Mount Pogo

October 2nd, 2022

~submitted by Dean Beaulac

Often looked at, but much more overlooked is the infamous Pogo Mtn. After many years of looking at it, and being smart enough to not head up there solo without tracks….I lucked out and joined an Island Mountain Ramblers hosted trip on October 2! 

One of the first things that needs to be addressed, is that Pogo falls within the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks. The group had addressed this with an online donation to the Trail Guardians, and I will suggest the same.

Onto the 14.2km and 1296m gain that would be our day. Pogo is a tough one to rate, and as anticipated is a bit of a struggle to describe. It’s definitely what I’m sure a majority would describe as outside of a “hike”. I’ll give it the respect it deserves, but it was also everything I’d always anticipated. A heavy bushwhack, some scrambling, some exposure, and a mountain that you would want experience for. The bushwhack itself was thick in some spots, although for the most part there is lightly booted track and flagging. We had lucked out with a hot day and avoided the assumed soaking wet bush. As far as gear goes, we brought helmets which proved to be a good idea as there were plenty of loose rocks bouncing around, and a rope/harness just in case anyone was uncomfortable with the more exposed sections… but which wasn’t needed. 

I can guarantee the awesome weather we had played a big role in how the day went. With lots of time scrambling up and down things, and especially around the more exposed sections, I wouldn’t want to be up there on a wet day!! I’m beyond glad for the day we had though, the views were incredible! I get a lot of imaginary views, and I’m glad that wasn’t the case here. Definitely one of the cooler trips I’ve been on this year! Such an awesome –and at times gruelling– day spent out with a group of like-minded people. 

For those interested in visiting the lands in the Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Park, please, check in at the Zipline tour, and/or make a contribution through their website: https://tribalparks.com/donate/?fbclid=IwAR1YErybAskCYsp0NelDTWRtx02-YRtI5fLOEFUtQqLz5fKFoVQbdnV1Lh8