Not to be confused with Bald Mountain by Cowichan Lake, this rounded series of exposed bluffs above Shawnigan Lake has splendid views in nearly all directions.
LOCATION
From the centre of Mill Bay on Highway 1, turn onto Shawnigan Lake/Mill Bay Road and drive for 3.5 km. Take a left turn onto Sylvester Road and drive for 1.3 km. Turn right onto Baldy Mountain Road and, after 850 m, turn onto Hawking Road and drive 2.2 km, until you see a gravel road on your left with a yellow gate (about 100 m after a house numbered 1754).
DISTANCE
2.2 km
ELEVATION GAIN
220 m (458-m summit elevation)
DIFFICULTY
The gravel approach road to the first excellent viewpoint is easy. The route to the summit does require a little scrambling (and a little use of hands) over rocky bluffs, but on a clearly marked trail and with no precipitous drops. Since there are some fairly steep cliffs off the trail, children’s enthusiasm for romping off trail should be constrained.
SEASON
All season, but choose a clear day for the best view. Remember that in winter there may be a little snow at the top even if there is none at the base.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Looking north along Shawnigan Lake; Salt Spring Island and the Saanich Peninsula from the summit; berry-covered arbutus frame a late-summer view of the south end of the lake.
OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR CHILDREN
The second half of the trail, with its airy feeling, rocky bits of scrambling and accessible summit, should create a sense of real adventure for most children. This is not a sedate stroll with The Parents. The bluffs also make an ideal picnic spot.
1.Pass by the yellow gate and immediately begin a gradual ascent up a gravel service road. The road makes three long switchbacks through small, scrubby growth until you see, looming ahead, a very functional-looking cluster of aerials, towers and a metal hut.
2.Stop at this spot to wander a little. If you can ignore the unlovely bits of communication technology, you can get some surprisingly lovely views over the north end of Shawnigan Lake and the low mountains beyond.
3.Though the trail on from here is well-worn, the trailhead can be a little hard to spot. Turn back to a faded-green utility pole and notice the rocky track slightly obscured by some low scrub. This first part of the trail takes you within a few easy minutes to an open area of smooth, rounded rock surrounded by arbutus. The view to the south end of the lake and beyond is the stuff of calendar photos!
4.Ignore a path to your right. This steep path is an alternate way up the mountain to reach this point. Although coming this way does allow you to avoid walking up the service road, it is too difficult to be considered a family walk, unless your last name is Hillary. Your own adventure lies ahead. Though safe enough, the trail climbs over several steep sections of exposed rock. Spot a few manzanita bushes, looking for all the world like miniature arbutus.
5.Just before the summit the trail levels out onto another open, airy view area, giving you probably the best views of the south end of the lake. Turning towards the very rounded summit, you see a rough bit of service road. While this leads up to the summit by going left, the trail leading straight across it takes you quickly to your goal.
6.While the summit area has been chewed up to provide a level area of broken rock, if you wander its perimeter you can treat yourself to some great views in all directions – even over Salt Spring Island and the Saanich Peninsula.
7.After exchanging congratulations and eating your well-deserved cookies, return the way you came.
