Elk River Trail hike
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Elk River Trail hike
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The hike along the Elk River Trail to Landslide Lake is a classic Strathcona Provincial Park hike. You can choose to hike the Elk River trail as a day hike or weekend backpacking adventure. Remaining relatively level along a well-maintained trail makes the trek out to see the stunning Mt. Colonel Foster all the easier.
Getting there
From Campbell River head west along the Gold River Highway BC-28 for 29.2mi. A few kilometres after you enter the park, turn right to stay on BC-28, following signs for Gold River. Continue along this highway for just under 14.9mi, passing over Buttle Lake and heading west along the Elk River Drainage. Watch out for signs for the Elk River Trail on your left. If you see signs that you’ve exited the park, you’ve gone too far.
About
| When to do | July - October |
| Backcountry Campsites | Two campgrounds along the trail |
| Toilets | At trailhead and campgrounds along route |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate to High |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Elk River Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Elk River Trail
The Elk River Trail is a pretty hike. It’s also nice as there is only one trail to follow, and you follow it to the end at Landslide Lake.
From the parking lot, start this hike along the wide path and hike up a few switchbacks to gain a small notch. Descend the other side to meet up with the Elk River. Depending on the time of the year the river can be as calm as a cucumber or wildly raging.
Continue along the Elk River Trail which loosely follows the river, winding up the stunning Elk River Valley. Though logged in the 1940’s for the war effort, the Elk River Valley has regenerated and has returned to a beautiful area. With massive trees, stunning mosses and gorgeous wildlife, the ambiance of this hike is truly incredible.
Along the hike you will pass two campgrounds. Each have a bear hang for your food and a toilet. They both offer great spots to camp for those wanting to split up the mileage and make this a backpack.
After the second campground you will come to a wooden bridge and cross the Elk River. On the other side you will find yourself on a rocky slab. Veer to the right here and follow the river, looking out for a large cairn marking the trail.
Finish the hike up to Landslide Lake by switch backing up this final steep leg of the hike. You will eventually crest the ridge and find yourself at the toe of one of the most impressive mountains in the whole park. The Patagonian aesthetics of Mt. Colonel Foster are not to be understated. Like a sharks fin, it juts out of the ground. Looking backwards you will also be able to see the south aspect of Elkhorn Mountain.
Enjoy the ambiance of Landslide Lake then hike back the way you came.
Insider Hints
The Elk River Trail is another fantastic backpacking option if you don’t want to do the entire hike in one day.
Take note that no camping is allowed around Landslide Lake.
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Tara Green 4 years ago
Spend some time in this stunning part of British Columbia. Magnificent lakes and mountains
YukihiroSato 4 years ago
We have like this in my country, ahh. But this one, captivating, you will surely fall in love.
matsuomako 4 years ago
Great place to take a picture or go on a hike great scenery surrounded by granite mountain have a lot of fun with my wife there.
Brandon Houston 4 years ago
Nice trail. Don't forget to bring your camera and binoculars for wildlife spotting!
Rowan Sanders 4 years ago
Trail leads you to the most beautiful spots on all of Vancouver Island. Beautiful views!
Meighan 5 years ago
Astounding hike. I definitely recommend this one.
Olivia P. 5 years ago
It’s an awe inspiring thing to see Elk River for the first time. Just breathtaking!
hoshiuemura 5 years ago
Not an easy hike by any means, but the views were spectacular!
Sonya Strut 5 years ago
Absolutely stunning views of the river. Nice campsites! Everything was neat.
Frank E. 5 years ago
Great to see the Elkhorn Mountain at on point. There are interesting views to see in here.