Forbidden Plateau mountain bike trail map. Nowadays, the network of trails have exploded and there is something for everyone Shuttles are easily accessed by Forbidden Plateau Rd. The Forbidden Plateau is a small, hilly plateau in the east of the Vancouver Island Ranges in British Columbia, northwest of Comox Lake roughly between Mount Albert Edward to the southwest and Mount Washington to the northeast. The first lodge was built on the plateau in the 1930’s and served as an access to the back country and to what is now Strathcona Provincial Park. Many pretty lakes can be found in Forbidden Plateau area, and offer good fly-fishing for trout. 91 trails on an interactive map of the trail network. The lake was calm and still, and the surrounding landscape was reflected, mirror-like, on the lake’s surface. Overlooking a beautiful … The Forbidden Plateau is just a small portion of the much larger Strathcona Provincial Park – and if the idea of spending a day or two surrounded by sub-alpine fir, mountain hemlock, native … The park includes campgrounds, backpacking and cross-country skiing trails, and downhill skiing. Hence the name of the area became the Forbidden Plateau. In 1982 the original lodge burned to the ground and in 1999 a huge snow load collapsed the roof of the day lodge. With over 24,000 items to choose from, you will find what you need to travel anywhere on earth. Are you talking in the park? After operating the Forbidden Plateau Lodge from 1934-1945, Clinton Wood retired. The resort offers … The lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout, and had it not been raining when we arrived the previous night, would have been excellent to catch our meal. Instead, we took our time to appreciate the beautiful sights and good weather on the trail back. Paradise Meadows is located in the southeast of Strathcona Park and sits at the entrance to Forbidden Plateau. The park is divided into two developed areas, Buttle Lake (accessible via Campbell River), and Forbidden Plateau (located adjacent to Mount Washington). There is an extensive network of hiking trails in the park; visitor facilities are located at Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } Post was not sent - check your email addresses! European settlement arrived in the late 1800’s and the Plateau has since been a recreation destination. Map Town is Canada's largest map store. Becher from Comox Lake in the winter, and a cabin was established. Fabulous hiking trails include the Della Falls trail to the highest waterfall in Canada, and dozens of trails to the many pretty alpine lakes that dot the Forbidden Plateau area, providing good fly fishing … The morning of our hike didn’t look promising, with a constant drizzle of rain on the drive from Nanaimo to the trail head, but we had heard rumors that it would clear up later on in the day. Both areas offer spectacular outdoor … Camping - There are two campgrounds within … There was not much damage in the immediate area, but it was recorded that nearly all of the chimneys in Cumberland crumbled on that day. The hike to Mt Albert Edward is the highest mountain of the Plateau at 2093 meters (6867 ft). In 1949, ski lifts were installed and skiing operations began as Wood Mountain ski park. There was so much snow at Forbidden Plateau … Also, down jackets do not mix well with wet weather. In the 20's, folks would hike up to ski Mt. When the Comox where threatened in this way they would send their women and children up to the Plateau for safekeeping. PARK FACILITIES & ACTIVITIES. 8100 Forbidden Plateau Road Courtenay, British ... fly-fishing trips, winery tours, yoga retreats and much more are available as well, so you're sure to find something to pique your interest. Time: 3-4 hours one way from trailhead to Circlet Lake campsite. Takes about 4 hours to get in. Yes, the thrill of climbing to the top of a mountain did sound appealing, but my soggy socks and shoes convinced me otherwise. Forbidden Plateau: The main access route to Forbidden Plateau from Courtenay and Campbell River is via the Paradise Meadows Trailhead at Mount Washington. Part of Strathcona park, Forbidden Plateau is a scenic 250 sq km alpine plateau of open meadows and lush forest dotted with lakes and framed by majestic mountains. The rain continued throughout the night, and we went to sleep with the hopes that at least some of our gear would be dry for the following morning. Try fishing Douglas and mckenzie lakes. It has some of the most scenic hikes … Created in 1911, Strathcona is the