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A trail with seemingly endless switchbacks with outstanding alpine views in the last quarter.


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Map Key

6.5

Miles

10.4

KM

64%

Runnable

5,041' 1,537 m

High

734' 224 m

Low

4,656' 1,419 m

Up

541' 165 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

66%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

Runner Notes

Trail is very steep and narrow in sections with significant exposure, particularly near the top. Lots of rocks and roots with high consequence makes for active hiking and high-risk trail running.

Description

The first part of the trail is a 1km crossing of Buttle Lake from the Augerpoint Trailhead parking lot. Try and time your crossing either before noon or after 5PM to avoid the high afternoon winds.

The trail starts at the Philips Ridge Marine Campsite and ascends gently at the start through a gorgeous mixed deciduous and coniferous forest. It is well graded and very easy to follow and is characterized by an enormous number of switchbacks in order to make the 1270m elevation gain more palatable. There are some large Douglas-Firs and Hemlocks at the lower elevations with Yellow Cedars frequenting the higher elevations.

Trail is a mix of gravel, loam, dirt, loose rock and bluffy rocks with some mild exposure near the top.

The end of the trail crests the ridge and opens up into a wonderful hillocky meadow with many tarns and different sized lakes.The last quarter of the trail is in the open alpine zone with stunning views back down to the lake and the eastern Strathcona peaks across the valley.

Fast travelers have completed the trail in 3-4 hours while mere humans usually take 5-6 hrs.
The Marble Meadows trail extracts a heavy toll in the many switchbacks to get to the alpine zone, but the rewards are stunning including alpine peaks, geological interest, and fossil deposits.

If you're looking to head deeper into the backcountry, this trail continues further west, contouring around the multiple alpine lakes in this lofty area.

Flora & Fauna

Lots of wildflowers in July. Potential for bear sightings.

Contacts

Land Manager: BC Parks

Shared By:

Ang Lopez

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#11884

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
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3 Star
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Trail Rankings

#11,884

Overall
5 Views Last Month
5,859 Since Aug 18, 2015
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Photos

Unloading canoe after crossing Buttle Lake
Aug 18, 2015 near Courtenay, BC
A panorama from the extreme eastern section of Marble Meadows.
Aug 18, 2015 near Courtenay, BC
Took a break in this clearing with a great view of the north slope of Philips Ridge and the eastern summits.
Aug 18, 2015 near Courtenay, BC
Views open up at around 1400m looking south into Buttle Lake and the southeastern Strathcona peaks.
Aug 18, 2015 near Courtenay, BC
A view downward from near the crest of the trail.
Aug 18, 2015 near Courtenay, BC
A quick look at the  map.
Aug 18, 2015 near Courtenay, BC

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