StrathconaProvincial Park

Park Map and Information Guide

Welcome to Strathcona Provincial Park

Park Information

Rugged Strathcona Provincial Park consists of snow covered mountain peaks, beautiful lakes and alpine tarns dotting a landscape laced with rivers, creeks and streams. Designated in 1911 and comprising 250,000 hectares, Strathcona was the first provincial park in B.C. Strathcona offers two well developed areas, Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau, with family oriented camping and outdoor adventure. The rest of the park largely appeals to those seeking a true wilderness experience where visitors can enjoy scenic splendour when backpacking into the alpine regions.

During the winter, Mount Washington Alpine Resort manages a network of Nordic ski and snowshoe trails into the Forbidden Plateau area of the park.

Nature Trails and Hikes

Backcountry Information

Points of Interest

Strathcona Provincial Park offers numerous opportunities to view wildlife and enjoy the spectacular natural setting.

Waterfall viewing platforms are found at Lupin Falls, Lady Falls, Karst Creek and both Lower and Upper Myra Falls. In the backcountry, adventurous visitors can see the beautiful Della Falls, whose drop of 440 metres over three cascades makes it one of the highest waterfalls in Canada.(Note - this remote area is not regularly maintained and is difficult to access).

The highest point on Vancouver Island, the Golden Hinde (2,200 m) stands almost in the centre of Strathcona. A rigorous hike up Phillips Ridge Trail gives the best vantage point to view the peak.

Paradise Meadows/Forbidden Plateau area has short loops in sub-alpine and a 14 km hike with views of lakes and mountains. Camping available at Helen Mackenzie, Kwai and Circlet Lakes.

Buttle Lake Area offers walking and interpretative trails under 1 hour. Other hikes are (return trip):

Bedwell Lake includes excellent viewpoints with access to Cream Lake.12 km 7 hours Elev: 600 m

Flower Ridge is notable for open hiking on the ridge and striking viewpoints. Water is scarce.12 km 10 hours 1250 m

Marble Meadows features viewpoints, alpine meadows and limestone formations.13.2 km 12 hours 1250 m

Phillips Ridge via Arnica Lake. Camping is available at the north end of the lake.12 km 8 hours 800 m

Buttle Lake Campground and Driftwood Bay group site offer unmonitored swimming areas.

Canoeing and kayaking are popular on Buttle and Upper Campbell Lakes. Use caution on Buttle Lake as it is subject to strong afternoon winds. Cutthroat and rainbow trout are in various lakes and waterways. Angling in B.C. requires a licence.

Crest Creek Crags offers more than 150 climbing routes for various skill levels. Access via Hwy 28.

Backcountry skiing and boarding exist in the park. Nordic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular in Paradise Meadows. Rentals available from Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

All estimates below are based on a return trip.

Distance Time Elevation

Family Nature Trails - Buttle Lake Area

Lady Falls to an excellent vantage point of Lady Falls. 900 m 20 minutes Minimal

Karst Creek - limestone, sinkholes and a waterfall.2 km 45 minutes Minimal

Wild Ginger - old-growth forest and patches of wild ginger. 600 m 15 minutes Minimal

Shepherd Creek - a mix of open forest and marshy areas.1.5 km 45 minutes Minimal

Lower Myra Falls - views of beautiful cascades. 1 km 25 minutes Minimal

Lake Helen Mackenzie/Battleship Lake Loop - the most popular dayhike7.4 km 2.5 hrs Minimal

Advanced Hiking

Della Falls trail is accessed by boat up Great Central Lake. This is a remote area not regularly maintained or patrolled. Natural hazards exist.16 km 8 hours 350 m

Love Lake trail starts at the 15 km mark along Della Falls trail. Great views of Della Falls on opposite side of the valley. 4 km 2 hours 830 m

Gold Lake is accessed from its eastern end. The trailhead is reached by travelling along rough logging roads north of Campbell River. Backcountry road maps are recommended.5 km 2.5 hours Minimal

Comox Glacier is an excellent alpine hike but is steep and not maintained; experienced hikers only. Road restrictions may be in affect. 9 km 10 hours 1,600 m

Mount Albert Edward - strenuous hike, normally done with an overnight camp at Circlet Lake 31 km 2,094 m

Updated: Feb_10

Visit www.bcparks.ca for more information!

Contact Information

Park Facility Operator: R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.Phone: 1-250-474-1336E-mail: office@rlcenterprize.com

Reservations: Discover CampingPhone: 1-800-689-9025Online: www.discovercamping.ca

Location

Access to the Forbidden Plateau area is via the Paradise Meadows Trailhead at Mount Washington. Follow signs on Hwy 19 to Mount Washington Resort.

Hwy 28 passes through the northern part of the park providing access to the Buttle Lake area. Note: gas is not available between Campbell River and Gold River.

Strathcona Provincial Park offers some of the best backcountry experiences on Vancouver Island. Valleys forested with ancient trees give way to the fir and hemlock of sub-alpine regions, and wildflowers provide spectacular displays from sea level up to 1800m. The park’s geological history stretches back 380 million years, with extensive evidence of volcanic activity. Backcountry wildlife includes black bears, elk, cougars, bald eagles, swans and marmots; many distinct from their mainland relatives due to Vancouver Island’s separation from the mainland so long ago.

Backcountry visitors should be self-sufficient, properly equipped and highly experienced. Wilderness areas, glaciers, snowfields and mountains are challenging and hazardous, especially in avalanche areas. Snowfall can be expected from November to March on slopes and alpine plateaus, and can linger until July on the higher peaks. National Topographic Series maps (scale 1:50,000), sheets 92F/5, F/6, F/11, F/12, F/13 and K/4 cover the park.

Please strive for No Trace Camping and use stoves for cooking (campfires are not permitted in the backcountry).

Things to Do

Designated backcountry campsites are located on the Bedwell Lake, Elk River, Della Falls, and Forbidden Plateau trails areas. Visitors may also camp 1 km or more from main roads. Overnight fees apply in above areas. Three marine backcountry campsites are located on the western shore of Buttle Lake, with a fourth on Rainbow Island. Overnight fees apply.

Pit toilets and food caches are available at most backcountry sites.

Visitor Services

Vehicle accessible campsites are available at Buttle Lake (85 sites) and Ralph River (75 sites).

Driftwood Bay group site (25 sites) offers wheelchair accessible toilets, a covered picnic shelter and wood stove. For reservations, contact Park Facility Operator.

Boat launches are available at Buttle Lake, at Karst Creek and south of Buttle Lake Park Headquarters.

Accessible pit toilets are available at the Driftwood Bay group site, Buttle Lake & Ralph River campgrounds and Elk Portal. Crest Creek day-use area offers wheelchair accessible picnic tables and a pit toilet. Paradise Meadows loop is a barrier-free trail.

Parks 100

2011 marks the 100th anniversary of B.C.’s world-renowned parks system and everyone is invited to the celebration! Check www.bcparks.ca for more information on centennial activities and events at Strathcona and other provincial parks around B.C.

Special thanks to Phil Stone for the cover photograph.

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