Date: Jul 12, 2025
Time: All Day
Category:
Mount Landale & El Capitan via Lomas Lake
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Meet Time: 8:30 AM
Meeting Location: Cottonwood Main Gate – Google Maps Link (https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmaps.app.goo.gl%2F2zCQfzh8uZxYMp699&data=05%7C02%7CYvonne.Blum%40bcassessment.ca%7Cfeff136be6cf49afaa2e08dd9f8c5716%7C6fdb52003d0d4a8ab036d3685e359adc%7C0%7C0%7C638842147284843437%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=otkejbz1cA9bMDoJbcB8FBqi%2Bpk7bJ7fUlWYThJj19s%3D&reserved=0)
Trip Rating: B2/C2
Trip Overview:
Join us for a rugged and rewarding alpine day hike to Mount Landale, the southernmost summit accessed from Cottonwood Main above Cowichan Lake, and its stunning neighbour El Capitan. This route offers sweeping views, alpine lakes, and a mix of trail hiking, scrambling and some bushwhacking.
We’ll meet at the Cottonwood Main gate at 8:30 AM, coordinate carpools. A key to the gate allows us to drive approximately 8 km past the gate, saving 2+ hours of logging road walking. A all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle with high clearance is required for this access road due to rough conditions.
The hike begins with a moderate trail up to Lomas Lake, followed by a steeper ascent through a mix of terrain. Expect a blend of trail, bushwhack, and Grade 3 scrambling, including sections of very steep ground as we gain the saddle between the peaks.
We’ll summit Mount Landale first, return to the saddle, and then continue to El Capitan. The scramble up El Capitan leads to an enjoyable ridge walk with exceptional views.
If time and weather allow, we’ll stop at Lomas Lake for a quick dip on our return.
Goup Size & Carpooling:
Group size is initially limited to 5 participants (one vehicle). If additional drivers volunteer, we can open more spots. A AWD vehicle with good clearance is required for the logging road.
Weather: This trip may be rescheduled if the forecast calls for poor weather. Safety and visibility are key for the scrambling sections.
What to Bring:
- 10 essentials
- 2+ litres of water
- High-energy lunch & snacks
- Hiking boots with good tread
- Weather-appropriate layers (it can be windy/exposed)
- Poles
- Microspikes (recommended)
- Scrambling gloves (recommended)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Headlamp, first aid kit
- Swimsuit & towel (optional – for lake dip)
Trip Leaders:
- Sharleen James
- Yvonne Blum
RSVP Required: Contact Sharleen at with your ACC membership number to secure your spot.