A great, wet, muddy hike in Tetrahedron Park—C.Helbig
My regular readers may remember that I hiked in Tetrahedron Provincial Park about a month ago. The lousy weather obscured the supposedly awesome views and I vowed to return. With a better forecast this week, my pals and I boarded BC Ferries for another trip to British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. Yes, that name conjures up visions of beautiful blue skies, but once again it was not to be, at least not up in the mountains. Despite the drizzle, mud, and mosquitoes we had a great time hiking the 9.4 km up to Mt. Steele cabin. Late that evening the sky brightened just a little. We wrenched ourselves from the warmth of the cabin for the 20-minute scramble to the summit of Mt. Steele where we savoured the elusive views.
Tetrahedron Peak from the summit of Mt. Steele—C.Helbig
The park gets its name from the imposing pyramid-shaped mountain (a tetrahedron is a geometric shape with four triangular faces…I learned something new). Tetrahedron Peak, at 1730 m, is the highest summit on the Sunshine Coast.
Vibrant new growth softens rocky Tetrahedron and the snow-covered peaks beyond—C.Helbig
While I was hoping for brilliant sunshine, the tiny patches of blue surrounded by menacing-looking clouds made a dramatic display. The ceiling had lifted just enough for us to glimpse the rugged mountain scenery. Not surprisingly, we had the summit of Mt. Steele to ourselves. And, the rain held off.
My friend Morag framed by snow and scary-looking clouds on Mt.Steele—C.Helbig
Beautiful, moody alpine vista at Mt. Steele—C.Helbig
We enjoyed the gorgeous views to Mt. Steele cabin as we made our way down from the summit. It was already 9:00 pm…thank goodness for the long days.
Mt. Steele cabin in Tetrahedron Provincial Park—C.Helbig
A month ago, the cabin was surrounded by deep snow. Now, just patches remained with dozens of little ponds and creeks created by the run-off.
Late day glimpse of sun over Mt. Steele cabin—C.Helbig
Mt. Steele cabin and the other three cabins in Tetrahedron Park are wonderful options for backpacking trips if you prefer a roof over your head. They all have wood stoves, communal tables, sleeping lofts (with cushy mats!), and outhouses. The three of us were alone in the sleeping loft (two hearty mountain guys came in for meals but slept in tents). We were really happy to be inside that night as the rain and wind pelted the roof of the cabin.
In my previous post I included lots of photos of the pretty rainforest terrain on the trail leading to Mt. Steele. I’d be remiss not to mention that this is a lovely hike even without the views at the top (but I’m sure glad we got a taste this time). I’ve included a few lower elevation photos below, but check out my earlier post if you want to see more and get detailed information about the hike.
A Few Facts:
- The hike from the lower trailhead parking lot to Mt. Steele cabin is 9.4 km with roughly 800 m elevation gain. The first 6 km are relatively easy, the final 3 km gain most of the elevation. The trail is well-marked.
- The cabins are not reservable. They sleep 12 people.
- Access to the park is via Grey Creek Forestry Road past Porpoise Bay, near the town of Sechelt. Signs for the park are almost non existent so make sure you have thorough directions before you go (see below).
- Directions and park details can be found at Tetrahedron Outdoor Club and BC Parks.
Writes of Passage 
Such a spectacular landscape, looks like a wonderful hike. And great to be able to stay overnight in a cabin, luxury not to have to drag the tent up there:) I am glad you clarified the meaning of tetrahedron, for some reason I was thinking about dinosaurs!
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Funny…dinosaurs was my first impression too! Perhaps they roamed there once.
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Great photos, love the mountain top shots. Look like a great spot I will check it out next time I visit BC.
Roy
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Thanks for stopping by Roy. It was a great hike with lots to explore. Hope you get to do it.
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Sorry you did not get sunshine, but nonetheless, the scenery and views look pretty spectacular. I love the photo of your friend Morag and the one of the glimpse of sun over your cabin. Gorgeous.
Peta
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That’s the way the weather is going here this summer! Oh well, still best to get out and enjoy even if not perfect. I love the one of Morag too…I think it’s her bright green jacket against the bleak background. Always nice to hear from you Peta.
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Yes I remember. The place with the bears. I figure that it freezing here at the moment and you should be warming up. It looks a spectacular place. Fabulous photos Caroline.
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Hi Louise, I took a photo of bear scat on this trip but couldn’t bring myself to include it! We should be warming up but it has been a cool summer so far (struggling to hit 20 C on most days), hence lots of snow left on our higher hiking trails. Stay warm!
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You should come with us next time. Cabin was great. I would have hated being in a tent that night.
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Love the cabin. What hardy hikers you all are. Looks gorgeous even with the ominous grey.
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#BeautifulBritishColumbia!
Gah! We’ve been having such a rotten summer. I’ve been wearing a toque and my winter jacket! Planning on wearing them tomorrow at the #FolkFestival too.
Alison
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Just went for a bike ride to UBC. Took ’til 6pm for the sun to come out! Next week I’m doing 3 days on the “Sunshine” Coast Trail. Hope it’s warmer. Enjoy the folk festival…lots going on in town!
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