Date: Jul 10, 2026 to Jul 12, 2026
Time: All Day
Category: Backpacking
By way of introduction: Mt. Myra is a classic, easier 3-day mountain backpack for those that have previous backpacking experience, perhaps on coastal trails, that want to take their backpacking levels up a notch. It is an excellent first mountain backpack for those that are fit and wanting to attempt more elevation. Or this trip is also excellent for more mature and experienced mountain backpackers that don’t crave anything too intense or edgy. Our pace will be steady and moderate. There will be no attempts to make any speed records or rush! We will proceed safely and with focus and intention, enjoying the journey and any natural features, plants and such, along the way.
We will drive up island on the Friday morning to the trailhead just past the Myra Mine, in order to backpack up to Sandbag Lake that afternoon, where we will camp overnight. On Saturday morning we will hike up to Mt. Myra (there are no technical portions to accomplishing this summit) from camp where we can soak in the expansive views. It is not a huge distance, so depending on the speed and energy of the participants, if time allows we can potentially go exploring in the afternoon along the ridge to the north to see views down to McNish and Carwithin Lakes. We will spend a second night at Sandbag Lake and backpack out early on Sunday morning, allowing time to drive back down island to Victoria (or where ever our participants are from!) in the afternoon.
This trip will be weather dependent.
Required Skills: Backpacking experience is a firm requirement – no total beginners please! Comfort with hiking on rough trails and off trail is essential. The trail to Sandbag Lake has a few scrambly bits and a steady steep grade, so endurance is necessary.
Required Equipment: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, a hiking pole or poles, the 10 essentials (including rain gear, water, water filtration, any personal first aid items or medication required, sun protection, headlamp, extra food, etc.).
Hazards: Can include, but are not limited to, muddy and/or dry trails that still can be slippery due to pine cones and woody debris in the forest and loose pebbles and moveable rock higher up. Tripping hazards from roots, rocks, fallen branches, etc.
Maximum participants: 8
Co-leaders: Peggy Taylor & Ingo Lambrecht. Please email Peggy Taylor at to register. Please copy Ingo on your email as well – .
If I do not know you, please include details of your backpacking experience and detail where you have backpacked in the last 3 years. Registration will not necessarily be first come, first serve, but based on appropriate skill and fitness levels as well.