D and I really upped our game since Sunday’s meadow hike.
The start of this loop is along the Holland Creek Trail (see earlier post) and veers off into a steep 1.5km steep climb to Heart Lake. This is a good workout! When you start the loop, veer LEFT. It will be much easier on your head and (later) your knees, to climb the steep forest trail to the Lake, rather than starting in the other direction and climbing the looooong logging road. It will make sense when you’re descending.
You’re getting close to the top when you reach the lookout over Ladysmith Harbour. Heart Lake is a cute little lake and it really feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere. We had lunch on the rocks and continued on our way. The trail follows the lake and veers back to the Holland Creek Trail via a logging road. The trail is very well marked.
This trail has it all: forest, creek, waterfalls, lake, vistas, steep climb, bald eagle
D’s rating: “5 stars out of 5”
