Oct. 11, 2021 - Vancouver Island by Port Alberni - Stats: 9.8 km / 1030m gain / 5:30 hours MT / 1532m high or 5040' (hence the name of the peak)

This hike has much to offer; waterfalls, peaks, lakes and even ocean. A few years ago, as we were getting a water taxi ride to the Della Falls trailhead, a young couple native to the island let us in on a little secret: The 5040 Peak hike with its brand new ACC cabin. So I just had to go check it out. Wow wee... views were immediate and the alpine hut was first rate (we peeked through the windows). Most hikers do this one as a day hike but I can see the advantages of staying the night. Other peaks such as Nahmindt (1555m) & Adder (1507m) are accessable from the hut.

Triple Peak as viewed from the parking lot -- south. It has a rough rocky route going in the opposite direction of the 5040 Peak trail. It involves more scrambling and rock climbing than hiking.

The forest trail was steep and strewn with roots.

Triple Peak (1290m) and The Cat Ears (1290m).

There were two rope-assist sections.

The trail followed alongside the Effingham Creek for the most part.

pic 2) Towers above Cobalt Lakt.

The Cat Ears.

Cobalt Lake with 5040 Peak to the left.

The cabin is perched on a ridge at 1350m. It is named Hisimyawia by the First Nations in Eucluelet. It means: "Gather Together".

You need reservations to stay at the cabin. Covid regulations allow for a maximum of 6. The hut even has an electric stove!

Quite the hand rails.

On we went to the highest ridge above Cobalt Lake.

When we reached the T-junction on the ridge we turned left.

Just round the corner and the peak was in sight.

East.

Almost there. Odd how only this solitary clump of evergreens were coated with wind-blown ice.

A sketchy section.

At the summit cairn -- north. The Northwest Ridge trail continues from the summit.

Adventure buddies.

From northeast to east to southwest.

The Pacific ocean.

Heading back.

This time we put on our micro-spikes and kept them on till we were halfway through the forest.

Saying goodbye to the summit.

Leaving the higher ridge.

The cabin to the right.

Yes, I'm posting alot of photos of the same view. But the lighting kept changing.

Ample spots to pitch a tent by the cabin.

Looking back at 5040 Peak. How quickly the clouds closed in!

The left half of Cobalt Lake with 5040 Peak.

The right half of Cobalt Lake.

Leaving the lake.

Northwest.

Made it.

It's about a 45 minute drive on Marion Creek FSR to the trailhead. The road was broad and well maintained.

The brown dots are the Northwest Ridge trail. Grey dots are Marion Creek FSR.