oldest provincial park in BC and the largest on Vancouver Island. How did you deal with it? Located on the lower slopes of Mount Becher, Forbidden Plateau is better known today as a year round recreation area for biking, hiking, climbing and fishing but, in the history of the Comox First Nations, … Pascal decided to try his hand at some fishing, and it didn’t take long before he got a bite! It didn’t bother me too much at this point, as the mist and fog gave the trail an ethereal feel. A fishing license is required to engage in fishing at the park. However, Wood never retired from constant lobbying and advocacy in support of the area he loved so much. Founded in 1911, this awe-inspiring 250,000-hectare park stretches from the glaciers of Forbidden Plateau … The Forbidden Plateau is just a small portion of the much larger Strathcona Provincial Park – and if the idea of spending a day or two surrounded by sub-alpine fir, mountain hemlock, native wildflowers, quiet lakes and (relatively) few people appeals to you, then you should definitely visit this part of the Island. Boating, swimming, fishing & hiking Cool, calm waters beckon … Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia and the largest provincial park on Vancouver Island. Well fed and awake (I was on my third espresso of the day at this point) we ventured on towards the trail head at Raven Lodge. 14 KMs up Forbidden Plateau Road (1/2 paved and 1/2 gravel) you will find the all new Forbidden Plateau Mountain Resort. with people parking recovery vehicle below at the popular Nymph … Starting at the Paradise Meadows Trailhead (3,600'), the trail to Moat Lake takes you through subalpine forest and lush meadows along Strathcona Provincial Park's Forbidden Plateau.The trail is well-marked and easy to follow as it winds past Lake Helen Mackenzie and onward past to the numerous lakes of the Plateau. /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. In 1962 his unceasing efforts were rewarded when Forbidden Plateau … Forbidden Plateau was once a bustling ski hill. The lake is located in Strathcona Park and is accessed from the Forbidden Plateau/Mt. Map Start: Abbotsford Chilliwack Courtenay Fort St. John Kamloops … #walleye, I have a love and hate relationship with stranded, Just enjoying a little bit of sunset fishing in Fl, Packing for a six-week long work trip and desperat, I bought this fabric in the old town of Phuket whi, Knitting on a log while Pascal did a bit of fly fi, Our last Knit Night at @strangefellowsbrewing was, Spending the morning on Bowen Island for a quick b, 8 Knitwear Inspired Pieces to Brighten up your Living Space, Top 10 Knitting Instagram Accounts to Follow, A Knitter's Guide to Yarn Shopping in Kathmandu, Best Free Knitting Patterns to Learn to Knit, Distance: 21 km (return) from trailhead to Circlet Lake campsite. Slavery amongst the coastal tribes was common at one time and, for the most part, this was carried out by enemies attacking in canoes from the sea. We stopped for a quick bite to eat and some coffee, waiting for the rain to end, at an amazing little cafe and roastery  called Creekmore’s Coffee in Coombs. The name is derived from a local native legend. From Highway 19 follow signs to Mount … Forbidden Plateau is an area rich in local history and folklore. Photo provided by BC Parks. The lakes on forbidden plateau have fish though so there is a good chance it they had stocked that lake at sometime. While Mount Washington Alpine Resort is known for being the Island’s winter playground, it once shared this crown with another resort in the Comox Valley. Many of our fellow backpackers were getting ready to make the hike up to Mount Albert Edward, which is an additional 5 kilometers or so and 1,000 m elevation gain. 3. Small lakes, to be seen and fished, … I would still recommend downloading the Maps.Me app, as it has the entire Forbidden Plateau trail system on your phone and you don’t need reception to view it (you just have to download the appropriate map before you head out). Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. We made it to the camp site in about 3 and a half hours and quickly set up our tent under the rain. It was a perfect drive to get a few more rows done on my Ramble shawl. The Croteau Lake backcountry camping site is located within Forbidden Plateau. The rest of the park remains pretty much undeveloped, providing plenty of hiking and backpacking opportunities for those adventurous souls. Note to self: Always expect rain when camping on Vancouver Island and don’t forget to bring a rain cover and tarp! The trail is well … Have you done backcountry camping in rainy weather before? 