DIRECTIONS: Access from Raven Lodge on Mount Washington. The trail starts off on the Paradise Meadow Loop. create
SUMMARY: This was a very easy but long hike; well worth the distance. Beautiful scenery along the way and a stunning view at the canyon lookout. create
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Cruickshank Canyon Overlook
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Jul 26, 2017
This hike is an absolute must for an awesome day hike. Starting at Paradise Meadows (love that place) I went up the trail past Battleship Lake to Kwai Lake. Passing a few lakes on the way, Croteau for one, the trail is well maintained with only a few challenging sections. Passing Murray Meadows I was told of a black bear in the area so had camera in one hand and spray in the other. No bear! I was wanting to see it as I find them fascinating. At Kwai Lake I saw a sign that gave directions to Circlet Lake as well as Lake Beautiful. Who can pass that up with a name like that so off I went. I met up with a couple who had just spent 3 days camping and were coming back from a "high cliff or canyon". They said it was the highlight of their trip. I asked if it was Cruikshank and he looked at his map and nodded.
Off I went and had to sit and admire Lake Beautiful as it lived up to its name. They told me it was only a km or so but it was about 3 kms. As I approached the overlook I was anticipating something special and was not disappointed. The view was utterly spectacular. By far the best vista I have seen, to this point, on Vancouver Island.
Round trip, including Paradise Meadows, it was about 22 kms and took about 7.5 hours. This included about 30 minutes of snack/lunch breaks. Check this out!!