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Handlogger's Summit Loop

Sunshine Coast

Old Growth climb, with excellent running options on the return

Trail Running Difficult

Distance
11 km
Ascent
774 m
Descent
772 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
37 m
High Point
717 m
Gradient
14˚
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Handlogger's Summit Loop Map

The Handlogger's Loop follows the SW Ridge Trail up the South Summit, then descends a steep switchback to the old handlogger's road. It is an excellent hike or run in all conditions. The beautiful old growth forest higher up makes for a much prettier approach than the standard route up from Snug Cove.

Moss
Moss Photo: Tam McTavish
Misty woods. Clouds tend to cling to Mt Gardener, even on clear days. But this tends to enhance the old growth forest, and shouldn't be a deterrent to this route.
Misty woods. Clouds tend to cling to Mt Gardener, even on clear days. But this tends to enhance the old growth forest, and shouldn't be a deterrent to this route.
Running down towars the Handloggers trail.
Running down towars the Handloggers trail.
Steeper rocky trail section
Steeper rocky trail section
Moss forest
Moss forest
Moody fern forests
Moody fern forests Photo: Tam McTavish
The summit plateau winds through large outcroppings.
The summit plateau winds through large outcroppings.
The view coming down the main trail.
The view coming down the main trail. Photo: Tam McTavish
South Summit
South Summit Photo: Tam McTavish
The South Summit isn't especially interesting, and there is little to no views even on a clear day.
The South Summit isn't especially interesting, and there is little to no views even on a clear day. Photo: Tam McTavish
Handlogger's Trail steeper section.
Handlogger's Trail steeper section.
The Handloggers trail is narrow in places, making for exciting walking/running
The Handloggers trail is narrow in places, making for exciting walking/running Photo: Tam McTavish
Handloggers Junction.
Handloggers Junction. Photo: Tam McTavish
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Description

The route begins near Evergreen park. There are a variety of start points, and all converge onto the SW Ridge and Handlogger's junction.

The trail heading up the ridge winds between granite protrusion, and each turn seems to reveal a totally new coastal environment, from fields of green moss, to sword ferns covering the floor. The immediate sights are so pleasant one doesn't feel the need for vistas. Mist through the trees even improves the atmosphere.

As the trail gets near the summit it does get a bit muddier. The South Summit is underwhelming with no views. The North Summit is a short climb, and a bit more exciting.

From there follow the regular route downwards. There is a great viewpoint shortly before the turn off down to the Handlogger's track (first left hand turn, easy to miss).

The descent to the track is quite steep on soft ground. The track is an old logging road, though it's washed away in many places making for excellent, exposed hiking/running. Follow this gently descending path back to the junction. From there follow the signs to Bowen Bay. If it's warm, the bay has excellent swimming.

The route can be done in reverse, but the descent down the SW Ridge would be a little rockier and less pleasant than climbing.

Difficulty

Difficult

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between March and October

Guidebooks in this area