Strathcona Provincial Park, Comox, British Columbia, Canada
- Length: 7.7k each way
- Elevation Gain: 550 meters
- Bring: Lots of snacks and water
- Trailhead: Jim Mitchell Road, Strathcona Provincial Park, British Columbia
Head off down Jim Mitchell Lake Road, preferably in a 4×4 vehicle, it is a pretty dusty, steep in bits, gravel and dirt road. I did see a Mazda sedan at the trailhead, so I guess if the desire is there you can make it.
Follow the road up, up, up, steering clear of the turnoffs marked by mining company signs.
You’ll reach the trailhead in about 6.5 kilometers.
It is a pretty consistently steep hike through and through, with loads of switchbacks. Having said that, the trail is really well maintained and fairly easy to follow.
Made up of steps cut into the terrain, mini rock scrambles, soft hummus covered ground, wooden platforms, and what everyone keeps referring to as ladders (steep steel steps), the variety on the trail will keep you from getting complacent. ]
It takes you through a huge variety of ecosystems, from the dense temperate rainforest on up to the alpine.
There are loads of great spots to stop for a snack along the way, with killer views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
We hiked in mid-June, and encountered a good amount of snow before hitting Baby Bedwell. It was melting, and fairly slushy, in a few more weeks and the trail would probably be a mud-fest.
After around 3.5K you will get to Baby Bedwell, a spectacular glacial lake with some tent platforms if you plan on spending the night. Baby Bedwell is worth the trip on its own, but I highly recommend going just a bit further.
If you aren’t up for the last 2K to Bedwell, do yourself a favor and keep going just about .5-.75K more. It involves some pretty steep “ladders” but the view is worth it. You’ll come out on a mind-blowing view of Bedwell from above, looking down on the shining blue water, green conifers, and snowy peaks that surround you.