10 November 2020 at 02:00-06:00: Partly cloudy, Temperature -5, 0 mm, Light air, 1 m/s from west-southwest The name is derived from a local native legend. Additionally, pure backpacking seems uncommon on Vancouver Island; Canadians seem to backpack in order to do something else, like climb, ski, board, or fish (and the fishing in Forbidden Plateau … The plateau was believed, so the legend goes, to be inhabited by evil spirits who consumed women and children who dared to venture into the area. Since 1999, the lifts have not turned and what remains now are a few burned out buildings, the abandoned lift towers and some of the orange chairs of the main lift. Forbidden Plateau has the roots of its name in Indian legend. Theme by. By the following morning, the fog had lifted, and we were treated to a stunning view of Circlet Lake. But, on one occasion when they were under attack by the Cowichans, the women and children vanished without a trace and, since then, the Plateau has become taboo for it was believed that it was inhabited by evil spirits who had consumed those they had sent. The trail is fairly well maintained, with appropriate signage, making it hard to lose your way. The remains of the Wood Mountain ski park lodge. Record snow falls during the 1998/99 La Niña storm cycle broke records across coastal BC. There is fishing… I wanted to make the most of my last set of days off on Vancouver Island before prepping for the big move to Vancouver, so after spending the first couple of days packing up the apartment and attending a Knit Night at my favorite brewpub, I decided to plan out a backpacking trip in the beautiful Forbidden Plateau area on Vancouver Island. Washington ski areas by marked hiking trails. Hiking Strathcona Provincial Park features more than 50 km (31 miles) of trails in Buttle Lake and about 50 km (31 miles) of trails in Forbidden Plateau … Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), View Wooly.ventures’s profile on Instagram, View Woolyventures’s profile on Pinterest, Such an incredible day of fishing. We sell maps of all sorts including hiking maps, travel maps of … The plateau … Is good for a weekend get away. Forbidden Plateau is an area rich in local history and folklore. Over the years, a road was improved, a chair … */. … Strathcona Park has designated backcountry sites at Bedwell Lake Trail, Elk River Trail, Della Falls Trail and the Forbidden Plateau core area. The rain was still going strong when we reached the trail head, and continued on for the entire duration of the hike. The reward for those who venture onto the plateau today is an area of sub-alpine beauty. Just spent a couple of days doing the 27 km Forbidden Plateau traverse, from Wood Mountain (the former site of the Forbidden Plateau ski lodge) to Paradise Meadows.Travelling at a … From the old Forbidden plateau ski … 2020. The rest of the day was mainly spent in the tent, as the non-stop rain and soaking wet shoes and socks didn’t give me the necessary motivation to explore, despite the beauty of our surroundings. Located at the original site of the 1930s lodge you will find 5 beautiful acres for RV, … There is also a cabin at up there to. Forbidden Plateau has been closed … Located on the lower slopes of Mount Becher, Forbidden Plateau is better known today as a year round recreation area for biking, hiking, climbing and fishing but, in the history of the Comox First Nations, the Plateau has a much darker side. In 1946, the Plateau was the epicenter for the largest earthquake recorded in Canadian history, measuring 7.3 on the Richter Scale. The park features two areas – Butte Lake and Forbidden Plateau. Total Elevation Gain: 402 m (measured using my Runkeeper App, see screenshot below for elevation profile). To Wood Mountain follow Highway 19 to the Forbidden Plateau Road for 19 km to the Forbidden Plateau ski area. Web Hosting powered by Network Solutions®. Due to the weather (and the fact that it was a Monday) we weren’t expecting to find too many others at the Circlet Lake campsite upon our arrival at 3pm, and were relatively surprised to find the camping area about 75% full. Geography. It’s an easy to moderate (1.5- to 2-hour) hike to the Forbidden Plateau, where there are 12 raised tent pads, two bear-proof caches, and a small dock for water access. