We're coming back around to Valentine Mountain, but this time from a different route starting at the Shinglemill Pub. You'll still get the amazing views, but a bit longer of a hike.
This trail is great for people who are looking for a new take on an old hike, or for people who are looking for a bit of a longer trail while staying in town. The hike starts at the trail across the bridge from Shinglemill restaurant and eventually meets up with the trail that links Mowat Bay to Valentine Mountain. At approximately 2.5 km in length, the hike should take around 2 to 2.5 hours to complete.
Start out with a level walk beside Powell Lake, keeping to the right in the initial trail (any turn left will take you to the water, or to a zunga if you’re lucky). Turn right onto the logging road at the end of the trail, and then turn left when the road connects with another logging road. Now keep your eyes out for a path into the forest on the right (it’s easy to miss- we walked by it the first time). There is an overgrown wooden sign saying “SCT South to Mowat Bay” which marks the trail. The inside of the trail will also be marked with orange squares. If you come to a worksite, you’ve walked by the trail opening.
Keep to the left at the forks in the road until you find a red heart on a path to your right. Turn right at the red heart and follow the path to Valentine Mountain. Continue along the Sunshine Coast Trail until you get to a fork in the road. Take the left path, which is marked with orange squares and an arrow to the left. You will continue straight along the path for a while, and here you can let your mind wander to the beautiful flora around you. The next fork in the road will have a path on the right marked with red-and-white-striped tape-- make sure you take a left at both forks in the road. Continue along the path until you see a little red heart marking a path on the right. Turn right here and keep following the red hearts (there are three or four along the way) to Valentine Mountain. You can also continue on to Mowat Bay-- a beautiful little beach on the shores of the gorgeous, serene Powell Lake.
The trails of the Sunshine Coast offer a wide array of experiences for travellers of all levels and walks of life. Ranging in length, difficulty, and experience, the trails on the Sunshine Coast are the epitome of the pristine beauty and epic landscapes of British Columbia.
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