The Pierce Range is a small and steep-sided range located in the center of Vancouver Island. The Pierce Range has 94 square kilometres (36 sq miles) area between the Burman River and the Jacklah River across Muchalat Inlet south of the Gold River. Glamor Peak is located within the Pierce Range, towering over Muchalat Inlet.
Hikers will experience an exceptional journey by visiting the Pierce Range. They can pass through trees covering steep hills packed with bountiful wildlife and colourful birds winding around lakes and tarns along creeks and rivers.
Up at the peaks, the beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains, spectacular views overlooking the Muchalat channel, and Victor Island is inspiring.
The Pierce Range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion through the wilderness away from the towns' bustle.
You would camp by Muchalat Inlet or the nearby rivers, rent a kayak at the municipal dock at Gold River and launch into Muchalat Inlet or have fun fishing of a variety of types.
The small steep-sided Pierce Range is located on central Vancouver Island. It is adjacent to the Muchalat Inlet between Jacklah River and Burman River, south of the Gold River.
Ascending the mountains is a challenge on steep hills through the pleasant atmosphere of the forest. It offers a breathtaking view of Muchalat Inlet and Victor Island, winding around lakes and creeks.
Sydney Inlet Provincial Park is located 18 km (11.1 miles) to the southwest of the Pierce Range in the northern Clayoquot Sound, which worths visiting. The park protects Sitka Spruce and Douglas fir forests, including portions of the Sydney River and its estuary. Enjoy camping through the perfect wilderness or spend an entire afternoon, whether paddling in the Sydney Inlet Provincial park's freshwaters or fishing with opportunities to catch a variety of species.
By visiting White Ridge Provincial Park 21 km (13 miles) to the northeast of the Pierce Range, you have chances of some adventures. They include caving and excellent camping in the wilderness, strolling through the park's pleasant environment, and enjoying its natural beauty with bountiful wildlife.
Should you have time, take a visit to the gorgeous Donner Lake near the White Ridge Provincial Park 20 km (12.4 miles) northeast of the Pierce Range.
Access to the Pierce Range is via "Get West Adventure Cruises" at Gold River. Cruises may stop across it, from which point access to the Pierce Range is possible with a short hike.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the West Adventure Cruises from Nanaimo is via BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W. It is a 255 km (158.4 miles) route and takes about 2 hours and 56 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N. After 3.3 km (2 miles), turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R) and drive 151 km (93.8 miles). Go to Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W and continue for 101 km (62.7 miles) to reach your destination.
From Victoria:
Getting to the West Adventure Cruises from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N, BC-19 N and Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W. It is 366 km (227.4 miles) and takes almost 4 hours and 17 minutes.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and continue for 1.2 km (0.7 miles). Follow Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-19 N for 264 km (164 miles) to Island Hwy/BC-19A N in Campbell River. Continue onto Gold River Hwy/BC-28 W and drive 101 km (62.7 miles) to your destination.
There is no designated hiking trail to reach the Pierce Range.
The Pierce Range is home to the traditional territory of Muchalaht First Nation. The deep and rich legends and culture of the Muchalaht people are rooted in the area of Muchalat Inlet, the Muchalat River, creeks, and mountains.
Visiting the Pierce Range would be an enriching experience for mountaineers due to its being adjacent to the Muchalat Inlet and near the west coast of Vancouver Island. Hikers and climbers will have a soul-refreshing journey by hiking the steep hills through the forest's beautiful ambiance packed with wildlife creatures passing along creeks.
Enthusiasts would enjoy backcountry camping through the wilderness in the Pierce Range or White Ridge areas and Sydney Inlet Provincial Park.
Anglers have chances for perfect fishing of several species, whether in the Muchalat Inlet and nearby rivers or Sydney Inlet Provincial Park.
Rent a kayak at the Municipal dock at the Gold River and cruise the Muchalat Inlet or Sydney Inlet at Sydney Inlet Provincial Park and spend some time kayaking and canoeing through the calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Visitors would explore the caves within White Ridge Provincial Park, which is significant for its extensive cave system.
