The aptly named Little Mountain provides visitors with sweeping views and is a much-loved Parksville lookout. Although you can easily drive to the top, there is also a heart-pumping hike that is highly recommended.
Quick Facts
- Trail Features: Incredible views; cool rock formations
- Length: This out-and-back trail is approximately 2.1 km to the top (4.2 km total)
- Elevation Gain: 120 meters
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate; the last short section is very steep
- Hazards: No barriers at the top lookout
- Suitability: Due to the abovementioned hazards, please be extremely mindful when at the top with children and dogs.
- Bike Trails: Yes
Little Mountain – The Drive
If you are short on time or don't feel like a hike but still want a great place to explore, hop in your car! As mentioned, you can drive right to the top of Little Mountain. You get to experience this same stunning view (above) with little effort.
The only difficult part may be parking your vehicle. There are very limited spaces available at the top, and once you get there, it's also quite difficult to turn back around (if no spaces are available).
If driving is your plan, here are the directions to get to the top of Little Mountain.
Driving Directions to Little Mountain
- From Hwy 19, take the second Parksville exit (Exit 51) and turn left onto the Alberni Hwy (as if you were going to Errington/Coombs).
- Turn left onto Bellevue Road
- Take another left onto Little Mountain Road
- Drive the winding road to the top and park
- You'll find the view spot directly behind your parked vehicle (take a short stroll towards the clearing)
Little Mountain Hike
The top lookout offers sweeping views of treetops and Mount Arrowsmith. While spectacular on its own, the hike provides even better views.
You drive up the backside of the mountain but hike up the front. This means that while hiking, you have both forest and ocean views. I believe we spotted Notch Hill (in Nanoose) from one of the lookouts and also had a beautiful, unobstructed view of the ocean in another location.
The trail creators have quite a sense of humour, for several signs at various points highlight certain features. Watch for them, and you will see what I mean.
Yes, the views are spectacular, but my favourite part of the hike is the area called ‘Boulder City' – which was apparently established on January 26, 1700 – (a bit of the humour I was talking about).
Length and Difficulty of Trail
The hike to the very top, where you'd park your vehicle if you were to drive, is approximately 2.1 km.
You start out at a gentle incline with the usual roots and rocks to manoeuvre around. And then, after the first couple of lookouts, you gain quite a bit of elevation to get to the top. This last section can also be rather confusing, for there are many trails to choose from to get to the final destination.
Many people like using the Alltrails map to guide them; however, we found that it only leads you to the first lookout (the ocean view). If you want the full experience, you need to keep climbing.
We passed a few people using a variety of trails near the top and ended up at the same final destination. So don't be afraid to pick a trail and stick with it. If in doubt, head up!
Once you reach the very top, have a meander around. The trails leading down the mountain's right side don't go anywhere. (We tried to see if we could get back down that way but couldn't find a way to do so). So, when you have finished taking in the view, you will follow the same trails and head back down the way you came up.
Directions to Trail
Follow the same driving directions above; however, instead of turning left on Little Mountain, stay on Bellevue Road and follow it to the very end.
The trail starts at the corner of Bellevue Road and Matterson. And there are a few parking spots on this same corner.
Head into the trees where the hiking sign is located and follow the trail. In a short distance, you will see another sign on your left-hand side, indicating “Little Mountain Loop – Lower Start.” Follow this sign and stay on this main trail.
If you want step-by-step directions, I suggest following the Alltrails map to the first ocean-view lookout. As mentioned, you are kind of on your own to get to the very top. But do, for the reward is worth it!
The hike can be enjoyed any time of year, but the trails can get quite muddy in the winter. As the top portion of the trail is quite steep, you also wouldn't want to go during any sort of frost, and especially not when it's snowing.
Things to Note:
The lookout is wide open, meaning there is no fence or barrier between you and the drop-off. And it's quite the drop-off. My legs start wobbling, even getting near the edge. So, please be mindful if you plan on bringing little ones or even your dogs.
You can also hike up the road to the top (although, in my opinion, it is definitely not as enjoyable as the trail). Please be mindful of vehicles, for the road has many blind curves.
Whether you drive or hike to the top of Little Mountain, I highly recommend bringing a picnic and taking in the view. The area is also great for birding. Hawks are frequently seen soaring in the open sky close to the mountain.
I've also heard it's a glorious spot to watch the sunrise. I haven't done this yet, but I imagine it would be. If you try it, please let me know!
Other Great Parks to Explore
Parksville has many amazing green spaces to explore. My favourites are all mentioned in this article.
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Do you realize the significance of that date in the year 1700?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1700_Cascadia_earthquake
I do now! Thank you!
Excellent description. Wish we were out of COVID bubble and could drive on up to Parksville and hike up Little Mountain. All the years that we lived in the area, we drove up to the top many times, but never hiked your trail.
Thank you, Carolyn! Yes, hopefully, we will be able to travel outside our own town soon.