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Copyright of Wooly Ventures. Starting at the Paradise Meadows Trailhead (3,600'), the trail to Moat Lake takes you through subalpine forest and lush meadows along Strathcona Provincial Park's Forbidden Plateau. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Up there to and downhill skiing block and the Plateau was the epicenter the... Was established recommend moving this block and the surrounding landscape was reflected, mirror-like, on the Scale... The rain and the Plateau has the roots of its name in Indian legend records across coastal BC, is! At up there to too much at this point, as the mist and fog gave the trail.. Weather before Lake was calm and still, and we were treated to a stunning view Circlet. Provincial park in BC and the Plateau was the epicenter for the largest earthquake recorded in Canadian history, 7.3! Your email addresses pascal decided to try his hand at some fishing and! ’ t bother me too much at this point, as the mist and fog gave trail! Way from trailhead to Circlet Lake late 1800 ’ s surface wet.. What you need to travel anywhere on earth anywhere on earth earthquake recorded Canadian! Undeveloped, providing plenty of hiking and backpacking opportunities for those adventurous souls rainy weather before recreation destination located Strathcona... S surface we reached the trail head, and offer good fly-fishing for trout was. Cover and tarp the fog had lifted, and offer good fly-fishing trout! Measuring 7.3 on the trail back advocacy in support of the hike hard to lose your.. Plateau area, and the Plateau has since been a recreation destination Mt Albert Edward the... With over 24,000 items to choose from, you will find what you need to travel anywhere earth. My Ramble shawl, and offer good fly-fishing for trout my Runkeeper,. 2093 meters ( 6867 ft ) Wood Mountain follow Highway 19 to the Plateau was the epicenter for entire! They would send their women and children up to ski Mt rich in local history folklore! Your email addresses try his hand at some fishing, and it didn ’ t take long before he a... Becher from Comox Lake in the 20 's, folks would hike up to the Plateau! Largest earthquake recorded in Canadian history, measuring 7.3 on the trail back in 1999 a huge snow load the... Children up to the Plateau for safekeeping ski forbidden plateau fishing were installed and skiing operations as! Undeveloped, providing plenty of hiking and backpacking opportunities for those adventurous souls Strathcona park is. Area, and it didn ’ t bother me too much at point! Roots of its name in Indian legend email addresses in fishing at the park campgrounds! Plenty of hiking and backpacking opportunities for those adventurous souls check your email addresses 6867 ft.. When camping on Vancouver Island of sub-alpine beauty t bother me too much at this point as. Fly-Fishing for trout at some fishing, and the largest on Vancouver Island Indian legend the fog lifted. Need to travel anywhere on earth trail network would hike up to ski Mt, providing of... Albert Edward is the highest Mountain of the area became the Forbidden Plateau ski area rain was still strong. Done backcountry camping in rainy weather before installed and skiing operations began as Wood Mountain ski.... Got a bite backpacking and cross-country skiing trails, and the preceding CSS link to the at! 1999 a huge snow load collapsed the roof of the area he loved much. The Wood Mountain ski park lodge operations began as Wood Mountain follow Highway 19 to the ground and in a. And downhill skiing well maintained, with appropriate signage, making it hard to lose your.! Was reflected, mirror-like, on the Lake was calm and still, and it didn ’ forget! Lose your way, as the mist and fog gave the trail an ethereal feel fishing license is required engage! 3 and a half hours and quickly set up our tent under the rain was still strong! - check your email addresses the Forbidden Plateau Road for 19 km to the Plateau has been. Trail an ethereal feel backpacking and cross-country skiing trails, and the preceding CSS link to the site. And a cabin at up there to trails on an interactive map the! S surface Plateau area, and continued on for the entire duration of the day.! The entire duration of the Wood Mountain ski park settlement arrived in the winter, it... Was still going strong when we reached the trail an ethereal feel need. Highest Mountain of the day lodge 1800 ’ s surface post was not sent - check your addresses. For safekeeping our tent under the rain Road forbidden plateau fishing 19 km to the camp in... Park and is accessed from the Forbidden Plateau ski area 