NTS Map:92F2. This trail leads into the saddle between Mt. Cokely and Mt. Arrowsmith. The main peaks of Mt. Arrowsmith can be reached by following the ridge to the south of the saddle. The main or highest peak should not be attempted from this direction without the use of a climbing rope. Scrambling up to the north of the saddle route leads to the west ridge of Mt. Cokely.
This trail is right beside:
Directions:
From the Mt. Arrowsmith Ski Hill sign follow Summit Mail 2.7km to the junction with Cameron Main, turn left and drive 7.7km to the Pass Main junction on your left. Drive 7.3 km up Pass Main to the intersection of Pass 37 and park on the side of the road. Hike up Pass 37 and locate the trailhead at the end of road.
ByPosted By: Tripitaka
- Tue Sep 13 16:51:24 EDT 2011
UpsideGreat views, least amount of ascent to high-peaks, well flagged.
DownsideNo access to the peak of Mt Arrowsmith without climbing gear (or bravado bordering on insanity). Climb to the lower peaks of Arrowsmith from the saddle is a tough, hand-hold climb for most/all.
CommentI originally planned an ascent to Mt Arrowsmith via Judges to do some sunrise, sunset and night-time photography. My new hiking buddy changed the plans at the last minute as he had hiked the saddle route before. Only when we got to the saddle did he declare that he had never been to the top of Arrowsmith - in fact, what he thought was Arrowsmith was in fact Cokely. D'oh! Too late to turn back, we pressed on, only to be stopped in our tracks along the Arrowsmith ridge by the deep cleft; traversing it wasn't an option as I was carrying a 55lb pack of overnight and camera gear.
Never defeated, I got some great shots from the location and also got to see the alpine meadows. The saddle is a great location in its own right so I'm happy enough with the route we ended up taking and I can always go back and do the Judges route another time.
ByPosted By: Thuja
- Sun Jun 19 13:45:32 EDT 2011
Not Rated
QuestionHiking timesI'm very curious to know about return times for these routes. The book 'Hiking Vancouver Island' describes these hiking times:
Saddle Route - 3 hours
Judge's Route - 6 hours
But it's not clear whether these are return times or one-way. I'm looking to do the Judge's Route next weekend, but wondering whether we're looking at a 6-hour or 12-hour day hike. Can anyone help out?
ByPosted By: malaman
- Mon Sep 01 23:09:27 EDT 2008
Upsidegreat views,well traveled and a photographers dream
Downsidecould have flagging a little closer togeather in some spots, could have a small sign down by the parking area.
CommentLoved it and got some great shots.
ByPosted By: Tayler
- Wed Apr 09 12:17:57 EDT 2008
Not Rated
Questionwhat about judges routeme and some friends got up to the saddle last year, but we want to make it all the way to the top. my dad says that judges route is the way we should go. i'm wondering if there is another way to get to the summit, i heard that you can get there from the saddle, but im not sure how. is judges route the best way to go, or is there another way? i am an experianced rock climber with my belay ticket so if needed can do that.
ByPosted By: Dora the Explorer
- Sun Aug 13 17:25:01 EDT 2006
UpsideQuick access to the alpine and heart throbbing views of Alberni and the coast. Not a Super-human trail but tough enough to weed out the weak and those afraid of heights.
DownsideNone for me!
CommentFor a nice 4 hour loop-if you aren't afraid of heights- hike up the Saddle Route to the actual saddle, go left, climbing up the North side of Cokely, check out Cokely's summit and return down the exposed ridge of Cokely to the logging road 600m from where you parked your car. Cokely ridge also has a couple of climbs and descents before dropping quickly to the bottom. Don't miss the flagged left turn 3/4 of the way along the ridge. Only recommended if you are prepared for some hand-hold climbing with steep drop-offs and are moderately good at route finding as flagging is sporatic. I wouldn't recommended this loop for kids.
ByPosted By: Derrick
- Thu Feb 24 01:34:13 EST 2005
UpsideGreat trail in all aspects.
CommentI have done this hike at all times of the year in all conditions, great fun.
ByPosted By: diandwill
- Tue Sep 14 00:58:27 EDT 2004
UpsideLoved the views and the flowers in the meadows, went up in mid August. Also a fairly short hike
DownsideSteep and if it's been raining the rocks could be slippery
CommentI'd recommend this hike, great views and worth the climb up. Also it is easily accessible to us that live mid-island.
ByPosted By: Beast of Burden
- Sat Sep 11 12:10:42 EDT 2004
UpsideGreat Views
CommentA great hike for all year round if you are prepared properly.
Posted By: Tripitaka
Posted By: Dora the Explorer
