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Pierce Range

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.


Pierce Range Location

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.


How to Get to the Pierce Range by Car

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.


The Hike to Get to the Pierce Range

There is no designated hiking trail to reach the Pierce Range.


History of 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.


Things to do around Pierce Range Area

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.

List of Mountain Ranges Near the Pierce Range

Mount McBride

Mount McBride

Elkhorn Mountain

Elkhorn Mountain

Pierce Range

Pierce Range

Elk River Mountains

Elk River Mountains

Pierce Range Activities

Caving

The vast caving system is significant in White Ridge Provincial Park. For exploring most caves, visitors must have enough skill. Exploring the caves is not recommended until a management plan is complete. Be cautious about the white-nose disease, which poses a significant threat to the colony of British Columbia. Before caving, read the White Nose Syndrome fact sheet to know about how to treat the disease.

Hiking

The Pierce Range offers excellent hiking through the lush forest around tarns, pond-like areas, and creeks. The beautiful vista of Muchalat Inlet dotted by islands as Victor Island and surrounding mountains with wrapped treed hills make you feel refreshed while ascending.

Swimming

Ocean swimming opportunities exist at the Sydney Inlet Provincial Park without any lifeguards on duty.

Canoeing, Kayaking

Rent a Kayak at Gold River on Municipal dock into Muchalat Inlet and cruise the Inlet. Opportunities for perfect kayaking also exist at Sydney Inlet Provincial Park, but canoeing is not recommended.

Fishing

Anglers have chances of catching several species in the Muchalat Inlet and nearby rivers and at Sydney Inlet Provincial Park. All anglers must have an appropriate license. For knowing restrictions, check the regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Camping

Backcountry camping through the wilderness within the remote area of Pierce Range would be enjoyable to use as a head-start for exploring the range. Also, random backcountry camping is allowed at the White Ridge and Sydney Inlet Provincial Parks.

Climbing

Climbing the mountains of the Pierce Range would be an enriching experience. It offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountains towering over Muchalat Inlet and steep valleys covered by bush and trees.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed for specific species in some portions of the White Ridge and Sydney Inlet Provincial Parks. Tags and valid licenses are required. For closures and regulations, refer to Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis publication.

What you Can Expect to Do Near the Pierce Range

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

Pierce Range Outline

Specifications

Peaks and Heights

Climate

Timing

Get There



1. Be well-equipped for climate conditions and check the weather reports before heading out.
2. The temperatures are estimated on average and related to the Jacklah River.

1. The coordinate is estimated for Glamor Peak.

What you Can Expect to See Near the Pierce Range

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 Pierce Range

Suitability

Camping & Resort

Services

Tips

Packing


1. A straight line measured distances on GPS from the Pierce Range.
1. A straight line measured distances on GPS from the Pierce Range.

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