In the interest of maximizing the bagging pleasure in the most efficient manner, Ran, Wade and I would like to contribute this six-hour four-Bagger for your consideration.
Here's the big picture:
Peaks: MAR, UNN (See Howe Sound Crest/Brittania Range) and HOL, STR (Cypress Group.) May also want to include BLA for a 5-Bagger.
Start: Cypress Mountain Provincial Park. Ski area parking lot. (Pay parking, so bring loonies.)
Finish: Same as start. (Big loop.)
Distance: not sure. didn't bring GPS.
Time: We took just less than 6 hours. This includes a 30-minute side-adventure and a few leisurely picnics. We ran most of it at a steady pace.
Route:
- take Howe Sound Crest Trail (HCST) to Unnecessary Mountain. This took us under 2 hours on a fine day. Great views on a clear day. Water at Strachan Creek, but should be purified.
- return via HSCT to Strachan Creek. Take the small trail on north side of the bridge up the narrow valley to Mt. Strachan. Climb with creek to your right. At the top, take the trail to your left to save tears later, as the true peak of Mt. Strachan is the one on your left! Figure about 30 mins to the peak
- go to the lower peak of Strachan across the valley. Top of the ski lifts. Stay left at the liftie shack and take the trail that leads eastward through a swampy area and parallels the ski runs. In about 20 minutes, stop to pay your respects at the plane crash site. Continue downhill till you hit the ski run. Hollyburn Peak is right in front of you
- steep trail up Hollyburn. Descent on other side is on very well-traveled, runnable trail. Just after you reach cross-country ski area boundary, look for Baden-Powell Trail sign on your right. Take BP trail back to Cypress parking lot.
Notes:
- all 3 of us had already bagged Black Mountain (BLK) and we were bagged from our run. If you don't also have BLK in the bag, consider completing your Cypress Sweep by doing it now. Figure 1.5-2 hours out and back
- if possible, pick a nice day for this. Views are awesome!
