Vancouver Trails Guide June - West Lion Summit
Binkert Trail & West Lion Summit - Vancouver Guide June
The view from the top of the West Lion is spectacular. Howe Sound stretches out into the blue distance. A tough but wonderful hike in easy conditions. In wet, cold, or snowy weather, a summit attempt is very treacherous. Not only is cold, snowy, icy or wet weather a consideration due to the slippery footing and hand holds, but also cloudy and foggy weather. Fog can reduce visibility enough to make finding your way, and more importantly, finding your return The first half of the Lions Binkert Trail is very easy as you follow a disused, though beautifully overgrown logging road gently uphill. After the first 30 minutes of hiking you come to a Y junction, take the path on the right and continue as the path eventually narrows and beautiful views of Howe Sound become visible. You will pass two waterfalls, then come to a sign (The Lions>>) that blocks the old, very overgrown logging road and points to a narrow path to the right. You will cross Harvey Creek over a nice little bridge with wonderful views, then the first significant uphill hiking starts. From this point on the trail is very well marked with flagging tape, tree markers and paint indicators on the rock faces. There are two plateaus before the final, very difficult ascent to the summit of the West Lion. Both plateaus have incredible views and most make the second plateau their final destination. It is at the base of the West Lion. There are not really any suitable or marked places to put up a tent, but if you had to choose, somewhere in the vicinity of these two plateaus would be the place to do it.
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