Checking out the view from Little Mountain near Parksville

By Keith and Heather Nicol
   Although this blog usually highlights what to see and do in the Comox Valley we also like to point out other places to check out nearby. A friend told us about this one and since we had to drop our son off at the Departure Bay Ferry in Nanaimo on Sunday, August 30 we decided this was a good time to investigate this lookout.

Heather looking toward Mt Arrowsmith

  Usually you need to hike to get nice vistas but in this case you can drive to the top of the mountain. Mind you this mountain is pretty small hence the name Little Mountain but it does provide very nice views and would be a great spot for getting sunset pictures. Although there is a hiking trail to the top we opted to drive up the steep road. Here are the driving directions: Take exit 51 off of Highway 19.  Go towards Coombs/Errington, and turn left on Bellevue and then take the 2nd road on the left which is Little Mountain Rd. The road is very steep in places and quite narrow – I wouldn’t suggest it when the pavement might be icy. There is parking for 6-8 cars at the top and there are several communications towers nearby.
   

The conglomerate bluffs provide some fine views

After you park you can hop over the concrete barrier or walk down to a trail that leads out through the open arbutus forest to the viewpoint. There is a long ridge with a steep drop so you can walk along the summit trails and to get photos from various vantage points. Just use extreme care along the edge of the escarpment. While we were there we saw a family that was going rock climbing and another couple that got their lawn chairs and lunch and were there to simply to enjoy the view. Check it when you are traveling through this area since it is just off Highway 19.

Heather near one of the many arbutus trees in the area