rewarded with at the end is well worth the effort, with a stunning view of Stave Lake and it’s nearby mountains, namely Mount Judge Howay, Mount Robie Reid, Mount Crickmer, Mount Saint Benedict and much more.
Due to a rapid increase in popularity and a lack of parking infrastructure, parking has become a challenge in recent times, with cars lined up along the road to the trailhead causing access issues. As such the District of Mission imposed parking restrictions that limited the parking area to a fairly small size. On a summer day the parking lot can fill up quickly, so it is strongly recommended to arrive early so as not to be disappointed. A 2WD vehicle is sufficient for access, and the trail is also pet friendly.
The Hunter Logging Road trail is a year-round hike and might actually be preferred in the winter, especially if there is snow on the ground. This will at least make for a more scenic hike on the otherwise boring logging road, and it will likely mean less people. Still, anytime of year is good, just make sure to go on a clear day as this isn’t a hike you want to end up with no views on.
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Is Hunter Logging Road worthwhile?
While the trail itself leaves much to be desired, this is a short hike to a very good viewpoint. It’s quite rare to get such an amazing view from such low elevation. If you are looking to keep things simple but still want a payoff, this is a great choice and it should be accessible to all abilities.
How difficult is the Hunter Logging Road hike?
Hunter Logging Road is a very straightforward hike that follows a logging road the entire way to the viewpoint. With an average gradient of just 7.44% it is rarely very steep and should be perfectly manageable for all abilities.
The only possible technical issue you might face is loose or slippery rocks, so good ankle support might be a wise choice if you’re prone to rolling an ankle.
Hunter Logging Road Route Information
The trailhead for this hike is at the very end of Sabo Street in Mission, just before it becomes a logging road. This is a paved road that is accessible for all vehicles. There is not a huge amount of parking at the trailhead and once it is full there is nowhere else to park as the District of Mission have installed “no parking” signs along Sabo Street, and have actively towed vehicles that ignore them.
From the trailhead you immediately pass by a gate that restricts vehicles from driving down the logging road any further, and from here on out this hike could not be any more straightforward.
The first kilometer of the hike climbs somewhat steeply, ascending around 150m. The trail will be wide and spacious, but can be slippery due to loose rocks, so be careful with your footing. For the next 1.5km the gradient declines and the hike becomes almost completely flat, with the odd up and down here and there along the way. You’ll pass by some steep hills to your left, with a large open cutblock and some small waterfalls here and there to keep your interest on an otherwise uninspiring trudge.
At the 2km mark of the hike you will pass by a fork in the trail where you’ll want to keep left. The trail remains flat for the next kilometer or so before you reach the final push to the viewpoint. The last kilometer is again somewhat steep, rising around 110m while following a gradual switchback, but it’s still very straightforward.
As you approach the viewpoint the otherwise forested views quickly open up to a massive panoramic vista over Stave Lake, with numerous mountain ranges near and far. This is a fairly spacious viewpoint , though on a busy summer day I’m sure it can get quite crowded.
Once you’ve finished soaking in the views you can simply head back the way you came, or if you are feeling adventurous you can actually create a loop. Shortly before the viewpoint you will note a small trail leading off into the trees. If you follow this you will pass by more views, but the trail is a lot more rugged than the wide FSR, and at times it might be quite bushy and may even require some navigation. The trail links back to the logging road near the trailhead, but it does involve a steep descent in order to do so.
When should I hike Hunter Logging Road?
The Hunter Logging Road trail is a year-round option, but it can get very busy on a sunny summer weekend. If you want to avoid this I would suggest going in the off-season, though still on a sunny day. It might still be busy but it should be a lot quieter than in the summer. After fresh snowfall is likely the most scenic time to go, but it might make the trip a bit more challenging.
Top Tip
If going during peak season on a sunny day I would recommend an early start (before 8am) to ensure you find a parking spot.
If you want to do the loop you will likely want to download an offline map as the trail may not be that easy to navigate without.
