The lookout is probably Port Alberni’s most famous hike in our beautiful Alberni Valley. Located behind Coombs Country Candy, the lookout’s trailhead meets up with the Log Train Trail, which is a perfect location to stop and enjoy locally made fudge, frozen yogurt and other treats as a nice reward after the hike. The trail is 3.5km long and depending on how leisurely you hike, the lookout tends to take an average of an hour to an hour and a half to complete. Hikers would consider this moderate difficulty, with several of areas being a steady climb.
Along the way you will see various ferns, wildflowers, mushrooms as you hike through mossy forest. The trail mirrors a logging road, so it is very easy to follow from start to finish. Once at the top, you are able to see panoramic views of our Alberni Valley including the inlet, Sproat Lake, surrounding mountains and many locals can even spot their house from the top!
The lookout not only attracts hikers by foot, it is a very popular ATV and motorized vehicle trail. As you near the top, there are plenty of man-made mountain bike jumps by local adrenaline seekers. It’s not uncommon to reach the top only to find other outdoor enthusiasts taking in the breathtaking views and cleansing fresh air. A fun addition to hiking the lookout trail is to Geocache along the way! There are a ton of geocaches to be found along the trail leading up to the top. If you are planning on geocaching your way up the mountain, be sure to bring your own treasures to leave and a pen!
Local hiker and outdoorswoman Tamiko Corlazzoli loves the lookout hike so much she did it 33 days in a row! Here’s what she had to say about it, “We are so lucky to have such amazing mountains and forest area surrounding the Alberni Valley, the lookout only being a small part of it. I have done the lookout hike 4-5 times a week if not more for the past 2 years because the feeling when I reach the top is just too good.. even if the views may be a blanket of fog. I often get asked if I get bored of the hike but no I do not because it truly is different every time, especially as seasons are changing! I also get asked if it gets easier each time and to be honest, no it doesn’t.. you just get stronger physically and more than anything, stronger mentally to push yourself even more next time!”
Accessible by foot, ATV, truck and mountain bike, the lookout gives everyone the same charming views as you go up and of course once you’ve reached the top. If you are looking for a great viewpoint of our beautiful Valley, the lookout trail is a must-do.
Photo Credit Tamiko Corlazzoli