Distance: 19 km
Elevation Gain: 1,605 m
Difficulty Level: Hard
The trailhead for Oban Peak and Deeks Peak is at the same parking lot as the Deeks Lake–Hanover Lake–Brunswick Lake trail. In fact, the route to Deeks Lake is shared by both hikes before they split.
You can complete the loop in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. One advantage of hiking it counter-clockwise is that you’ll be facing Howe Sound while descending from the peaks, giving you better views for much of the descent.
Although the trail is generally easy to follow, there are several junctions where multiple trails intersect, especially around Deeks Lake. It’s a good idea to download an offline map before your hike. Cell service is unreliable in the area, so having an offline map can help you stay on the correct route and avoid unnecessary detours. Trail markers are sparse at some sections.
The trail doesn’t have many technical sections. The trickiest part is about 500 metres before reaching Deeks Peak, where you’ll need to scramble over a couple of short rock sections. Each scramble is only a few metres long and is manageable for most hikers. Other than that, the route mainly consists of steep hiking.
There are abundant water sources along the trail, so it’s easy to refill your water if you bring a water filter or purification method.
The trail is shaded for most of the hike. You’ll be exposed to the sun on both summits and along the ridge between Oban Peak and Deeks Peak, so bring sun protection on warm, sunny days.
From the summits, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Howe Sound and many of the North Shore Mountains, including Brunswick Mountain and Hanover Mountain. On a clear day, the scenery makes the effort well worth it.
If you hike the loop counter-clockwise, be aware that the descent from the peaks can be quite steep and slippery, especially if the trail is wet or covered with loose dirt. Trekking poles are highly recommended, as they provide extra stability and reduce strain on your knees during the long descent.
