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Castlecrag Mountain

Castlecrag Mountain is a mountain located on Vancouver Island. Castlecrag Mountain is located South of Moat Lake, 1.6 km West of Mount Frink along the same ridge line.

Castlecrag Mountain is often climbed as part of the Castlecrag – Mt. Frink loop. This route starts at Circlet Lake, accessed from Paradise Meadows and the Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

The name Castlecrag Mountain comes from the appearance of the North aspect. The Geographic Board of the BC Geographic Names Office deemed Castle Crag too obscure, instead adopting Castlecrag Mountain in 1948.

Overview

Castlecrag Mountain is one of 4 lesser summits in the area of Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia dominated by Mount Albert Edward.

The mountain’s appeal lies in its dramatic, craggy aspect when approached from the north and in the fact that it forms part of a spectacular high circular route taking in 3 summits and their connecting ridges.
The summit is a worthy destination in its own right, offering wonderful views straight down to Moat Lake, NW across to the higher summits of Mts. Albert Edward and Frink and south down the chain of peaks as far as the Comox Glacier. It is also far less frequented than the popular return hike to Mt Albert Edward from Circlet or Kwai Lakes.
Like most mountains in the immediate area, Castlecrag can be climbed in winter and spring on snowshoes or skis. It can also be tackled in a long day from cars without the need to camp. The round trip distance is approximately 30km with a 750m elevation difference.

Fast Facts

  • Lat/Lon: 49.66300°N / 125.387°W
  • Object Title: Castlecrag Mountain
  • Activities: Hiking, Skiing
  • Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
  • Elevation: 5709 ft / 1740 m

Red Tape

If you are a day-tripper, there is nothing to pay. If camping at Kwai or Circlet Lakes, or anywhere else in the designated core area of Strathcona Park, there is a $5/person/day fee. There is a self-registration box and payment slot at every core designated trailhead. Payment can be by cash or cheque. I haven’t seen a stipulation specifying Canadian funds but I’m sure Parks wouldn’t refuse a cheque in US funds.

Camping

In this and all core areas of Strathcona Park you must camp only in the designated areas. For this hike it would  mean camping at Kwai or Circlet Lakes. At each you will find a dozen or so wooden platforms. If none are available choose a site on the dirt that will cause as little impact as possible. Fires are strictly prohibited, so you must pack a stove. Both camping areas have a pit toilet and bear proof food cache. Giardia is well documented throughout Strathcona Park, so boil or treat all water.

Time and Distance:

Complete the formalities (see below) and head out across the boardwalk onto Paradise Meadows. The approach to Castlecrag can be made as part of a circular route enabling infrequent visitors to see as much of the park as possible. I recommend going out via Battleship, Croteau and Kwai Lakes and returning on the somewhat shorter route via Hairtrigger and Helen Mackenzie Lakes. This also offers the option to camp at Kwai Lake if this is as far as you want to carry a heavy pack without backtracking from Whiskey Meadows. If you are planning a day trip, whether just to Castlecrag or on the complete high level circuit, going out and back via Lake Helen Mackenzie will save at least an hour if time is a critical issue. Either choice brings you in 2-4 hours, depending on your pack weight and the photo opportunities en route, to a marked trail junction for the campground at Circlet Lake. If you are staying here the night, turn right and along the shore of the small unnamed lake before dropping down slightly into the bowl that holds Circlet. If you are undertaking a day trip, head straight on across the head of the small lake and up the trail towards Mt Albert Edward. Average time to Castlecrag summit from this point with a light pack is about 2.5 hours. 

Five minutes up the trail watch for an old Comox and District Mountaineering Club (CDMC) wooden sign mounted high on a tree and indicating the way to Moat Lake. This is the beginning of the high circular route taking in the summits of Castlecrag, Mt Frink and connecting with the upper section of Albert Edward’s NE ridge. Take the left hand trail. The way is clearly marked and well used at least as far as Moat Lake, which you reach in less than 30 minutes from the Circlet Lake junction. Moat Lake lies in the base of a spectacular cirque defined by Castlecrag and the lower NE ridge of Albert Edward. Pass privately owned Stuart Wood Island with its A frame cabins as you hike south along the east shore of the lake. Carry straight on south to the end of the lake and up on to the shoulder of a ridge running NE off Castlecrag. This section of the trail receives little if any maintenance and is becoming a bit overgrown. Go across the shoulder and into an open basin on the east (left) side of the ridge. The summit is now in full view. 

The trail makes a beeline for a low point on Castlecrag’s East Ridge crossing a large boulder field just prior to reaching there. As soon as you arrive on the East Ridge look for flagging and a sharp right turn. A well-worn path flatters to deceive by leading straight on across to the south side of the ridge but soon peters out into bush. Having taken the correct right turn you are now heading west on the opposite side of the summit block to that you approached on. Climb up towards the summit until you reach a well-marked junction. Straight on for the circular route and Mt Frink, which now lies directly in front of you to the west, and right (NE) up to Castlecrag. The summit is a 15-minute scramble from here. There is a summit register to read and sign while you’re enjoying the wonderful views.

Reverse the spur route down to the main trail and then carry on over Mt Frink and Albert Edward or simply retrace the above back to camp or your car.

Directions:

Vancouver Island can be reached by air from Vancouver to Victoria, Nanaimo or Campbell River and by ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria on The Coho and on BC Ferries from Vancouver to Victoria or Nanaimo. Public transport on the Island is relatively poor and anyone arriving by air would be advised to rent a car. Access in this case is all on paved roads and, therefore, fine with a normal sedan. Approach from north or south in the Inland Highway 19. Near Courtenay take the Strathcona Parkway exit west to Mount Washington Alpine Resort (the reason for the paved road to 1000m). Drive up 20km and just before reaching the resort make a left turn onto Henry Road, following Parks signs for Paradise Meadows. Pass the bottom of the ski lifts after 1.5km and drive a further 0.5km to the end of the paved road at the cross-country facility Raven Lodge. 
Parks have established a new trailhead and information booth right beside the lodge. If you get back from your trip before 5:30 pm, the Raven Lodge has a lovely view over to the mountains and is a great place for the beer you so rightfully deserve!