St Marks Summit

Cypress Mountain

Popular hike with scenic views over Howe Sound

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 17 km
Ascent: 1.1 km
Descent: 1.1 km
Duration: 5-6 hrs

Low Point: 913 m
High Point: 1.3 km
Gradient: 11˚

Most local hiking list include St Marks in their top ten list. At firs this may seem odd as the trail meanders through the woods on park like wide gravel pathways. As you travel you might catch the odd vista through the trees, but it isn't until you reach the end that hikers see the breathtaking and photogenic view at the end. Coupled with an excellent western aspect the sunsets are legendary, just as the SAR call outs for unprepared hikers who get lost in the dark on the return. It's a straightforward hike, but not to be overestimated either.

Getting into the alpine on the trail Photo: Tam McTavish

Looking through the trees to the Sisters (Lions) Photo: Tam McTavish

Description

The hike begin sin the maze of trails at the Cypress Ski resort. Most intersections will have a sign post.

Follow directions for the Howe Sound Crest, or Yew Lake Trail. The Bowen Lookout Trail also works.
The route begins to climb moderately, before levelling out.
At the three way junction head North following markings for the Howe Sound Crest Trail. This traverses the north western flank of Mt Stratchan.
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In winter the northern edge of this section is at risk of avalanches. The open area beneath Christmas Gulley is of particularly high risk. 
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Shortly after passing the meadow and bridge beneath Christmas Gulley the trail continues on the ridge and climbs switchbacks. ( Do not try and go straight uphill. This is a lot less efficient and damages fragile ecosystems)
There is a brief taper and then the route continues onwards sloping uphill.
Just before the summit the trail evens out in a rock garden of sorts. Head westward for the best views. Be careful as cliffs are not marked, and people have fallen off here due to overconfidence.

The Howe Sound Crest trail continues on from here down a steep rockey heavily treed ridge. Without a clear plan it's not recomended to keep going along.

The return route follows the same trail back. At the threeway junction you can opt to take a different route back to the Cypress Parking lot.

As of 2022 there are no camping facilities, but wild camping is allowed. Campfires are not. This is likely to change if people continue to damage bushes putting up tents, have campfires, and leave trash. Be a good steward and politely remind others who may be unaware if you see violations. Visit https://bcparks.ca/cypress-park/ for more info.

This route remain popular in winter, but is much more dangerous. Parking is also more difficult as the resort keeps altering the rules on where to park. The route takes much longer in winter and days are shorter, so bring appropriate Ten Essentials. Also be mindful that the trail is no longer visible. Several people have died following false trails. Be sure to look for orange diamond markers on the trees, and never lose sight of at least one.