Black Mountain Cabin Lake Loop

The hike to Black Mountain and Cabin Lake from the Cypress Mountain Ski Resort area in West Vancouver is a relatively short, steep hike with scenic views of the area, including a view of the Lions in the distance from the Yew Lake Lookout. Cabin Lake is calm and a popular place to take a swim in during the hot summer days.

The trail to Black Mountain follows the Baden Powell Trail and is located in Cypress Provinial Park. The route begins beyond the Black Mountain Lodge, to the left of the wooden map board. Walk towards the Eagle Express chairlift and follow a trail just to the right of the chair lift. The trail will enter the forest and reach a junction where you continue to the left. Shortly after, there will be a second junction next to a small bridge over Cypress Creek, go left (do not cross the bridge) and this is when the uphill section begins.

The trail is well defined and easy to follow as the Baden Powell is marked with unique markers on the trees with the letters "BP". Continue to follow the trail, vocationally glancing back to see some of the views across the bowl.

The trail passes through a series of switchbacks, then climbs up some rocky steps next to a ski run, before passing a small pond and contuing. The trail eventually reaches a junction with a wooden sign. Go right and walk a short distance, continuing along the wooden boardwalks and to the right where Cabin Lake is located. The beautiful lake is calm as the surrounding scenery and sunlight reflect off of it.

Before leaving the Cabin Lake area, it's worth hiking up to the Yew Lake Lookout as it has the best view in the area. The Yew Lake Lookout, also known as the north peak of Black Mountain, follows a trail located about 10 metres back along the wooden boardwalks in the direction you walked from. There is a wooden sign post at the start of the Yew Lake Lookout trail and the trail heads uphill into the trees quickly as you make your way up over the loose rocks. It's a short hike as you arrive at the ridge with scenic views of the Lions in the distance between the trees. Walk to the other side for glimpses of views towards the city.

Return to the trail near Cabin Lake and, this time, leave the lake by walking along the wooden boardwalk in the direction you haven't been, heading towards Black Mountain (the South Peak). Continue to follow the Baden Powell Trail and within about 10-minutes, you arrive at the south peak of Black Mountain.

Continue your hike as the trail descends, passing Owen Lake and arriving at a junction. The longer hike to Eagle Bluffs goes to the right, however to complete the loop and head back to the Cypress Mountain parking area, go left.

Follow the trail as it passes Sam Lake and Theagill Lake. Just after these lakes, go left at a junction and continue towards cabin lake where a short distance later, you reach the junction where you passed earlier. Go right at the junction and begin hiking down the hill along the same route you hiked up earlier, carefully watching your step on some of the loose rock and steep sections. Stay to the right at the junctions near Yew Lake as you return to the chairlift and the Black Mountain Lodge.