Mount Leiner is a surprisingly spectacular mountain. The most common approach begins on the outer edge of Tahsis, climbs Leiner’s southwest ridge and meanders several kilometres through the bush toward the summit. Considering its relatively low elevation, it holds a surprisingly high alpine character once you get beyond the shrubs. …
Winter’s Confusing Message: Ascent of Mount Russell
View PostWe found winter! It was hiding at Crest Mountain
It’s been two long years but it’s finally here: winter! Last year, I had big aspirations for winter: snowshoeing, skiing, alpine ski touring, and winter mountaineering. Of course, winter never arrived. Like many other Vancouver Islanders, I have photographs taken on the summits of mountains that are bald! I remember …
Springer Peak via Bill’s Trail
The many peaks in the Prince of Wales Range feature some of the greatest views of the Johnstone Strait; the distant peaks to both the east and west aren’t too hard on the eyes either. If you haven’t had a chance to hike in the region yet, I urge you …
Hiking Queen Peak in the Sutton Range
View PostEl Capitan trail clearing
Recently, the Island Mountain Ramblers purchased a piece of trail-clearing equipment with the help of a grant from the Federation of Mountain Clubs of British Columbia. The club members had a busy summer, and September 25th was the first chance for us to get out as a club and use …
Mackenzie Peak
Highway 14 features some of the bushiest alpine routes on Vancouver Island. Phil Stone even mentions the region in his list of the Island’s best bushwhacks, though this particular route doesn’t make the list. Because the area is not protected by any special status, most of it has been logged. …
Hiking Mount Regan via The Lower Route
Vancouver Island, home to forest giants and cold oceans is often overlooked for its alpine opportunities. A favourite feature of the high alpine is the chance to strap on crampons and walk the many pocket glaciers and snowfields. However, the changing environment means that glacier walking on Vancouver Island may …
Climbing Mount Kitchener and the High Point on the Ridge
I hope you are confused by the title of this post. I’m sure you are asking yourself, “Isn’t the summit the high point?” In most cases, the answer is yes! However, on Vancouver Island the answer is probably “Who knows?” The more I hike and climb, the more I am …
Mount Schoen via a Ridiculously Huge Scree Slope and Adam Ridge
Mount Schoen’s broad talus summit On my quest for the Island’s six-thousanders , Mount Schoen was still on my list of unvisited mountains; for reasons that will become obvious, I won’t refer to this summit as a peak. This north-island mountain sits overlooking the boarder of the Lake Schoen Provincial …