Hike through Marble Meadows to the Wheaton Hut

Comox-Strathcona D, British Columbia

Save

View all 10 photos

All 10 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

11.8 miles

Elevation Gain

4593.2 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Rumon Carter

Although not the only location on Vancouver Island with limestone formations, Marble Meadows offers hikers, climbers, botanists, photographers, geologists and palaeontologists a fascinating place to explore. Island hiking and climbing icon, Lindsay Elms, via beyondnootka.com (see this page in its excellent entirety for a history of this area and the wonderful little hut - rare in the Island Alpine - that it houses). Fascinating only begins to describe this region of Strathcona Provincial Park, relatively rarely visited owing to the need - unless going in the "long" way - to access the trailhead by boating across Buttle Lake. It is a must-see that left us stopping at every rounded corner and new view to share some kind of dumbfounded exclamation. To boot, the wildflowers at the time (end of July) were totally off the hook

Though the Meadows can be reached by an alternate (very long) route not requiring a boat, the standard access is had by crossing Buttle Lake from the Augerpoint Day Area parking lot on the Buttle Lake Parkway (turn south towards the Westmin mine at the Buttle Lake bridge, just before the provincial campground). A short paddle almost directly across the lake (be mindful of chop blowing up if crossing in the late afternoon) takes you into the mouth of the Phillips Creek outlet and an excellent campground, should you wish to overnight before hiking in. (Note that the photos above are taken from one of our run-hut-run microadventures meaning we went in light-and-fast one evening, overnighted with minimal gear in the hut and then ran out. It's less that 10km from the campground at Phillips Creek up to the hut so easily done in a day.)

The climb to the meadows, though constantly climbing, is relatively mellow by Island Alpine standards (i.e. you're more or less not going hand-over-hand at any point...ok, maybe at one point). Once you've gained the alpine, with views back down into Buttle Lake and across to the Augerpoint and Mt. Albert Edward regions of the Park, the well-marked trail levels to undulating and the real joy sets in. Take your time, take it all in. But then, if you're planning to stay at the hut, keep your eyes open as the previously very clear trail gets a little thin in places and the little hut itself can be elusive in the rocky depression in which it resides.

The Wheaton Hut is a total gem in and of itself, apart from the stellar surrounding area, and an excellent spot to stay for a couple of days exploring the nearby area rich in day hikes. Or stage here for a longer hike to, e.g. The Golden Hinde (the Island's highest peak).

Key Points:

Augerpoint Day Area Parking Lot: 49.679148, -125.541348
Phillips Creek Campground: 49.672304, -125.560864

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Photography

Camping

Running

Skiing

Kayaking

Backpacking

Hiking

Forest

River

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Swimming Holes

Hike through Marble Meadows to the Wheaton Hut Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Flower Ridge

With a name like Flower Ridge, who wouldn't want to add this hike to their bucket list?The Flower Ridge trailhead is located approximately 26kms down the Buttle Lake Parkway, towards Westmin Mine, in Strathcona Provincial Park. A classic Island alpine approach, you will be more than warmed up after the first few minutes. It is straight up through calf searing vertical terrain, but the views w...

Exploring Myra Falls

These beautiful falls are just a short and easy 500 metre stroll from the parking lot, making this one of the more family-friendly hikes in the area. Located at the end of the trail are the 75 metre cascading falls and spectacular views of Buttle Lake.Located approximately 1 1/2 hours north of the Comox Valley, the trailhead starts at the south end of Buttle Lake along the Westmin Road. At the ...

Camp at Arnica Lake

The hike starts at the Westmin mine parking lot, located 2 hours north of Courtenay. To find the start of the trail you need to walk 50 metres down a dirt road from the parking area. You will see a sign for Phillips ridge, which marks the start of your journey.The trail starts in a relatively flat area, which is packed tight with trees. After about 20 minutes, the trail becomes steeper and tur...

Summit The Golden Hinde

As Vancouver Island's highest peak, the Golden Hinde is an obvious draw for coastal climbers. Its gravitational pull, however, requires a commitment, given this crown jewel of the Island Alpine is also one of its most remote, and gains more elevation than from Base Camp to Everest's summit.Winter ski-in ascents are possible, though rarely undertaken. The Hinde is most often and most conservativ...

Mt. Myra via Tennent Lake Trail

Very few people know about this hidden gem which makes it less crowded and all the more special. The views and serenity that this place possess are what will really draw you in. The hike starts at the Westmin Mine parking lot, located 2 hours north of Courtenay. To find the start of the trailhead you will need to walk southwest for 1.2km from the parking lot along Tennant Road (gravel) to the ...

Explore Lupin Falls

The drive to Lupin Falls from Courtenay BC is approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way you will drive past beautiful lakes, forests and mountains. Once at the parking/day use area the trailhead for Lupin Falls is on the opposite side of the road. Everything is very well marked and signed. The walk to the falls is a short one and it is in the middle of a 1km loop. There is a nice viewing area and ...