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Howe Sound Crest Trail: a still from my film

Coast Mountains, British Columbia · July 2023 · Solo

Howe Sound Crest Trail

31.1 KM · 2 DAYS · 1,595 M

Cypress Mountain past the Lions to Howe Sound in 2 days.

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At a glance

Where
Coast Mountains, British Columbia
Distance
31.1 km (19.3 miles)
Days
2: 6.3 miles on Day 1 (an afternoon), 13 on Day 2
Climbing
About 5,230 ft (1,595 m) up and 7,970 ft (2,430 m) down, going north like I did
Difficulty
Experienced hikers only past Bowen Lookout (BC Parks). Rooty, rocky, with scrambles between the Lions and Magnesia
Route
Cypress Mountain ski area to The Porteau Road trailhead on Highway 99
When I went
July 2023
Relief map of the Howe Sound Crest Trail route: 2 days drawn in red with numbered day starts, labelled Cypress Mountain, Porteau Cove and The West Lion.
Day 1Day 2Highest 5,210 ft (1,589 m)

Elevation, start to finish: highest 5,210 ft (1,589 m), lowest 190 ft (59 m).

My GPS recording on a relief map. The numbers are where each day starts. The GPX files come with the guide.

Everything I made about it

The film

Photos

  • My tent at sunset on the ridge below the West Lion, Day 1.
    My tent at sunset on the ridge below the West Lion, Day 1.
  • Looking back at the Lions, Day 2 morning.
    Looking back at the Lions, Day 2 morning.
Howe Sound from just past St. Mark's Summit, Day 1 mile 3.9.
Howe Sound from just past St. Mark's Summit, Day 1 mile 3.9.

The guide · 40-page PDF + GPX files · 2027 season edition

Do it yourself

Cypress Mountain past the Lions to Howe Sound in 2 days.

  • Where things stand
  • Both days
  • My GPX files
  • The rules and camping
  • Getting there

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Look inside the guide

Free sample

Try Day 1 free

The whole Day 1, Cypress Mountain to the Lions page from the guide as a PDF, plus my camping packing list: the 42 things I carry, with a note on each. Both come by email. You'll also get my emails about new guides and trips, a few a year.

Music in this film

All music

What I'd take now

My current kit

Everything I use, in Tools

The Americas and New Zealand bundle

This guide is in The Americas and New Zealand Hiking Guide Pack: 36 guides for $39. Or all 62 guides for $59.

Short answers

Is the Howe Sound Crest Trail open?
Yes, in October 2026: BC Parks listed no closure. Construction started at Magnesia Meadows, Brunswick Lake and Deeks Lake on September 16, 2026. The trail is usually snow-free from about July to early October, and the section by the ski area is open to hikers June 1 to October 31.
How long is the Howe Sound Crest Trail?
BC Parks gives 29 km (18 miles) one way, from the Cypress Mountain ski area to Highway 99 just south of Porteau Cove. My GPS recorded 19.3 miles (31.1 km) over two days: 6.3 to my camp below the West Lion, then 13 to the highway.
Do you need a permit to camp on the Howe Sound Crest Trail?
No, in 2026: no permit, no reservation and no fee. You can camp anywhere along the trail north of Strachan Meadows; BC Parks names Magnesia Meadows, Brunswick Lake and Deeks Lake as the best areas.
Is there water on the Howe Sound Crest Trail?
Not reliably on the first half: BC Parks says there's no reliable water between Strachan Meadows and Magnesia Meadows. From Magnesia on there are tarns, streams and lakes. Treat all water.
Can you hike the Howe Sound Crest Trail in one day?
Fast, strong hikers do, in about 12 to 14 hours. It's long and committing, with scrambles over James and David Peaks in the middle, and exhausted day hikers are a common rescue call.
Where do you park for the Howe Sound Crest Trail?
Overnight parking at Cypress Mountain is free but only allowed in Lot 3B; cars left elsewhere are towed. The trail ends at the Porteau Road lot on Highway 99, with no public transit, so you need two cars or a ride.

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