Mount Arrowsmith-Judges Route (Port Alberni, BC)
Mount Arrowsmith is one of my favourite hikes on the island. Its central position means you have fabulous views and its fairly “easy” to get to. That being said, the hike is only 3km to the summit but it’s really steep. The elevation gain hits you the whole time, and there are barely any flat sections.
Arrowsmith Hike Stats
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult steep and exsposed
- Elevation: 1819m terrain map
- Elevation gain: +1000 m basically all up
- Distance: 6 km round trip
- Time: 4-7 hours
- Best Time: Anytime particularly nice at sunset
- Dog Friendly: I would say no to steep in sections
- Terrain: Scramble and Shale
- 4 x 4: Access to hike is on a well graded forestry Rd
The trail head is pretty difficult for an average hiker because there is a lot of loose shale and steep exposed areas. Going down was pretty brutal on the knees as well, so walking poles would be really helpful.
Views on the way up
There are several routes to take on Arrowsmith, but Judges Route is the only one you can take to get to the summit without mountaineering. Additionally, there is also a Saddle Trail that is pretty popular as well, that is shorter but will only take you to the saddle. The trail starts out going through the forest but it is really well marked. You will then go through a small valley between 2 large peaks, and at the end of the valley you will head right.
There is a radio tower and helipad close to the summit, but from there is is a short distance up to the summit where you will find more communication towers.
Not bad for the island!
You can see all of central Vancouver Island from the summit!
Mount Arrowsmith is the highest mountain on the southern portion of Vancouver Island, so there is a gorgeous 360 degree view at the summit and you can actually see both coasts! You will also be able to see the Alberni Valley, the southern mountains in Strathcona, the Coastal Mountains and the east and west coast of the island. There is a time capsule at the summit as well, which was pretty neat. It took us about 2.5 hours to get to the top, but it was definitely a grind.
Mt Arrowsmith Hike Directions
Follow Highway 4, east of Port Alberni and turn left on the logging road that is named Arrowsmith Ski Area (Loon Lake Main). Note, this road is not paved, so you might not want to bring a small car.
After 2-3kms turn left onto Cameron Main and follow this logging road for about 10km, looking for a sign that says Mt. Arrowsmith, where you will take a left. This road goes up to the old ski area. Look for the 4th branch on your right hand side (about 3kms up), which has a good spot to pull over and park immediately afterwards on your left.
There will be a large boulder on the right where the trail starts.
Mt Arrowsmith Logging Road Access
Mt Arrowsmith is a short but hard hike that is very worth it. The views of central Vancouver Island are incredible and worth every step. Sometimes access to the logging roads can be blocked on weekdays. It is best to check with the mosaic road postings to make sure its open. It is almost always opened every friday at 5 all weekend and closed sunday evening. The newest post is showing open at 8 am and closed at 4 every day, you can make sure here.
