Red Pillar, Argus and Harmston (C3)

Trip leader/ contact: Jane Alcock-White <>

Hiking Distance: 30 km

Elevation Gain: 2800-3000 m

Estimated Hiking Time: 10 hours+ daily

Max # Participants: 2

Rope:
• This trip will require a rope for rappelling

Dogs: No

Required Equipment:


• the Ten Essentials


• climbing harness, helmet, & ATC (available from club library)


• crampons (available from club library)


• ice axe (available from club library)

• $ 10 for wear and tear on ropes


• mountaineering overnight kit

Trip Details:
 Timing is also iffy with the gates – I’ve chosen a long weekend so we have 3 days but they could be closed due to fire hazard (note: now closed and organizing a key). We will canoe across Oshinow Lake so people need access to canoes – we could do 3 people per 2 canoes but it can be hard to cram in 3 people and packs in a canoe. The paddle takes about an hour. The road to Oshinow lake is a long logging road, generally well maintained but it gets narrower and rougher closer to the lake. My van can’t quite make it to the easy boat launch beach on the lake and I have to launch in the river and drag my canoe up the rapids (about 30m). I also drive like a granny in my van, which eats up quite a lot of time, just because my van isn’t really logging road material (Toyota Sienna).

Day 1 will involve getting to our base camp on the ridge below Red Pillar and then climbing the South Ridge. We will start with the canoe and then climb a steep hill in the forest before breaking out onto the ridge and getting to our campsite before heading up red pillar.

On day 2, we’ll tackle Argus and then Harmston. The routes are likely just the standard ones: Southwest Ridge (Argus) over to the Southeast Ridge (Harmston).

Day 3, we’ll head out, paddle back to our vehicles and get out before the gate closes but I’m trying to get a key.

If you have a higher clearance vehicle than mine, or 4X4, it’ll make the drive easier (for you).

NOTE: Pls email the trip leader for a map of an approximation of our route (pink track).

Rendezvous Location and time:
Port Alberni Petro Canada (corner of Pacific Rim Hwy and Beaver Creek Rd) at 6:30 am

Estimated Automotive Expenses
Estimated automotive expense rate calculated from Alberni Gas Station (we could meet elsewhere too): up to 2 passengers $29.56 (each), 3 passengers $24.71 (each). These are the estimated rates for a larger vehicle, the actual rate may vary.