Synopsis: A long, steep hike to, surprisingly, a vast alpine meadow. Some good views. This hike is a major workout.
Access: From the junction of Highway 95 and Highway 1, drive east on the Trans Canada Highway for 6.3 kilometres to the waterspout (On the north side of the highway here, a pipe runs along a scaffolding and spouts water. It is for washing logging trucks.) There is an area on the right hand side of the road to park. If you are reluctant to leave your unattended car by the side of the Trans Canada Highway, drive up the logging road about 30 metres to a parking area.
Trailhead: The Dart Creek FSR travels about 50 metres before curving left. If you walk straight, but don't curve, you'll find the trailhead when you run out of road. It is marked with a stick with two orange flags on it, and the trail has been grubbed out of the hill.
Trail: The trail is well marked for its entire length. There is one spot early where you seem to have a choice of trails. Don't worry, they rejoin within a minute.
The trail is easy to follow, but that's the only easy thing about it. Those of you who have hiked on the west coast will find this trail familiar: a steep climb through forest (although on this trail there is no water at all.) There are a few viewpoints along the way, but I suggest you carry a wildflower book. There are no wildflowers to speak of on the ascent, but the book provides an excuse when someone else finds you bent double and gasping in mid-trail.
Jim Halvorson, who built the trail, has thoughtfully provided markers along the way to indicate how much elevation you have gained so far. The markers are at 500 foot intervals, and you pass the 4000 foot marker as you stumble onto the plateau up top.
Once you clear the trees, there is a pitch over loose rock which is a bit scrambly. Above this spot, you ascend a rocky ridge (stay on the east side) and then gain the plateau. Follow the trail until you reach a cairn overlooking what seems to be a giant soccer field. This isn't really a summit at all, but it's a great place to drop your pack and let your legs recover.
When you're up to it, wander around. There is a minor summit about 100 metres south, marked by another cairn. Warning: the dropoff here is not sheer. It's even worse. The edge of the cliff is an overhang. Be very careful how far you lean out.
If you head east across the "soccer field," you get a view into the next drainage. Head north, and there is another summit about a kilometre further that promises good views.
Cautions: