Description

Mt Harvey is a popular steep hike/scramble on the Howe Sound Crest.

It's a lung testing hike, but famous for it's views and being a good introduction to scrambling.

Trailhead: There are two options.

The first option is the Lions, Tunnel Bluffs, and Brunswick Trailhead at the Northern edge of Lions Bay Village.

It's ruthlessly enforced as local residents don't like people coming to their little town.

If the parking lot is full the second option is to get back on Highway 99, and take the turn off after the big bend beside Magnesia Creek.

This spot is larger and does have signs warning of towing, however as of 2021 phone call with the towing company this is not enforced.

The route follow this path. 1.The Trail starts by following steep residential road on the north side and leads to a trail that winds upwards to the forest service road. 2.

The Forest Service Road winds upwards, with turn offs for Tunnel Bluffs and Brunswick.

Keep going past these. 3.

Just before descending to Alberta Creek bridge, look for a steep offshoot from the main trail 4.

It's a steep climb for a couple hours until you make the ridge proper.

5.

Here the trail mellows out through small meadows between the trees.

6.Continue along as the trail gets rocky.

7.

There are some steeper sections of very easy scrambling where you might need to use one hand.

Some sections are bypassable by sticking more to the trees.

Look for well trodden paths.

It's also advisable to not go up something you aren't comfortable down climbing.

8.

The route becomes easier after about 20m of scrambling and it's a short steep hike to the summit.

If you find yourself using two hands, backtrack as you are probably off course as the route should not get this difficult The route is often done with snowshoes in the winter as well.

In some winter and spring conditions ice axes, crampons and helmets are required.

Be warned though as the cornices that form are huge, and claimed the lives of 5 people a couple years ago.

This route should only be done with Avalanche Safety One training.