Merry Widow Ridge

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The Merry Widow Ridge Trail is a 6.9 km out-and-back hiking route on the northern end of Vancouver Island that allows you to explore the rugged mountain peaks that can be found in this part of the interior. Along the trail, hikers will climb uphill through the forest before transitioning to more exposed terrain along the rugged ridgeline for some amazing views of the surrounding peaks, including Merry Widow Mountain. The road into the trailhead is pretty rough, so make sure to use a vehicle capable of maneuvering the rugged terrain.

Route Description for Merry Widow Ridge

Although the drive into the trailhead is more than a bit bumpy, once you get out on the Merry Widow Ridge Trail you will be inundated with breathtaking scenery and forget all about the initial journey to get there. Setting out from the parking area, follow the trail to the west as it cuts through a beautiful stretch of forest and begins to climb uphill towards the top of the ridge. The terrain here will become more rocky, rugged, and exposed, so make sure to watch your footing as you bring yourself up the ridge. Once there, you can take in the amazing views of the surrounding peaks as you traverse the ridgeline toward Merry Widow Mountain to the southwest.

Once you have made your way to the end of the trail, turn back and carefully retrace your steps down the ridge while stealing a few last glances across the mesmerizing Vancouver Island landscape on your return journey to the trailhead.

Getting to the Merry Widow Ridge Trailhead

To reach the Merry Widow Ridge trailhead from Port McNeill, drive southeast on Campbell Way for 2.6 km and turn right onto BC-19, following it for 3.7 km. Turn left onto Keogh Road and continue on it for 600 m before turning straight onto Keogh Main. After 3.0 km, turn left onto Keogh Road and follow it for 4.4 km, where you will turn right to continue on the same road for another 24.3 km. Turn right onto Alice Lake Road and follow it for 1.2 km before turning left. From here, keep left for 6.9 km to arrive at the trailhead.