Kings Peak is a mountain peak that stands guard high in the Strathcona Provincial Park on central Vancouver Island. It is a double-peaked glacial mountain at 2065m (6775 ft.). The eastern peak is the higher one called Kings Peak, and the western one is Queen's Ridge. A demanding trail makes it to the summit of Kings Peak, offering scenic views. The trail starts at 304.8 m (1000 ft.), climbing 1737 m (5700 ft.) over scree fields, tree roots, undulating hills, gullies, and meadows. The first and lower portions of the trail are well-maintained gives the chance to warm up. It passes a couple of waterfalls and gorgeous streams where you can take a breather.
Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.
Elkhorn Mountain is located in the Elk River Mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges. It is the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island at 2194 m (7198 ft.) elevation. Atop of the Elkhorn Mountain, the commanding views of mountain peaks surrounding overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia are rewarding, as well as splendid Strathcona Provincial Park.
The Pierce Range is small and steep-sided in the center of Vancouver Island. Hikers can pass through trees covering steep hills packed with bountiful wildlife and colourful birds winding around lakes and tarns along creeks and rivers. Up at the peaks, the scenery is surrounded by mountains. Spectacular views overlooking the Muchalat channel and Victor Island is inspiring.
The Elk River Mountains is a group of rugged mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park suitable for camping and outdoor activities. Elkhorn Mountain is the highest peak of the mountains and the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island. It is an extraordinary destination for professional and amateur climbers; the difficulty is from simple to somehow challenge slopes.
As one of the highest points of Vancouver Island, Mount Adrian offers great snowmobiling, among other winter activities. It has two summits that feature Strathcona Provincial Park in every direction—looking for a place to have winter excitement? Nowhere is better than Mount Adrian.
Home to many campsites with all kinds of facilities and services right on the shoreline, Buttle Lake campground offers you the best opportunities to explore the shore. There you can do a lot of activities and enjoy seeing marine creatures.
Annually, the campground welcomes RV and vehicle campers. Also, you can have a good time camping in your tents.
Camping in Ralph River Campground offers a bit more comfortable experience of exploring the park. It's adjacent to Buttle Lake, with numerous campsites all along the glorious shoreline of it. It is where you will feel a sense of being in the wilderness with beautiful sights and spectacular views from several sites over the valleys.
Located in the Strathcona Provincial Park near Bedwell Lake, camping is possible in a nice backcountry campground on Baby Bedwell Lake, set in the lush forest surrounded by majestic mountains. Beautiful alpine forest, perfect swimming, breathtaking view of the trail, small ponds and lakes surrounded by glacial mountain peaks are some of the area's attractions. They are enough to fascinate visitors and campers.
Known as the base camp to explore the area, Bedwell Lake Campground comprises excellent tent campsites. There you can climb surrounding mountains and hike gorgeous, well-maintained trails. Bedwell Lake Campground would be excellent for backcountry adventures. It has lovely glacial mountain views.
The Croteau Lake Campsite is the first backcountry group site accepting reservations, Located within Strathcona Provincial Park in Forbidden Platea. You will have to hike into this lovely remote campground which features a brand new yurt. Nestled in the sub-alpine of Strathcona, Croteau Lake Campsite is surrounded by jagging glacial mountain peaks, and you will experience a sense of peace and seclusion.
To be a storyteller of paddling adventures, do not leave out Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park. This stunning historical park leaves you speechless about its undeniable opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Bligh Island Marine Provincial Park is known for its coastal forests and marine ecosystems, in which you are provided with several unique outdoor activities.
If paddling is frightening for you, make it normal while you are in Nootka Sound. It s worthy of mentioning that while paddling in the waters of Nootka Sound, you are given the pleasure of observing the birth point of BC, Yuquot. Nootka Sound is known as the paradise of the paddlers, and its island provides an extraordinary situation in which an astonishing adventure is waiting to be embraced.
