Elk River Trail & Landslide Lake

OK I will be the first to admit that I am not in the greatest of shape, but I have been wanting to do the  hike into Landslide Lake for the past two years. So with the awesome weather and a long weekend the opportunity presented itself.  Now 30 degrees Celsius may be a tad warm for a hike it obviously did not deter the multitudes of other outdoor and mountain enthusiasts we encountered. And, if you seriously believe like I mistakenly did that it would be "cooler at a higher altitude" then you are sorely mistaken. With that said, let's begin.

Elk River Trail is accessed via Highway 28 to Gold River. From the bridge at Buttle Narrows drive about 23 km on Highway 28, and find a sign to Elk River Trail, just before Drum Lakes. Driving time from Campbell River is about 1 hour. There is a large parking area with access to Outhouses just up from the trailhead.  On a good weekend and in the summer prepare to see a full parking lot.

The information told us that it was a 3-hour hike for a hiker with full overnight gear to the Butterwort Creek gravel bar which is where the first campsite is, and that is how long it took us to get there.  At approximately 6 hours to the Elk River gravel flats Which is the second campsite and where we set up our tent. From here one can make day excursions to Landslide Lake and beyond.

The distance from the parking lot to Landslide Lake is about 11km through varied terrain and the total elevation gain is 585 m. Since we stayed overnight we paid the current Backwoods camping fee of $10 right at the parking lot. At each campsite there are Pit Toilets and Bear caches which are on a pulley system for raising your edibles, including any garbage up into the trees.  Campfires are prohibited in the backcountry so come prepared with a portable stove.  We did notice evidence of fires and someone in our campsite had one down by the river at night and in the morning. That was a No No.  We drank freely of the running water from the Elk River and other fast flowing streams but did notice a fair amount of hikers treating their water.  Apparently we have hardier stomachs or are just used to untreated water.

So we started out from the parking lot on Sunday morning at approximately 0800 and immediately were faced with an elevation gain of about 100 m via a series of switchbacks.  The last thing I wanted to see when I first started out but probably better with fresh legs. Stopping at the top for a quick breather we were immediately overtaken by a group that informed us that we would probably be meeting a large group that had just done the Golden Hinde and were on their way out this morning. As a matter of fact we did meet them but they came in dribbles and drabs.

Heading back down the other side we meandered through a mature forest, past a large beaverpond and through the Elk River valley for approximately 4 km. From that point we started to gain elevation  before heading back down to the first campsite at approximately 1100.  We stopped to replenish our water and grab something to eat.  The campsite was fairly full and looked like they had been there for a few days at least.

From the first campsite we started a long uphill grind over bridges and washed out streams and waterfalls.  We found our first and only snow until we saw it again at the end of Landslide Lake.  Although there has been extensive damage to the trail, it is well marked and there are already trails around the downed trees if they have not been cut away.  One bridge is definitely out but two on the trail are in excellent shape.  At the present time it is possible to walk across the stream where the bridge is out.

At the water falls the rock faces may be slippery so we took care crossing while we enjoyed the fine cool spray that the waterfalls were generating.
Arriving at the second campsite at approximately 1400 we set up out tent, had a bite to eat and soaked our feet in the nice cold river.  At 1500, after a short rest, we grabbed our water and some snacks and started out for Landslide Lake. 

The first 500 m or so was a pleasant enough trail.  Then we crossed the Elk River at a newer bridge and looked up at the waterfalls.  Oh boy.  Over the open rock marked with cairns we clambered up to the waterfalls before heading into the bush for a short while.  Loose gravel was an issue in some places.  I was glad for my hiking poles in this kind of situation.

We finally made it to Landslide Lake and the rocks where there were a few others.  Informed that the water was cold I decided to take the plunge anyway.  Well all I can say was it was refreshing and I didn't stay in very long.  Stayed at the lake for a bit enjoying the sun and watching the hikers appear at the lip of Berg Lake before heading down.

The walk back was a little harder at places due to the loose gravel and having to be careful where you placed your feet.  Once at the bottom of the falls we made quick time back to camp arriving at 1900 hours.  As we prepared and consumed our meal we watched several groups of hikers come through.

Heading to bed early we managed to catch some sleep on the hard ground but dreamed of a nice soft bed.  Kudos to those that do this all the time.

We awoke early and decided to pack up and head back.  The hike out took approximately 5 hours altogether with numerous rest stops on the way and chatting to lots of hikers on their way in. This old body managed to plod along at a reasonable rate and thoroughly enjoyed every grueling moment.  Would I do it again?  You betcha!!