Just enough snow to make it more beautiful, but not so much to make it a laborious hike. We took the trail to the far right of the main parking lot, crossed the creek below the waterfalls, and up to the west ridge. A steep trail at times, but well-marked and with some great views.
Crossing McGarrigle Creek

A steep trail at times

Some fancy footwork required in places

Views to the west, more beautiful with the snow covering the clearcut areas

Not much view from up top!

Cold up top with a breeze, so we descended down the gully between the two summits and stopped for a quick lunch, before descending via the Tetuxtun Trail.
Impressive Douglas Fir

And then down the direct route back to the trailhead

With just under five hours return we didn’t break any speed records, but a great outing regardless.Thanks to the Nanaimo Area Land Trust and the Regional District of Nanaimo for preserving this beautiful area on our doorstep.