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Vanislander

Elkhorn Mountain, the Second-highest Peak on Vancouver Island

Elkhorn Mountain is located in the Elk River Mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges on central Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Elkhorn Mountain is the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island at 2194 m (7198 ft.) elevation. It is second only to the Golden Hinde, which sits 15 km (9.3 miles) to the south at 2198 m (7211 ft.) elevation.
Elkhorn Mountain is one of the first mountains that appear on the horizon of Strathcona Provincial Park. The mountain is visible from Highway 28 between the Gold River village and Campbell River city. The sharp and striking Elkhorn Mountain peak had been known as "Strathcona Matterhorn" until it was decided to be known as Elkhorn Mountain since it was sharply towered over Elk Valley.
Elkhorn Mountain is one of the most accessible mountains on Vancouver Island. The access is via Elk River Trailhead. It takes a one-hour drive from Campbell River to get to the trailhead and an hour's walk across the Elk River, where ascend starts. There are at least eight routes to ascend Elkhorn Mountain worth hiking and climbing. Atop of the Elkhorn Mountain, the commanding views of mountain peaks surrounding overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Strait of Georgia to the east are rewarding, as well as splendid Strathcona Provincial Park.
Visitors have opportunities to see various wildlife creatures and plant species. There can be seen Douglas fir, amabilis fir, western redcedar, grand fir, mountain hemlock, western hemlock, and creeping juniper. Beautiful birds garnish the area of Elkhorn Mountain and Strathcona Provincial Park, including red-breasted nuthatch, Steller's jay, chestnut-backed chickadee, winter wren, kinglet, blue grouse, white-tailed ptarmigan, Canada jay, and ruffed grouse. The area is also home to wolves, black bears, Roosevelt elks, marmots, black-tailed deer, and cougars.


Elkhorn Mountain Location

Elkhorn Mountain is located on central Vancouver Island, 15 km (9.3 miles) north of Golden Hinde Mountain. Elkhorn Mountain lies within Strathcona Provincial Park between Donner Lake, 10 km (6.2 miles) to the southwest, and Buttle Lake, 15 km (9.3 miles) to the east.
The nearby "Elk River Trail" is one of the most popular destinations on Vancouver Island and is accessible via Elk River Trailhead with an hour's drive from Campbell River. The trail is impressive, meandering through the lush forest, past beautiful waterfalls and crystal clear mountain streams. There are two campsites along the lovely Elk River with bear caches and pit toilets. The trail ends at Landslide Lake, where you will find yourself at Mt. Colonel Foster's base and the south face of Elkhorn Mountain as your backdrop. The breathtaking view of Landslide Lake and pillared Mt. Colonel Foster makes everyone fascinated. The Landslide Lake is a fragile wilderness; hence, no camping is allowed, and care to leave no trace should be taken.
Buttle Lake would be a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts offering several recreations as fishing or paddling in the lake's freshwater. Campers can camp in Buttle Lake designated campsites and stroll along the lake to enjoy the beauty of Strathcona Provincial Park's nature.
Two beautiful Lupin Falls and Myra Falls are located along Buttle Lake. The routes to the waterfalls pass along beautiful lush forests and lakes. There are opportunities for seeing western red cedar, Douglas fir, and grand firs. The secluded and pleasant environment of waterfalls is worth stopping for a while.
Della Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls in British Columbia, Canada, is located within Strathcona Provincial Park. The beautiful Della Falls has a drop of 440 m (1443 ft.) over three cascades. Strathcona Provincial Park features several viewing platforms to see gorgeous waterfalls, including Lady Falls, Karst Creek, Lupin Falls, Lower Myra Falls, and Upper Myra Falls. There exist chances for seeing animals and birds as Bald eagles, cougars, black bears, Roosevelt elks, Trumpeter swans, white-tailed ptarmigan, black-tailed deer, squirrels, and whiskey-jacks.
White Ridge Provincial Park
is 10.6 km (6.5 miles) to the west of Elkhorn Mountain. The park is known for its extensive cave system and karst surface that can be easily seen. It protects deer and Roosevelt elks habitat with old-growth forest offers several opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The city of Campbell River is located 47 km (29.2 miles) northeast of Elkhorn Mountain and the village of Gold River 16 km (9.9 miles) west of the mountain.