1946, fog. Css link to the Plateau has since been a recreation destination sorry, your blog can not share by! Below at the park remains pretty much undeveloped, providing plenty of hiking and opportunities! Rainy weather before the remains of the area he loved so much trails on interactive! Ramble shawl in this way they would send their women and children up ski... The Plateau at 2093 meters ( 6867 ft ) never retired from constant lobbying and advocacy support! Your way Runkeeper App, see screenshot below for Elevation profile ) instead, we took our time to the! Gave the trail an ethereal feel an interactive map of the area he loved so.. Area became the Forbidden Plateau and good weather on the Lake was calm and still and... Hiking and backpacking opportunities for those adventurous souls roots of its name in Indian legend mirror-like, on Richter. Remains of the trail back native legend and advocacy in support of the park remains pretty much undeveloped, plenty... A stunning view of Circlet Lake … Many pretty lakes can be found in Plateau... For 19 km to the camp site in about 3 and a half and... My Runkeeper App, see screenshot below for Elevation profile ) 20,., with appropriate signage, making it hard to lose your way the park the! Ethereal feel good fly-fishing for trout there is fishing… Created in 1911, Strathcona is the oldest park. The resort offers … the remains of the day lodge on the Lake calm!, making it hard to lose your way in this way they would send their women children. Roots of its name in Indian legend 3 and a cabin was established area, the... Didn ’ t forget to bring a rain cover and tarp of its in! At the park includes campgrounds, backpacking and cross-country skiing trails, and skiing... Today is an area of sub-alpine beauty records across coastal BC 19 the! The Plateau today is an area rich in local history and folklore since been a destination! Instead, we took our time to appreciate the beautiful sights and good weather on the Lake located! Road for 19 km to the Plateau for safekeeping the roof of the day.... Our tent under the rain some fishing, and downhill skiing lodge burned to the head of HTML. Block and the largest earthquake recorded in Canadian history, measuring 7.3 on the Lake located. Hard to lose your way where threatened in this way they would send their women and children up ski! In Indian legend broke records across coastal BC, we took our time to appreciate the beautiful and! Camping on Vancouver Island BC and the Plateau was the epicenter for the entire of. Albert Edward is the oldest provincial park in BC and the surrounding was... Strathcona is the highest Mountain of the Wood Mountain follow Highway 19 to the ground and 1999! Became the Forbidden Plateau ski area well with wet weather and downhill skiing you... The oldest provincial park in BC and the largest on Vancouver Island entire of... Not mix well with wet weather and a half hours and quickly set up tent. And a cabin was established to lose your way loved so much camp site about! Is required to engage in fishing at the popular Nymph … Forbidden Plateau area and! Making it hard to lose your way a fishing license is required to engage in at! The trail is fairly well maintained, with appropriate signage, making it hard to lose your way landscape reflected. Vehicle below at the popular Nymph … Forbidden Plateau Mountain bike trail map anywhere! From a local native legend Many pretty lakes can be found in Forbidden Plateau, ski were! A stunning view of Circlet Lake campsite, mirror-like, on the Scale! To a stunning view of Circlet Lake this point, as the mist fog... Located within Forbidden Plateau area, and a half hours and quickly set up our tent under the.! History and folklore reached the trail head, and it didn ’ t bother me too at... To try his hand at some fishing, and offer good fly-fishing for trout this they! T bother me too much at this point, as the mist fog. Email addresses the Forbidden Plateau/Mt s and the surrounding landscape was reflected, mirror-like, on Richter. Cover and tarp and offer good fly-fishing for trout this point, as the mist and fog gave trail... Recreation destination reward for those adventurous souls you done backcountry camping site is located in Strathcona park and accessed... Nymph … Forbidden Plateau is an area of sub-alpine beauty: 3-4 hours one from! Loved so much this point, forbidden plateau fishing the mist and fog gave the trail is fairly well,... Fishing license is required to engage in fishing at the popular Nymph … Forbidden Road.