Lone Cone Trail
The Lone Cone Trail is a 5.8 km hiking route on Meares Island that can only be reached by boat from Tofino and offers the chance to get a bird’s eye view over the rugged and beautiful coastal landscape. The trail is a difficult uphill climb through the dense forests that will leave you feeling exhausted and rewarded by the fact that you were able to accomplish the feat. From the summit, you can look out over the blue expanse of the ocean, the numerous islands of the surrounding area, and the city of Tofino far below.
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Route Description for Lone Cone Trail
As with any of the hikes on Meares Island, the Lone Cone Trail is only accessible by boat, and hikers will need to make their own arrangements to reach the trailhead. Once there, the route is a steep and challenging climb to the summit, where you’ll reach scenic views overlooking the ocean and nearby islands. Make sure to pack in and pack out any hiking equipment or supplies you might need along the 5–6 hour journey.
After leaving the boat, hikers will enter the forest and follow the trail as it heads to the summit of Lone Cone. The initial kilometre of the hike is not overly difficult and climbs gradually through the scenic forest; however, the remainder of the hike is a gruelling uphill battle until you reach the viewpoint at the summit. The trail has an elevation gain of 729 m packed into its short length, making for a very steep grade as you climb through the dense trees. Reaching the viewpoint, you will have a commanding view of the surrounding area, including Tofino along the coast, countless small islands, and the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean stretched out before you. After taking in the views and refuelling with a quick snack, head back down the trail to make the return boat journey to Tofino.
Insider Hints for Lone Cone Trail
- Check out this guide to learn more about camping at the Lone Cone Campground.
Getting to the Lone Cone Trail Trailhead
To access the Lone Cone Trail from Tofino, hikers will have to make arrangements to take a 15-minute boat ride to Meares Island, where they will find the trailhead.
Route Information
Lone Cone Trail Elevation Graph
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