Hidden Grove

Hidden Grove is a beautiful forested area with a network of hiking trails that pass by several enormous Douglas Fir trees. Located just north of Sechelt, the many different paths offer a unique opportunity to plan your route through a lush west coast forest, on routes that are well maintained.

There are many trails throughout the park and the areas is extremely well marked, with maps at all junctions and coloured markers marking the corresponding coloured trails on all maps. The route described here begins from the parking lot area and then follows a route that passes by all of the large trees on the east side of Inlet Road. The route also follows the yellow trail to the top of the park's highpoint. While the trail description seems a bit confusing with the mention of the different trail colours, it's quite easy to follow and the maps at all junctions in the park really help.

From the map kiosk next to the parking lot area, follow the blue trail to the left (the blue trail also goes to the right but take the one to the left) Within seconds, you pass the olive green trail but continue along the blue trail. At a junction with the green trail, go left and follow it up the small hill as it passes another junction before veering to the left and up between some rocky areas. As you ascend through the rocky area, look to your right for the first large tree called the Sentinel. The tree is not right next to the trail, so it's easy to miss if you're not looking.

After passing the Sentinel, continue up the trail, staying on the green trail until you reach the junction with the pink trail on the left. Go left and follow the pink trail as it meanders through beautiful forest, covered in moss. Stay on the pink trail by going straight through the 4-way junction. As you approach another 4-way junction, a giant tree sits next to the trail, this tree known as the Lonely Giant.

Go right at the Lonely Giant and then immediately go left so that you're taking the bright green trail to the left. Follow this short section and when the trail begins to descend, looking for the large tree on the left that is unnamed and continue to the trail junctions at the bottom where there is another big tree next to the Ancient Grove.

At this point, you have to decide whether to hike up to the high point on the yellow trail. The yellow trail is fairly steep and the viewpoint is mediocre as the trees are beginning to cover a large portion of what used to be a view. To hike up to the viewpoint, follow the blue trail to the right for a few steps to a junction on the left and then take the yellow trail. Follow the yellow trail as it passes junctions with the red trail, continuing through the forest before it starts to climb steeply. The route ascends over well placed, rocky steps before reaching a junction where you can go to the high point to the right or the better viewpoint to the left. Go left and walk a bit further to a wooden bench perched on a rocky outcrop where there is a view peaking through the trees. After, follow the yellow trail as it descends from the other side, watching your step as you continue downhill. Eventually, the trail rejoins the blue trail.

If you would like to end your hike early, follow the blue trail to the right and it will take you back down to the parking lot area.

To continue to the other big trees, go left on the blue trail and walk a short distance back to where you were earlier when you started the yellow trail. This time, continue past these junctions staying on the blue trail until it meets the red trail. Go right onto the red trail and continue through the forest as you quickly make time before reaching another junction. Make sure to go left at this junction so you stay on the red trail.

This stretch of the red trail is fairly long but the forest is beautiful as you pass through an area of the park known as Maple Grove. When the trail eventually reaches a junction, go left onto the dark green trail and follow this, passing straight through a 4-way junction and continuing on the dark green route. The trail continues to meander until it reaches another big tree on the left known as the Twister.

After enjoying this tree, walk a bit further and go left at the junction, continuing on the dark green trail. When you reach yet another junction, go left onto the red trail and just a few steps further, you reach the final big tree in this section of the park known as the Leaning Giant.

Begin the route back to the parking lot by following the red trail and staying on the red trail as you pass a junction with the light blue trail. At another junction with a connector trail, go left and continue on the red trail, again passing the light blue trail. The red trail continues as you gradually gain elevation through this section before, eventually reaching a junction with the olive green trail. Go right onto the olive green trail and continue gradually gaining elevation as you pass the hill to the left.

The olive green trail continues and begins to descend to where it meets the blue trail. Go straight at the blue trail, downhill, and within a few minutes, you return to the parking lot area.