A little mud on your boots, and plenty of sweating in the first 30-40 minutes of this hike will be worth it for the chance to stand on top of two mountain peaks, gaze at (or swim in) gorgeous alpine lakes, and eventually reach the North Shore鈥檚 most spectacular viewpoint鈥擡agle Bluff.听
But for many people the hardest part of this hike will be packing up and leaving the bluffs for the return home.
A few words of caution:听 this is a backcountry alpine hike--strenuous and steep in many places, so be prepared with proper clothing, sturdy shoes or boots (boots recommended), food and extra water.听 Remember: weather conditions can change quickly in the alpine.听 Sunscreen and bug repellant are also handy.
Like Mt. Seymour, this is a popular snowshoeing trek from November to May, and in many ways听 is even more enjoyable in winter/spring.听 (Hint: less bugs)
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Bring the map provided with this article (also available online and using the Layar app).听 A new 鈥渙fficial鈥� Cypress area hiking map will be available starting August 10th, and is long overdue for such a popular hiking area.听 But my rule of thumb when doing this hike is always: 鈥淲hen in doubt, follow the Baden Powell trail markers.鈥�
You鈥檒l need a vehicle, as there is no transit up Cypress Bowl Road.听 Park as close to the ski resort buildings as you can.听 The actual trailhead is well marked on the north side of the base of the Black Mountain (Eagle) ski lift.听
The Baden Powell trail quickly turns left and heads up switchbacks parallel to the ski run.听 While you鈥檙e sweating up a storm (and drinking plenty of water), remind yourself how great I鈥檝e told you it is at the top.听 Eventually the trail levels out as you pass a junction and stay right until you reach tranquil Cabin Lake.听 Some people bring a swimsuit along for a quick dip to cool off. 听听
Black Mountain actually has two peaks鈥攕outh and north鈥攅ach accessible via short but steep hikes and each with a much different view.听 The north peak has a perfect look at The Lions, while the south peak overlooks the Cypress Bowl to Mt. Strachan and Hollyburn Peak to the east, along with Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast to the west.听 But better views are still to come!
Heading south, the descent from the peak quickly re-enters the dense forest and the trail (with occasional boardwalks through muddier, marshy sections) offers glimpses of small alpine lakes before re-joining the Baden Powell Trail at the tip of Owen Lake.听 Turn right at the junction and follow the BP trail markers as they hug the lake鈥檚 edge.听 A few minutes later, you pass through the Cougar Lakes.
From here, it鈥檚 鈥渇ollow the BP markers鈥� over the rolling forest plateau as the anticipation builds for the final destination.听 There鈥檚 a tiny opening in the trees which gives a hint of the views, then you suddenly burst out into the open air of the bluffs.听
I dare you to not be spellbound by the vista below.听 From west to east, Mt. Baker, Metro Vancouver, Point Roberts, Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island, 麻豆传媒映画Island, the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound spread out as you enjoy lunch on your rocky perch. 听Keep your eyes peeled for aggressive ravens and grey jays trying to steal your food!
For the reluctant return trip, stay on the Baden Powell all the way, visiting Theagill and Sam Lakes, then skirting around the south peak.听 Turn right at the junction with the trail to the knee-knackering switchbacks down to the parking lot.
Yet another satisfying part of this hike is looking back when it鈥檚 long over.听 When you return to Vancouver, take a look at the western end of the North Shore Mountains.听 See that extremely steep slope reaching the point where it joins a plateau?听 That鈥檚 where you had your lunch!
