Howe Sound Crest Trail - South

Starts out a smooth constructed trail in Cypress Bowl, becomes a beaten path as you go along the ridge. Some roots, mud, etc.

Route: Follows the crest of the range on the east side of Howe Sound, from Cypress Bowl to Hat Pass. Beyond Hat Pass, a route continues as the Deeks Lake Trail.

How to Find: The south trailhead is at the Cypress Bowl Ski Area.

Description: This long trail traverses over the many summits on the East Side of Howe Sound ending at Deeks Lake and the Deeks Lake Trail.  It is a very ambitious overnight hike.  Begin at at Cypress Bowl ski lodge, stay the night in Magnesia meadow's emergency hut, and finish at Porteau Cove.

From BC Parks:  This hike offers spectacular views of the famed rocky outcroppings known as the "Lions", Howe Sound and an expanse of the Coastal Mountain Range.  The 30 km trail streches north from Cypress Bowl in Cypress Provincial Park to Highway 99 just south of Porteau Cove Provincial Park on Howe Sound.  Shorter day trips from either end also offer beautiful scenery.  Cypress Park is accessed from the Upper Levels Highway in West Vancouver and Highway 99, near Porteau Cove, 22 km north of Horshoe Bay.

This is a summer use only trail, as several areas pose a high winter avalanche danger.  Snow-free season generally starts mid-July and ends mid-October.  Access during the rest of the year shoudl be reserved for properly equipped and experience ski parties.  Steep and rocky areas along the ridges require extra attention in wet or foggy weather.