Mount Liddell


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What:  A bushwhack with no view for the effort.  

Where:  Mount Liddell is located on the north-west end of Gambier Island in Howe Sound.

Difficulty: 3/5  Seldom traveled.  Infrequent trail marking.  Bushwhack near top.
Runnability: 2/5 Decent trail to lake.  Some small stretches of singletrack to peak.
Peak view: 1/5
Partially obstructed views of Port Mellon pulp mill
Scenery: 3/5 Second growth forests.  Lake.
Children: 2/5 Aggressive distance.  Unrewarding summit
Dogs: 4/5 Minimal water on trail.

Route overview:  The trail to Mt. Liddell begins at Gambier Lake.  There are trails to Gambier Lake from all ferry landing points, the nearest being Douglas Bay.  The trail starts at the far eastern end of Gambier Lake near the campground, contours the lake, then follows an overgrown road before heading steeply upward.  Near the top, you will reach an overgrown road.  Go left to the end, then bushwhack to the peak. 

Trip distance:  From Gambier Lake, roughly 5 km out and back. 

Trip time:  From Gambier Lake, budget 3-5 hours out and back. 

Safety: 

  • Cellular coverage is inconsistent.
  • GPS spotty under tree cover
  • No emergency shelters in the area.  Weekend cabins on waterfront.  RVYC out-station near Center Bay.  Permanent homes in New Brighton.
  • Recommend you bring your Baggers Companion. 

Name Origin: Unknown.

Headwaters for:  Not applicable, as this is a steep ridge.

Getting there:  Gambier Island is accessible by private boat or water taxi.  The trailhead to Mt. Liddell is on Gambier Lake, which is several kilometers from the water.

Route Details:  The trail to Gambier Lake is relatively well traveled.  The trail to Mt. Liddell is poorly marked or not marked at all. 

  • From the campground at the eastern end of the lake, contour the lake heading north-west.  Look for tape parallel to and about 5m above the lake
  • follow an overgrown road for about 1 kilometer and look for tape and an old trail sign on the left
  • go steeply uphill through a valley of blowdown then through an open area under tall trees.  Cross a gully on a fallen log
  • continue uphill along a decent trail.  You will eventually drop down to an overgrown gravel road.  Go left and uphill to where the road heads downhill and ends
  • bushwhack right and uphill through seemingly impenetrable pines.  When the forest opens-up, stay left and head uphill.  You may find traces of orange tape
  • the peak is a scrubby knob surrounded by trees.  Be sure to put a stone on the tiny cairn so the next person knows they can scratch Liddell off the list and head home!
  • trace your steps back down the same route to the lake

Neighboring peaks:

  • Bagger Challenge peaks Mount Killam and Mount Artaban are also on Gambier Island.

Submitted by:  Ean Jackson and David Crerar

More information: 

  • not much out there!


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