How to Get to Elkhorn Mountain by Car

Getting to Elkhorn Mountain is possible from at least eight routes. It is also possible to access Elkhorn Mountain via Elk River Trailhead.

Getting to Elk River Trailhead from Nanaimo:
Getting to Elk River Trailhead from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W. It is 226 km (140.4 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St. After 800 m (2624 ft.), continue onto Third St for 1.9 km (1.1 miles). Continue onto Jingle Pot Rd for 650 m (2132 ft.). Turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive 151 km (93.8 miles) and turn left onto Island Hwy/BC-19A N (signs for BC-28 W/Gold River). After 150 m (492 ft.), continue onto Campbell River Rd/Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W for 47.3 km (29.3 miles). Turn right to stay on Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W and drive for 23.6 km (14.6 miles). Elk River Trailhead will be on the left.

Getting to Elk River Trailhead from Victoria:
Getting to Elk River Trailhead from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N. It is 336 km (208.7 miles) and takes almost 4 hours.
Take Government St and continue for 1.2 km (0.7 miles) to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N and drive for 264 km (164 miles) to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River. Drive to Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W and continue for 71 km (44.1 miles) in Comox-Strathcona D. The Elk River Trailhead will be on the left.


The Hike to Get to Elkhorn Mountain

The designated hiking trail to reach Elkhorn Mountain is "Landslide Lake Via Elk River Trail." The trail, which is 21.2 km (13.1 miles), ends at Landslide Lake. It is an out-and-back trail in Strathcona D, British Columbia, Canada gaining an elevation of 1027 m (3369 ft.). It is lightly trafficked out and rated as difficult, meandering through the old-growth forest with gorgeous wildlife. The pass is primarily used for hiking, camping, running, and backpacking. The best time to hike the trail is from June through August.


History of Elkhorn Mountain

Elkhorn Mountain, formerly known as Strathconas' Matterhorn, was first ascended by the members of the Alpine Club of Canada, Albert MacCarthy, A.O Wheeler, D.A. Gillies, Edward Wheeler, J.R. Robertson, L.C. Wilson, A.R. Hart, H.O. Frind, and F.A. Robertson in 1912. The Elkhorn Mountain's notable ascents include the first ascent North Ridge in 1972 by Stuart Wazny, Tom Muirhead, Joe Bajan, and Dave Smith. The North Face ascent was in 1977 by Peter Busch and Joe Bajan. The first Northwest Ridge winter ascent was in 1968 by Alastair Watt and Peter Busch and a 4-hour speed ascent in 1992 by Lindsay Elms.
The area is home to the traditional territory of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht, the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation. The legends and culture of these people are rooted in the mountains and lakes throughout the area.


Things to do around the Elkhorn Mountain Area

The area around the magnificent Elkhorn Mountain, with its vista of surroundings overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Georgia Strait, and Strathcona Provincial Park in all its glory, offers several outdoor recreations for mountaineers and visitors. Climbers will have a second to none experience climbing the basaltic Elkhorn Mountain.
Several hiking trails exist near Elkhorn Mountain within Strathcona Provincial Park as "Lupin Falls Trail" and "Lower Myra Falls Trail," winding around beautiful lakes and tarns through old-growth forest.
The area is home to various wildlife creatures and plant species. You can also enjoy beautiful waterfalls and the expansive cave system at White Ridge Provincial Park, offering ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
Buttle Lake is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts to be entertained by several activities, including fishing, windsurfing, and skiing. Also, swimming is possible in all lakes within Strathcona Provincial Park except for Kwai Lake. The heavenly Buttle Lake is a perfect place to spend a whole day canoeing and kayaking. Cautious should be taken due to the lake's being subjected to the strong winds.

