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Southern Vancouver Island, BC
Canada
232 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 6:58 PM
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Recently there have been some posts asking about Strathcona Park trails and routes. It is way too soon to be thinking about going to the Park without skis or snowshoes. Right now avalanche danger is high and the snow is not consolidated enough for walking easily. July and August are the best times to go to the the Park.
This is the time to go to the Beauforts (Joan, Curran, Apps, etc.) or the peaks of eastern central VI (Arrowsmith, Moriarty, McQuillam, etc.) These ranges are lower and melt out sooner than Strathcona.
Descriptions in Phil Stone's "Island Alpine" and Vancouver Island Trails Information Society "Hiking trails 2" and Hiking trail's 3".
On line information available at
http://www.islandhikes.com
and
http://www.summitpost.org set your search for Canada, then Vancouver Island.
Hey, VI hikers, any other suggestions for early season trips? |
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Campbell River, BC
Canada
782 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 7:09 PM
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| There's a lot of local hikes around the area. Even hiking on Quadra Island is worthwhile although it will cost $31 for the round trip. Right now I visit Buttle Lake every week to photograph and hike the trails up to snowline to get in shape for the summer. |
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113 Posts |
Posted - 05/31/2012 : 9:42 PM
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| Mt Benson, Mt Horne, and Mt Wesley are 3 decent hikes in the central island area. And, as mentioned above, Mt. Arrowsmith (which has many different routes), Moriarty, and McQuillam. There is also the newly built Alberni Inlet Trail. |
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Brentwood Bay, BC
229 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2012 : 06:57 AM
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IMO the hiking is better in September and sometimes October in Strathcona... typically less buggy.
Beauforts are still probably under a lot of snow and might stay that way well into summer (that's my guess, I have not been that way since April... just basing it on past years with similar snowpacks/springs).
Other hikes/backpack trip...
Juan de Fuca
Kludack/San Juan Ridge (spelling)
Flores Island
Nootka Island
Hesqualit Peninsula (spelling)
Raft Cove
Cape Scott
Carmanah
WCT (either wait for a spot or day hike it with a pass)
very short hike in camping...
Father and Son Lake (prob still snowy right now)
Labour Day Lake (again some snow maybe)
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Campbell River, BC
Canada
782 Posts |
Posted - 06/01/2012 : 07:45 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Lonny
There is also the newly built Alberni Inlet Trail.
Good to know. Thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by Joker
IMO the hiking is better in September and sometimes October in Strathcona... typically less buggy.
I agree. Fall colors are nice too.
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37 Posts |
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7 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2012 : 08:43 AM
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Osbo's, avalanche danger is not high right now. The island avalanche bulletin is not posting anymore. Right now the danger would be cornice's breaking off and wet slides.
As far as heading into Strathcona park goes; anybody with the know how and proper gear ie (avy beacons, probes, shovels) could make a safe attempt into the park. |
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7 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2012 : 08:47 AM
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Osbo's, avalanche danger is not high right now. The island avalanche bulletin is not posting anymore. Right now the danger would be cornice's breaking off and wet slides.
As far as heading into Strathcona park goes; anybody with the know how and proper gear ie (avy beacons, probes, shovels) could make a safe attempt into the park. Sure there might be some snow, be prepared! Bring your ski's, snowshoes or enjoy the post hole.
I have done a number ascents in both May/June in the park of Mt. Myra and Kings Peak and they were superb trips. A little snow shouldn't ruin a good time out. |
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Qualicum Beach, BC
Canada
1332 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2012 : 5:06 PM
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| I'll add a bit to Richard's observations. You'll find much of the snowpack on the Island to be pretty dense and firm now. If you're in very warm weather and your firm boot pack goes to wet sloppy knee deep, that's a sign of instability and time to retreat to safer slopes. |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
2 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2012 : 5:12 PM
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Hi everyone,
Thanks for your input on Strathcona. Anything recent for Paradise Meadows/Circlet Lk./Mt. Albert Edward area?
There's a group of us who are introducing a group of young teens to some backcountry backpacking and we're hoping that the above area would be appropriate by the end of June.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
rtw1 |
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Brentwood Bay, BC
229 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2012 : 6:47 PM
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Yah i don't know about that...
Mt. Washington is opening up for father's day if that is any indication of the snow pack.
Check the trail reports here for recent conditions from the area... http://www.comoxhiking.com/init/archive/index
I would be thinking you will be dealing with lots of snow and tough route finding. |
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37 Posts |
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Southern Vancouver Island, BC
Canada
232 Posts |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
2 Posts |
Posted - 06/10/2012 : 7:25 PM
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Thanks for the quick responses!
We'll probably give up on Mt. Albert Edward and look at some hiking at lower elevations.
Cheers. |
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Quathiaski Cove, BC
Canada
73 Posts |
Posted - 06/11/2012 : 06:45 AM
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Yea - it's good to be cautious re: avalanche but when I first read this post I thought it was a bit discouraging on early season hiking in the alpine, when spring is really one of the best times of the year. Already this season we've had some great weather and some fantastic trips. Route finding can be easier with full snow cover, there's no bush, the views are spectacular, lakes are a dream to cross instead of thrashing around the side... and there's few bugs... did I mention no bush>>?
Spring thaw is definitely a time to watch the snow conditions but as it progresses the possibility of avalanche steadily diminishes. All it takes is a decent pair of snowshoes (if you're not into the full ski touring scene) a pair of quality ski poles and it opens up a whole world of new possibilities. If you're not up to speed with know-how and gear regarding avalanche safety then stick to the number one rule... Stay out of avalanche terrain: keep to the ridges, look for lines of travel through mature timber and so on... not 100% but a good fundamental for anyone.
As of now (June 11) the snow is consolidating nicely, gets a bit slushy by mid-afternoon but penetration is down to 6-8 inches, snowshoes useful but not necessarily essential. But if you want it, there's still plenty of snow for ski touring in the high country. Best of both world's really. |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
13 Posts |
Posted - 06/20/2012 : 7:09 PM
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i was up arrowsmith a few weeks ago...saddle route...my first peak at 51 years old...although i didn't go further than the ridge :) i don't really know what i'm doing...just goofing around with my dog
the snow was great...sunny day, started at about 10 AM...party ahead of me had cut nice steps into the snow for me...coming down tougher, as the snow had softened a bit with the day's sun
so the snow was fine 3 weeks ago up to about 1550 mtrs...and it started around 1100 mtrs then, so probably not much different now
i'm hooked on this stuff now...mt mcdonald last sunday (small, i know)...although i really shouldn't be doing this solo....a few times up mt work for practice and conditioning...stewart mtn and scafe hill for fun
what a hobby! first hike with a friend this weekend up to peden ridge, peden lake, bear ???? mtn
feeling guilt leaving the wife at home, but not enough guilt to stay home :)
love this forum btw |
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Southern Vancouver Island, BC
Canada
232 Posts |
Posted - 06/21/2012 : 8:47 PM
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| Was up Arrowsmith judges' route on June 20. Lots of snow in main gully and area below there but it was nicely consolidated. Just a lot of step kicking on the way up. Temp was 8C when we were on the summit in swirling mist. According the Environment Canada, that day was supposed to be warm and sunny in the Alberni valley with temps in the low 20s! |
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June hikes on VI
