Chinese Mountains Loop
The Chinese Mountains Loop is a 4.2 km lollipop hiking route on Quadra Island that will take you uphill to the summit of the north and south Chinese mountains for a sightline across the coastal landscape. Along the trail, hikers can expect a variety of terrain types including gravel roads, dirt, rock, and creek beds that climb up the mountainside to lookouts with views of both mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. This hike has some of the best views on Quadra Island, so make sure to add it to your list for the next time you find yourself exploring coastal BC.
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Route Description for Chinese Mountains Loop
Although the Chinese Mountains Loop is a well-maintained trail, certain aspects of the hike can be a bit challenging and even hazardous. Along the route, hikers will come across steep sections of trail with exposed and loose rock that can make travel difficult. Additionally, the rocky stretch of trail along this hike can become extremely slippery after a good rainfall. Make sure to wear proper hiking footwear when attempting this hike.
Trail conditions aside, the Chine Mountains Loop is a fantastic, well-marked route with amazingly scenic views overlooking Quadra Island. As you hike through the forested landscape and make your way to the exposed, rocky bluffs near the summit, you will have a commanding view of the coast that sweeps from mainland BC in the east to the rugged interior of Vancouver Island to the west. For the minimal amount of effort required to hike these two summits, the views are more than enough reward.
Setting out from the trailhead, make your way northeast to cut through the forest and cross over a small mountain stream. Roughly 280 m into the hike, the trail will turn more to the west and begin to climb sharply uphill, passing in and out of the tree cover as you gain elevation. After another 350 m, you will arrive at a junction in the trail.
Take the path to the right to make the steep 550 m hike up to the summit of North Chinese Mountain, where you will have a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape of Quadra Island. After taking in the views, make your way back to the junction and head to the right to cross over a stream and make your way up South Chinese Mountain.
When you have reached the summit, continue on a bit further along the trail to arrive at a scenic vantage point overlooking the breathtaking landscape of coastal British Columbia. Head back along the trail and keep left to continue the loop and begin the steep descent down the mountainside. After 450 m, you will come to a junction in the trail. Keep left to hike down the southwest side of the mountain and after 1.2 km of hiking through the forest, you will arrive back at the trailhead having completed the Chinese Mountains Loop.
Insider Hints for Chinese Mountains Loop
- Conditions along the rocky trail can be slippery and hazardous after heavy rainfall.
- Wear proper hiking footwear, as parts of the route are steep with loose rock.
Getting to the Chinese Mountains Loop Trailhead
To reach the Chinese Mountains Loop trailhead from Heriot Bay, drive north on Hyacinth Bay Road for 6.0 km and turn right onto Chinese Mountains Access Road. Continue on for 600 m to reach the trailhead.
Route Information
Chinese Mountains Loop Elevation Graph
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