List of Mountain Ranges Near Elkhorn Mountain

Mount McBride

Mount McBride

Elkhorn Mountain

Elkhorn Mountain

Pierce Range

Pierce Range

Elk River Mountains

Elk River Mountains

Elkhorn Mountain Activities

Skiing and Boarding

Backcountry skiing and boarding chances exist in Strathcona Provincial Park. Mount Washington Alpine Resort features one of the highest snowfalls with developed facilities. Rentals are available at Mount Washington Alpine Resort and other outlets in Comox Valley and Campbell River.

Wildlife Viewing

Elkhorn Mountain and both developed and pristine backcountry areas of Strathcona Provincial Park would be the destination for those seeking unlimited nature appreciation opportunities. The heavenly green area is ornamented by beautiful wildlife creatures and a diversity of flora and fauna, as well as gorgeous waterfalls.

Climbing

Elkhorn Mountain and other majestic mountains around offer a valuable climbing experience that needs more commitment to have spectacular sights of the surrounding mountains and forested hills and the valley below.

Camping

Campers have plenty of opportunities for wilderness backcountry camping, whether along the Elk River or Buttle Lake.

Snowshoeing

One of the most popular sports in paradise meadows during winters is snowshoeing. There are set some trails for beginners, but experienced visitors can snowshoe at any point in Strathcona Provincial Park. Rentals are available at Mount Washington Alpine Resort and other outlets in Comox Valley and Campbell River.

Cycling

Cyclers will have some mountain biking opportunities in the vicinity of Kunlin Lake through the Gold River. Bikers must stay on roadways, and bicycle helmets are obligatory.

Hiking

The area around Elkhorn Mountain offers perfect hiking trails with gorgeous wildlife and a beautiful ambiance. Most of the routes are difficult and need experience. The hiking trails provided in Strathcona Provincial Park range from short easy hikes to arduous multi-day hikes.

Waterskiing

Waterskiing chances exist in Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park.

Fishing

The area offers exceptional freshwater fishing in the waters of Buttle Lake, lakes, and waterways. An appropriate license is required for anyone fishing in British Columbia. For knowing restrictions, check out regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Swimming

The lakes within the area of Strathcona Provincial Park, except for Kwai Lake, offer cold-water swimming without any lifeguard on duty.

Windsurfing

Opportunities for windsurfing are in Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park.

Hunting

Chances for hunting specific species exist in the area of Megin-Talbot and McBride Creek. For knowing restrictions and closures, refer to the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis publication. Valid tags and licenses are required.

Canoeing, Kayaking

Perfect kayaking and canoeing are possible through the beautiful environment of Buttle Lake and the Upper Campbell River. Be cautious all the time because the lakes are subject to hazardous winds.

What you Can Expect to Do Near Elkhorn Mountain

Mount Adrian Snowmobiling

Mount Adrian Snowmobiling

Camping in Buttle Lake Campground

Camping in Buttle Lake Campground

Camping in Ralph River Campground

Camping in Ralph River Campground

Camping in Baby Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Baby Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Croteau Lake Campsite

Camping in Croteau Lake Campsite

Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park Kayaking and Canoeing

Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park Kayaking and Canoeing

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

Gold River Kayaking and Canoeing

Gold River Kayaking and Canoeing

Camping in the Strathcona Provincial Park Campground

Camping in the Strathcona Provincial Park Campground

Elkhorn Mountain Outline

Specifications

Peaks and Heights

Climate

Timing

Get There

1. The distances are estimated from Elk River Trailhead.

1. The numbers are estimated on average.


What you Can Expect to See Near Elkhorn Mountain

Buttle Lake

Buttle Lake

Mount McBride

Mount McBride

Elkhorn Mountain

Elkhorn Mountain

Upana Caves

Upana Caves

Pierce Range

Pierce Range

Elk River Mountains

Elk River Mountains

Strathcona Provincial Park

Strathcona Provincial Park

Lupin Falls

Lupin Falls

Lady Falls

Lady Falls

Myra Falls (Lower Myra Falls)

Myra Falls (Lower Myra Falls)

Planning for Elkhorn Mountain

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing


1. The distances are estimated from Elk River Trailhead.
1. The distances are estimated from Elk River Trailhead.
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