Gold River is an excellent destination for paddling by all means. There are ample reasons which can trigger you to go kayaking and canoeing in this river. Its crystal clear water allows you sea the beauties lied underneath the surface. Besides, kayakers and canoeists can have fun doing other activities along with paddling in the water.
As the oldest provincial park on the island, Strathcona Provincial Park Campground will be a memorable wilderness adventure. Every day you spend on this beautiful campground is a different new day, for you can experience any adventure and never get sick of it. As a hot spot for camping, you are given a chance to choose the setting of your campsite.
Kings Peak is a mountain peak that stands guard high in the Strathcona Provincial Park on central Vancouver Island. It is a double-peaked glacial mountain at 2065m (6775 ft.). The eastern peak is the higher one called Kings Peak, and the western one is Queen's Ridge. A demanding trail makes it to the summit of Kings Peak, offering scenic views. The trail starts at 304.8 m (1000 ft.), climbing 1737 m (5700 ft.) over scree fields, tree roots, undulating hills, gullies, and meadows. The first and lower portions of the trail are well-maintained gives the chance to warm up. It passes a couple of waterfalls and gorgeous streams where you can take a breather.
Are you struggling with spending a ton of time searching for the best family-friendly vacation? Then you need to visit Buttle Lake and get better results camping around it. Learn how Buttle Lake gives you an unfair advantage with camping, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in Strathcona Provincial Park, the oldest provincial park on Vancouver Island.
Mount McBride with 2083 m (6834 ft.) height is the seventh highest mountain on Central Vancouver Island. Atop Mount McBride, the 360° panoramic view of Strathcona Provincial Park is rewarding, besides vistas of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island, including Golden Hinde, Mt Colonel Foster, King's Peak, Elkhorn Mountain, and Rambler Peak.
Elkhorn Mountain is located in the Elk River Mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges. It is the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island at 2194 m (7198 ft.) elevation. Atop of the Elkhorn Mountain, the commanding views of mountain peaks surrounding overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Georgia are rewarding, as well as splendid Strathcona Provincial Park.
Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.
The Pierce Range is small and steep-sided in the center of Vancouver Island. Hikers can pass through trees covering steep hills packed with bountiful wildlife and colourful birds winding around lakes and tarns along creeks and rivers. Up at the peaks, the scenery is surrounded by mountains. Spectacular views overlooking the Muchalat channel and Victor Island is inspiring.
The Elk River Mountains is a group of rugged mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park suitable for camping and outdoor activities. Elkhorn Mountain is the highest peak of the mountains and the second-highest peak on Vancouver Island. It is an extraordinary destination for professional and amateur climbers; the difficulty is from simple to somehow challenge slopes.
Strathcona Provincial Park is a large mountainous natural park and the oldest provincial park in British Columbia. Excellent hiking trails, coastal areas, lakes, creeks, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife made this park a perfect destination for adventurous travellers. Summers are usually pleasantly warm, and winters are almost mild except for the higher levels. So, it is a great place to recharge.
Words cannot describe Lupin Falls because this waterfall's beauty is beyond the world of vocabulary. The water pours gracefully on rocks and carving its way into the hard rock cliff. A forest surrounds the two drops of Lupin Falls and adds to its wonders. Visiting Lupin Falls is a big bonus as it is placed in Strathcona Provincial Park with a lot to offer.
Find peace at the bottom of a waterfall where there will be the magic of nature all around you. Lady Falls is a rare sight of beauty and grace. The crystal clear water runs through a lush forest, reaches a rock cliff surrounded by trees, and pours down into a canyon. From afar, it feels like the water is cascading from the trees. The combination is enough for cleansing the mind, soothing the soul, and being there for hours.
In the south end of Buttle Lake at Strathcona Provincial Park, you can find Myra Falls (or Lower Myra Falls), a Jewel of natural wonders. This seven-drop waterfall is beautiful all year round, and it feels like you're in a land of fantasy. The tremendous view of the place and shades of green and blue of the pool under the falls make a great scene perfect for photography.