August 3, 2024
~ submitted by Evan Martin
I met Christine, Dean, and Sarah at the start of Marion Creek FSR at 10:00. After quick introductions we proceeded to drive to the trail head. We took two vehicles – a small truck and an SUV – neither of which had any trouble on the FSR. It was in very good condition. We parked at the large pullout on the right hand side at the top of the hill near the 10km mark. After gathering our gear we proceed to walk another 400m up the road to the trail head. It was 10:30 by the time we left the trail head. Not quite the alpine start Dean was hoping for, but coming from Victoria I was happy to have a good night sleep.
Navigation on the trail was very straight forward. There was a large information board at the start of the trail, and the trail itself is well used. The trail is steep, with the steepest sections on the lower part of trail. A few short sections required scampering up very rooty spots and there is one rocky step requiring a couple easy climbing moves. The most difficult sections had fixed hand lines so, although tough, should be manageable by anyone wishing to complete this hike.




We took a casual pace and made it to the lake after 2 hours. We knew by the number of cars in the parking lot and the number of people on the trail that it was going to busy, but none of us were prepared for the crowds at the lake. It reminded me of Blackcomb Lake rather than what I expected from a small alpine lake on Vancouver Island.


Despite the crowds, it was a hot and sweaty climb, so we were all happy for a break. Christine and Sarah decided it was time for a swim, while Dean and I stayed on the shore and had a snack. Once we were all refreshed, it was time to head for the summit. Christine decided to listen to her body and join the bikini party by the lake rather than attempt the summit.
It took Dean, Sarah and I about 2 hours to reach the summit and return to the lake. The trail to summit is not as a steep as the trail to the lake. The scenery was beautiful at the top. The patches of lingering snow, the blooming wildflowers, and the uninhibited views combined for spectacular scenery. My favourite part was views of the various alpine lakes and numerous seasonal tarns. After signing the summit register and getting educated by Dean on the surrounding peaks we returned to the lake. We didn’t linger long at the summit as Christine was waiting for by the lake and hadn’t taken her book.


After returning to the lake, everyone decided to take another dip. Even I – who usually avoids the water – decided to go for a short swim. The water was very comfortable, not the bitter cold I’m used to. I didn’t take dedicated swimming clothes, but it was hot enough that the clothes I was wearing were dry by the time we returned to the car.



We were back at the car by 16:30, and back at Hwy 4 by 17:00, for a total return trip of 7 hours including the logging road (6 hours return trip from the trail head). Although there were a few trips and slips on the steep dusty trail on the way down, we all made it back to the car happy and glad to have had an enjoyable day out. Congratulations to Sarah on her first Ramblers hike and for completing a hike that she’d been wanting to complete for a long time.