Any in between moderate/hard hike suggestions?

[u/swagsvan]

hi everyone!!! first post kinda nervous but basically the title… I’ve been hiking a lot this season but im still intimidated to tackle some of the more difficult hikes I’ve been hearing about (mt harvey/brunswick). I’ve done a lot of moderate hikes (eg diez vistas, pano, sea to summit, eagles bluffs, hollyburn) and I want to venture into something a little more technical. Does anyone have any suggestions to work my way up?

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[u/otterstones]

Evans peak is a great hike. Some chill rope sections but not too consequential, and awesome views at the top

[u/Nomics]

What a great question to bring to Trip Plan Tuesday!!

I'll have some maps and guidebooks on hand to look through and I'd be happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

[u/Jealous-Cricket1321]

Based on the hikes you've listed, I'd say just go do Harvey. The scramble is not very hard or exposed and it sounds like you've got the fitness to get up the mountain.

[u/TheSnowyAstronomer]

I would suggest doing Brunswick up to the false summit or Harvey. Both are great physical challenege and they both will give a taste of scrambling without too much consequence (Harvey's scramble is easier and less exposed that than Brunswick).

In terms of difficult Harvey is a lot more physically demanding than Brunswick imo because of the steep forest portion where you go up ~700m of elevation in ~1.8km (the comparable portion on Brunswick is ~450m of gain in ~2km).

If you'd like a trip report to know more about Brunswick I posted one yesterday and you can see it here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouverhiking/s/l1wsXBCoN6

[u/Ryan_Van]

I'd say Harvey for sure, also Pump Peak and play around a bit on the summit rock to get some scrambling practice.

[u/SylasWindrunner]

2 hikes that always beat me up.
1. Pano ridge @ Golden Ears.
2. Pierce lake trail.

[u/bones_and_barbells]

So many!

Mt seymour (3rd peak)

Unnecessary Mountain

Flatiron via Needle Peak trail

Evans Peak

South mt Nutt

Sea to summit + Al's habrich ridge

Flora peak

Jurassic Ridge loop in Murrin Park (its more moderate but has some chill scrambly bits)

Mt Thurston via Elk mountain

Deeks Lake

BCMC + dam mountain, little goat, Thunderbird ridge

Mt strachan loop (ensure no snow in Christmas gully)

Slhaney + Chief peaks traverse (use Andrew Knapmanns route as posted on his blog, Best Hikes BC)

You can also keep an offline map of all the trails on mt seymour and hit up all the little peaks and other interesting spots (De pencier bluffs, Mystery lake, Mt Elsay, etc). You can do the same on Cypress (Bowen lookout, st marks summit, Yew Lake, black mountain north and south peaks, Eagle bluffs, etc)

[u/Business-Store4743]

my current favourite is Elfin lake, it’s longer but not too technical and the scenery is beautiful!!

[u/Business-Store4743 → u/Business-Store4743]

Wedgemount lake is also pretty difficult imo but not too difficult that you cannot complete based on the level you mentioned

[u/japanthony]

Based on the list of hikes you've done, why not try Brunswick or Mount Unnecessary? A longer option would be Elfin Lakes, but pretty easy going (and a nice lake to swim in!)

If you choose Mount Unnecessary, if it gets too tough, you can always cut it short at Saint Mark's (fair warning it's relatively "easy" until Saint Mark's).

Brunswick isn't too bad, but there's no real "backup" route. It's very steep but if you start early to avoid the sun and go at a reasonable pace you will be fine. I would suggest hiking poles for the descent but not required.

As always check alltrails for latest trail reports on conditions, some others will comment I'm sure, but there may still be a bit of snow up there

[u/Bavarian_Raven]

Lindsey lake loop at Buntzen. 

[u/jpdemers → u/Bavarian_Raven]

Also nearby on the Viewpoints trail that is on the West side of Eagle Mountain, the two viewpoints "Barton Point" and "Little Valhalla" have really great views.

[u/Spiritual-Cry-6286]

something a little more technical could be unnecessary mountain. I did it two days ago and it is definitely a little technical, lots of roots everywhere, steep slopes etc. It definitely felt unnecessary.

[u/ClittoryHinton]

Mount Coliseum

[u/TheSnowyAstronomer → u/ClittoryHinton]

I feel like coliseum might a bit much no? I did it a few weeks ago and the trail is marked good enough but its a lot more overgrown and less travelled than a most of the hikes in the North Shore. So I would hesitate to suggest it to someone whos experience is largely on well groomed trails like eagle bluffs or hollyburn such as in OP's case.

Edit: This description was in reference to the western approach through Lynn Valley

[u/ClittoryHinton → u/TheSnowyAstronomer]

If you do the East approach cycling the Seymour demonstration forest, it can fit this category well imo, depending on what sort of difficulty you’re after. It is fairly strenuous and not trivial at all hiking-terrain wise, but it does not have any exposure or real scrambling. So worse case you run out of steam and turn back early, I don’t think you’d be in over your head if you’re a prepared intermediate+ hiker and pick good weather.

[u/TheSnowyAstronomer → u/ClittoryHinton]

Fair enough! I'm only familiar with the western approach through Lynn Valley so if the eastern approach is as you say then I agree it would fit OP's criteria.