A steep trail, with an elevation gain of 1,040 meters. The trail will take you through some old growth forest on its way up top to flower ridge. Along the way there are glimpses of beautiful snow capped mountains on the other side of Buttle Lake. Once you get to the top there are awesome panoramic views of the surrounding areas. The view of Mt. Myra is beautiful. Well worth the grind to the top. We like to do up to here as a day hike, but you can easily follow the ridge deeper into Strathcona and do a multi-day backpack.
Directions:
Take the Island highway north to Campbell River, then hang a left to Strathcona Park along highway 28. Then take Westmin Road south until you get to the flower ridge trail parking lot. It took us about 1.5 hours from Courtenay to get here.
ByPosted By: Island Hunter
- Sat Aug 14 14:09:37 EDT 2010
Not Rated
CommentFantastic Hike!! I completed the full hike right to the end of the ridge where Green Lake can be seen. It was a total of 34km round trip judging by my track log on my GPSr. There are no tent pads, but there are many nice flat areas to place tents. Once at the top there was still quite a bit of snow, but it is melting fast creating some of the best tasting water I have ever had! The full 360 degree views are breath taking and waking up to all the surrounding valleys clouded in was pretty amazing. Day 1 has quite a bit of elevation gain and it kicked my butt, but it is well worth it. Day 2 was pretty much choose your own adventure. With lots of snow and minimal brush or trees you can walk the ridge anyway you like. Day 3 was back down to Buttle Lake and with the trail dry and dusty, it made for some slippery spots. All in all it is a hike that I would recomend taking your time to enjoy the views and take it all in. Cherrs!<BR>
ByPosted By: Island Hunter
- Sat Jul 31 17:35:47 EDT 2010
Not Rated
CommentI'm heading up tomorrow morning and am going for 3 days. I plan on making it to the vantage point overlooking Green Lake. I've been told that there are a few tent pads up there and that camping is fine. I do agree that everyone should leave no trace and pack out what they pack in.
ByPosted By: joall1
- Sat Jul 31 15:36:58 EDT 2010
CommentI've just done that trail last week, one day hike up and down it took us 3h30 hours to the ridge end and 2h to get back down with a small day pack. We met two cupples that were camping on the top. On the map at the beggining of the trail there is no camp site listed as there is no toilet either but people camp up their anyway. As i always say, leave no trace and everything is fine with me.
ByPosted By: bcbunny
- Wed Jul 22 01:08:46 EDT 2009
Not Rated
Upsideeasily accessible - great for a quick daytrip and a good jaunt up to get the heartrate going
Downsidewent at the end of June and there was still quite a bit of snow
Commentmy first good hike when I moved to Van. Island - can't wait to get out and do more!!
ByPosted By: silver24
- Wed Aug 06 12:25:31 EDT 2008
Not Rated
QuestionFlower Ridge Strathcona ParkCan you camp at the top of flower ridge if you wanted to hike in stay the night and hike out?
ByPosted By: mikedwin
- Thu Oct 04 23:41:52 EDT 2007
UpsideStunning views ... ringing silence (once you get out of earshot of the mine ventilation shaft) Very few people. Prisitine tarns. Lupins, plus ....
DownsideBIG slog up!
CommentMy vision on heaven on earth ... a place to reconnect and get centred.
Posted By: Island Hunter
Posted By: joall1
Posted By: bcbunny
Posted By: silver24
Posted By: mikedwin
