Carlson Lake
Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada

Sunshine Coast parks, trails

Carlson Lake is mostly a mountain biking trail located north of Sechelt, BC on the Sechelt Peninsula on the Sunshine Coast nearest the community of Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia, Canada. The biking route is considered difficult because of the hills, the many washed out roads and the overgrown paths. But once you reach your destination at Carlson Lake there is some beautiful views of the Sechelt Inlet and of the lake itself.

The advanced mountain biking loop trail stretches for 22 km ( 13.6 mi.) and should take an experienced biker approximately 2-3 hours to complete. The biking trails are identified with white Mountain Biking signs or by florescent-orange paint markings.

Points of Interest:

The Carlson Lake biking route follows along old logging roads through most of the trip. There are two main trailhead entrances on which both are located along the Halfmoon Bay Forest Service main branch road. Biking starts on the main branch road for about 6 km ( 3.7 mi.) until you reach the junction. At the junction turn right and bike for 2 km (1.2 mi.) until you have reached the power lines. Continue 600 m ( 1980 ft.) past the lines and down a steep grade hill then turn right. Follow a skid trail for 200m (656 ft.) and turn left at the logging road. 7 km ( 4.3 mi.) from the power lines is a lake on the left side. Cross the worn bridge and continue downhill for 3 km ( 1.8 mi.) to the parking lot.

Access to Carlson Lake: Follow Highway 101 13 km ( 8.0 mi.) north of Sechelt and turn right on to Trout Lake Road. Trout Lake Road turns into Halfmoon Bay Forest Service Rd. Proceed up the main logging road for 6 km ( 3.7 mi.) - first access point - or 12 km (7.4 mi.) - second access point with a good 4X4 vehicle. You may unload and start biking from either starting point since the route follows the Halfmoon Bay Forest Service Rd for this 7 km ( 4.3 mi.) section.