The best walks and hikes in Inland Lake Provincial Park

The very start of this trail seems innocent enough, heading into the woods on a dirt footpath — but it gets serious quickly. Although the trail isn't technical, it's steep enough that most people will be happy to have the occasional rope or handrail for support.

It's a short, steep haul to the plentiful viewpoints atop Valentine Mountain. Here, you'll have unparalleled views looking out over Powell River and the Salish Sea.

The uniquely named Tin Hat Mountain gets its name from the protective hats worn by early loggers who worked on its slopes. Today it's mostly known for its panoramic views and as the midway point of the Sunshine Coast Trail. The mountain also features a first come, first served wilderness hut for hikers.

Tin Hat Hut sits at the halfway point of the Sunshine Coast Trail on the summit of Tin Hat Mountain, with 360-degree views of Powell Lake, the Coast Mountain range, the Strait of Georgia, and Vancouver Island to the west. The hut, built by volunteers in 2011, sleeps 10 and includes a pellet stove, an outhouse, picnic tables, and a fire pit. It’s free to stay on a first-come, first-served basis with no permits required, making it a great overnight destination whether you are doing a day hike or a longer section of the trail.

This is the former site of the old Fiddlehead Farm, a remote rainforest retreat that people from around the world once visited before it was logged and demolished in 2002. The meadow and a still-functioning orchard are all that remain of this once-thriving community, and in the fall, you may even find some tasty apples on the trees if you beat the local bears to them. It’s a great place to take a break, walk through the meadow, and enjoy the surroundings before continuing on the trail.

The Appleton Creek Recreation Site is home to hiking trails, backcountry huts, a well-known swimming hole, picnic tables, and access to multiple waterfalls nearby. The forest is comprised of towering trees, giving cool shade, and the sound of water from the creeks and rivers.

This is the junction where the Sunshine Coast Trail splits off to a spur trail where, 518 meters away, sits the Appleton Creek Campsite. The campsite is simple and surrounded with old-growth Douglas firs, offering a handful of tenting spots, a picnic table, and a pit toilet.

Rieveley Pond Hut is tucked on the southern edge of Rieveley Pond. The hut can fit about 10 people inside, and it has a fire pit, picnic table, and outhouse close by. In summer frogs are heard croaking during the evening, and it's a peaceful spot to spend the night.