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  • Hyperventilation Bench Viewpoint
  • Castle Mountain Hike

The Hyperventilation Viewpoint is a landmark vista point along the way up to Castle Rock.

Ascend up through the forested montane area from Coal Creek to reach a small clearing in the trees that overlooks the Lizard Range and across to the Cedar Valley.

Difficulty Level: Difficult
Elevation Gain: ~365m
Average Time: 5 hours
Length: Approx. 8km return

Don't forget to pick up a Fernie Trail Map before your hike. The viewpoint is marked as a vista point mid-way up Hyperventilation Trail.

Please note: These multi-use trails are also used for mountain biking.

Hike Details

This route begins as a mellow hike that progressively gets steeper. Follow the Montane Blue trail up to connect to Roots. Cross over River Road Extension and continue up Roots until you come to a 3-way junction where you will join with Hyperventilation Trail. Follow Hyperventilation upward for approximately 800m. You will continue to climb up through the forest and via the numerous switchbacks. Soon you will reach the lookout point bench. Take the same trails back to your starting point. Coal Coaks is a great place to cool off after this day hike.

There are no places to refill water on this hike. Be sure to bring enough for the hike.

Trailhead Access

The trail begins at the Montane Barn parking. From downtown, drive past the Fernie Aquatic Centre on Pine Avenue and turn left on Coal Creek Road. Stay on this road for about 600m until you see the first bridge on your right. Park here, cross the bridge and follow the Montane Access Route to your left, to join Lower Uprooted, and New Roots trail.

As with any trip into the backcountry be well prepared for changes in weather. Remember that you are traveling in an area where wildlife is abundant. Be aware of your surrounding, be loud, follow the proper safety protocols and respect the environment.

Current Trail Conditions

Trail conditions reports are powered by the TrailForks app through information contributed by local and visiting hikers. Please feel free to add and update the trail report if you have completed the hike recently.

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