West Lion (5408') is a popular but fairly stiff climb near Vancouver. We have a couple of Variations so far. The track on our map shows the NE Buttress and "Tourist" routes (Nick Elson's track).
Dave Merrick posted the Variation beginning and ending at Lions Gate Bridge:
Completed my goal for the summer on the last possible day Sept 21, 2014. Lion's Gate bridge to West Lion to Lion's Gate bridge. This is near Vancouver, British Columbia.
Start at the base of the lions gate bridge (sea level) at SE corner of Park Royal Shopping Center next to the Capilano river, there is a trail head which leads up the west side of capilano canyon to the baden powell trail near the dam. Take the baden powell to cypress bowl ski area, then on to the howe sound crest trail to the base of the west lion (base @ 5200ft). Return via same route.
Basically a really great 30k trail run (ocean to cypress bowl) with a 20k hike in the middle of it! Amazing views.
Nick Elson posted the Northeast Buttress Variation:
The Northeast Buttress is most attractive feature on the peak and was first ascended by Basil Darling in 1913. The climbing is mostly on solid rock although there is a substantial amount of vegetation as well.
I gained the buttress by traversing from the Binkert Trail through the notch in the West Ridge and under the North Face. I started climbing just left of the buttress toe. I descended the "Tourist Route" and Binkert Trail back to the car.
