For an aerial view of the Creston Valley, cultivated fields and a vast marshland. A great shoulder season training hike, and in spring, a great wildflower display. The trail stops less than half way up the mountain. Mosquitos between May and August. Hot before 3pm.
The trail is accessed via the Balancing Rock Trail.
Location: This mountain forms the west mountain boundary of the Creston valley.
Difficulty: C2
Distance: 4.5km one-way 1.8km to Balancing Rock
Elevation gain: 680m (2230′)
Key elevations: +222m to Balancing Rock
Time: 4 hours
Season: March through November, a good shoulder season hike.
Access: Excellent. 2 WD on pavement. Moderate sized parking area on west side of West Creston Road.
Map: Creston 82F/2
Drive: Drive west from Creston on Highway 3. Turn left on West Creston Rd signed the Creston Valley Wildlife Area. Ample parking 150m south of the highway.
Trail:
• Trailhead. On West Creston Road, 150m south of from Highway 3.
• Transit the slope towards the highway, then switchback to a power line and continuing below the line.
• 1.3km. Balancing Rock. A large erratic boulder perched oddly on the bedrock.
• The trail ascends to the top of the hill, then descends through a denser forest to a swampy boardwalk section where it splits in two directions.
• Heading down and right, the trail descends on the Fern Forest Trail toward Summit Creek and Highway 3 – 1.8km and 180m elevation loss.
• Heading up and left, the trail continues up Creston Mountain. At an outcrop 841m (2760’) get more valley views.
• After an hour, reach a junction, Right goes 100m to a waterfall. Left is the main trail but is more overgrown due to lack of use. Trails end is at 1190m (3900’) at a rock outcrop. 1½ hours.