The Morrell Trailhead
A Hiker's Gateway to Mount Benson
I'm writing this page to direct hikers to the south trailhead of the Westwood Ridges trail network, which also connects to the rest of Mount Benson and the backcountry. (Other trailheads are at Westwood Lake and Witchcraft Lake on Kilpatrick Rd. off Jinglepot Rd.)
To get to the trailhead, find your way to Morrell Sanctuary in Nanaimo - see the map below:
Once you've entered the park, watch for a major fork in the road just beyond the parking lot. Stay to the left, and after ten minutes you'll pass a gate and come out under the power lines. Cross the power lines, staying slightly to the left, and you'll see a trail going into the forest on the other side of the clearing. This is the trailhead!
Wondering what to do at this trailhead? The route is pretty obvious if you're just trying to get up Westwood Ridge. And if you want to climb Roberts Roost or Mt Benson from here, you should consult one of the relevant discussions in our Nanaimo Outdoors Forum:
- Getting up Mount Benson
- A Mt Benson Side-Quest - Includes topo maps!
- Roberts Roost - Getting up Roberts Roost