During the strong earthquake of June 24, 1946, a part of Mount Colonel Foster fell away into the lake below, now officially named Landslide Lake. The water was displaced so violently that it caused havoc in this part of the valley, taking out hundreds of trees down to bedrock for about 800 metres. This scar is still clearly visible.

Though part of a main route to the Golden Hinde (3/4 days one way), the Elk River Trail is used mostly by those who want to hike in to Landslide Lake. They camp en route and take a daypack on the second day, either camping a second night or heading out. Note that camping at Landslide Lake is not allowed.

At about 9.5 km, a side trail to Landslide Lake leaves the Elk River Trail after it crosses the outfall stream where BC Parks has installed a new bridge. A newly constructed trail climbs to the side of a waterfall (very impressive in flood) and leads to Landslide Lake.

For those en route to the Golden Hinde this makes a pleasant lunch break, provided that backpacks are stashed and not carried up to the lake and down again.

Accessed via Highway 28 to Gold River. From the bridge at Buttle Narrows drive about 23 km on Highway 28, and find a sign to Elk River Trail just before Drum Lakes. Driving time from Campbell River is about 1 hour.

Hiking trails in Strathcona Provincial Park:

Bedwell Lake Trail
Della Falls Trail
Elk River Trail
Kwai Loop Trail
Landslide Lake Trail
Lupin Falls Nature Walk
Mount Albert Edward Trail
Paradise Meadows Loop
Sawdust Trail

Click for companies that offer Hiking & Backpacking services, or visit our Recreation section for more information on Hiking and Backpacking in British Columbia.

Trail information for Vancouver Island is provided in three superb Hiking Trails guides by the Vancouver Island Trails Information Society.