If you have limited time in the town of Powell River and looking for a solid hike to do, Tin Hat Mountain is a must. It boasts some of the best views on the 180km Sunshine Coast Trail. Easily done as a day hike, there is also a hut near the summit that is free for hikers to camp in on a first come first serve basis. Here is a guide to the Tin Hat Mt hike on the Sunshine Coast Trail.
At a glace:
Length: 9.6km return (depending on starting point)
Time: ~2-4 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
Elevation Gain: 650m
The hike:
The hike starts uphill along a gravel logging road and isn’t very scenic. Eventually the road will get even more rough but still accessible by ATV. When you get to the junction with a trail to the left to Fiddlehead (continuation of the Sunshine Coast Trail), continue right along the main trail towards Tin Hat. At the top of the road, the final part of the trail begins to the left and only accessible by walking. Don’t be discouraged by the steepness and roots, it’s only another 30 minutes to the hut!
As the hut comes into view, be prepared to be awed by the landscape below! Take a break and have a snack at the picnic table before continuing the short bit to the tower at the summit. It’s only another few minutes up, and there are more chances to take in the jaw-dropping views from every angle.
At the summit, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views. Sadly, some of the views include all the logging being done in the valley, but it’s hard to take away from the breathtaking mountains and lakes in the distance.
If you are doing a day hike, continue back down the way you came. If you are spending the night, either in the hut or in a tent, enjoy the beautiful sunset from the summit. Camping is free, and no permits are required. The hut was built by volunteers in 2011 and is fully winterized with a pellet stove.
How to get there:
The trailhead to Tin Hat is about an hour drive from the town of Powell River. While there are some signs along the way, it is much better to know the route before you go. Four wheel drive is encouraged (but not totally necessary) on the bumpy logging roads, and keep in mind you will mostly be out of service.
Drive south of town and turn left on Dixon Road which is right across from Lang Bay Store. The road will eventually merge with Goat Lake Main by Lois Lake. After 9km, take the left turn at Tin Hat junction. In 5km, follow the signs to the left again at the Still Main Rd junction. In another few km, take the left at the fork and cross over a yellow bridge. At Giovanni Main, make sure to keep right to stay on Spring Lake Main. Right after the 7km marker will be the trailhead with room for a few cars to park on the side of the road, and a small map is visible. If you have 4WD, you can continue driving up the steep switchback road to cut down on about an hour of hiking time!
Looking for more hikes to do around Powell River? Check out a couple of my sweet waterfall posts, Appleton Canyon hike or Blackwater & Sweetwater Creek hike.
Leave a Reply!