Matheson Lake

3.4 km loop.

Terrain: Moderately smooth

Matheson Lake Trailhead: (26 km from Saanich Hall). Take highway #1 west from Victoria, take the Colwood exit (#10) and follow Sooke Road to Metchosin Road. Follow this to Happy Valley Road. A short drive on Happy Valley will bring you to Rocky Point Road, turn left and follow this to Matheson Lake Road. The parking area is at the end of Matheson Lake Road.

Facilities available at the trailhead include:

Emergency phone
Toilets and/or outhouses

As of January 30, 2000 the emergency phone was out of order.

Uses

Dayhike

1 boot (easy).

1 hour round trip.

Suitable all year.

Description

This trail forms a loop around Matheson Lake. It can be accessed from the parking lot in Matheson Lake Park or from the Galloping Goose regional trail. For a longer route see the Matheson Lake/Roche Cove trail.

Dogs are allowed on the trail but are not to be taken to the beach areas during the summer.

Features

This trail features forests, lakes and swimming.

History

The Gillispie Island in the center of Matheson Lake is named after Ian Gillispie, a Metchosin man who was killed on December 22, 1943 in a WWII airforce mission off the coast of Norway. The lake and island were the boyhood haunt of Ian and his family.

Trail-conditions

View trail condition reports for this trail.