Middlepoint FSR - Copperhead - McNeil Lake FSR - Old Pole Road

Middlepoint FSR – Copperhead – McNeil Lake FSR – Old Pole Road is a laid-back forest loop in the Pender Harbour area, north of Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast. At 9.7 km with only about 119 m of gain and a high point around 194 m, it’s an easy route that most people finish in just over two hours, making it a solid choice for a relaxed half-day wander.

The loop strings together old forest service roads and singletrack, so the walking is mostly smooth and non-technical. You’ll move through classic coastal forest with plenty of shade, creek crossings like Silversands Creek, and the quieter stretches along McNeil Lake FSR give you a more open feel and glimpses of the lake and surrounding hills.

On the Middlepoint FSR – Copperhead – McNeil Lake FSR – Old Pole Road loop, expect a bit of a maze: there are lots of side trails and old spurs peeling off, so keep an eye on your GPS app and trail signs, especially if you’re new to Pender Harbour’s backroads. In season, there are loads of huckleberries along the way, so plan extra time if you like to forage. The low elevation means this route is usually snow-free and hikeable most of the year, but it can get muddy and slick after rain, so wear decent footwear and be ready for puddles and some greasy sections on the roads.