Westwood Ridge

Step out of the forest and onto a rocky hilltop, and look out across the city and far beyond, across the ocean to Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.

The ridges are a long hump of rock at the foot of Mount Benson, just above Westwood Lake. You can park near either end of the ridges, climb to the nearest viewpoint, and be back within 100 minutes. Or, you can take a few hours and do the entire length of this trail system. Some people park one car at Westwood Lake and another at Morrell Sanctuary.

For a good look at where Westwood Ridge is, as well as the location of the two primary trailheads (and where to park), you should:
view Westwood Ridge
on Google Earth (kmz file)

Night Hiking

Westwood Ridge is just as pretty in the dark. Most of the trail is not treacherous, so anyone with a headlamp or a full moon is encouraged to try the night-hike version of Westwood Ridge. It is breathtaking to clamber up the last few strides to the summit and look back at the city lights. It is so quiet up there.

Visit our forums for more photos of Westwood Ridge

The Cesspool

There is a curious "puddle" atop one of the rocky hills of the ridges. This pool is about as wide as a small hot tub, but its depth is at least 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) ! There are always a few long logs sticking out of the pool, having been placed there by hikers who tried in vain to gauge its depth (I have never felt the bottom, myself).

There's a bit more information on our forums about "the Cesspool". If you have any stories, information, or photos, please post in the forum or contact us!

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