Trails

Cougar Mountain Ancient Cedars

Difficulty Level: Physically moderate/ Technically moderate.

Season: Mid-May through October.

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Synopsis: After riding up a 6 km logging road, this trail takes the rider down a smooth singletrack that follows a loop through one of the most spectacular groves of old-growth cedar still standing in the Whistler area. Estimated to be in excess of 800 years in age, these massive trees never cease to amaze. A short distance from the cedars lies the Showh Lakes, two excellent fishing spots. The route is well marked with Forest Service signs.

Note: Even in the heat of summer, the moist conditions around the cedars provide an ideal nursery for mosquitoes. If you plan on spending some time with the trees, bug repellent is recommended.

Trailhead Access: Ride north on Highway 99 for about 6 km, past Green Lake and the Emerald Estates subdivision. Just past Emerald Estates, look for a gravel logging road on the left, marked with a small Forest Service sign reading, "Cougar Mt., Showh Lakes". If you reach the municipal heliport, you have gone too far.

The Ride: After turning left off of the highway, begin the climb straight up the road. As you ride you will pass an intersection, with the base of Whistler Snowmobiles on the right. Continue straight on as the valley narrows and the main road runs beside Sixteen Mile Creek. This road has an easy, constant grade until it crosses the creek and starts to climb steeply up the north side of the valley. At the next fork take the right branch and continue climbing, around the switchback and up to the next fork, where you again take the right branch (the left branch heads to Showh Lakes, just a few hundred meters away). Both of these forks should be marked with Forest Service signs. The final section of road leading to the Cedars gradually degenerates as it climbs, ending with a steep, very loose climb to the single-track. Though short, this little piece of singletrack is a lot of fun, and before you know it you will find yourself in a cool, moist microclimate surrounded by mammoth cedar trees.

The conditions that allow these trees to exist are very sensitive to changes, such as erosion and soil compaction, so it is very important to limit your riding to the established trail. Try to avoid the urge to walk right up to their bases, for cedar's roots systems are very shallow and easily damaged. It would be sadly ironic if these incredible giants where killed by their admirers.

This is an 'out and back' ride; after taking in the cedars' beauty, retrace your ride back to the highway. Riders also have the option of continuing on the Soo Valley loop.