Are there gas stations or restaurants inside the boundaries?

No. Commercial services stop at the edge of the reserve. You need to buy all groceries and fuel in Campbell River before driving out.

How do I get to Della Falls?

Della Falls sits in the remote southern section. You must take a boat across Great Central Lake from Port Alberni and hike inland.

Where can I camp near Buttle Lake?

You can pitch a tent or park a small RV at either Buttle Lake Campground or Ralph River Campground. Both sit right near the water.

Is there snow on the trails in the summer?

Yes. High-elevation areas like Forbidden Plateau hold deep snow patches well into July and sometimes August.

How do I access Paradise Meadows?

Drive up the paved mountain road to Mount Washington on the eastern edge. The trailhead starts right next to the ski resort parking lots.

Are there bears in the area?

Black bears live throughout the valleys and alpine meadows. Keep a clean camp, store food in your vehicle or bear caches, and carry bear spray.

Strathcona Provincial Park & Area: 2026 Guide

THE REGION · STRATHCONA, BC

This massive mountain reserve protects 250,000 hectares of rugged peaks, deep lakes, and old-growth forests just inland from the coast.

26 places · Updated October 2026Community Guide · Campbell River Guide

01AT A GLANCE

The details that matter.

Established in 1911, this vast wilderness area has no gas stations, restaurants, or cell service within its boundaries. Highway 28 cuts through the centre, granting access to steep valleys and remote campgrounds.

Region: Mountains west of Campbell River
Getting there: Highway 28 west from Campbell River or via Mount Washington
Known for: BC's oldest provincial park (1911), Della Falls, and rugged alpine terrain
Best for: Off-the-grid camping, hiking, and wilderness exploration

02THE STORY

BC’s oldest park starts 45 minutes from town.

Strathcona Provincial Park protects about 250,000 hectares of peaks, lakes and old-growth forest in the middle of Vancouver Island.

Highway 28 follows the lakes west into the park. Short trails lead to waterfalls like Lady Falls, right off the highway.

For a big day, climb Crest Mountain or hike the Bedwell Trail to Bedwell Lake in the alpine.

Camp at Ralph River Campground on Buttle Lake or Upper Campbell Reservoir Campground. In winter, Mount Washington Guesthouse is a base for skiing. Cell service is limited, so plan ahead.

Open Strathcona on the map

•ON THE MAP

Strathcona, pinned.

All 26 places in our Strathcona guide on one live map. Zoom in, tap a pin for photos and directions, then open the full profile.

26: Places
5: Regions

Open Strathcona on the map Browse the full list

01Find Your Corner

The corners of Strathcona.

Strathcona has no neighbourhoods, just 5 distinct corners, each with its own feel. Tap one for the best-loved place there.

Highway 28 corridor

Buttle Lake & Myra Falls

Strathcona

The northern edge

Upper Campbell Lake

Strathcona

The eastern side

Forbidden Plateau

Strathcona

Backcountry

Elk River Valley

Strathcona

The remote south

Della Falls

Strathcona

Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.

•Waterfalls & Trails

Hike Strathcona.

Waterfall walks, lakeside paths and the big backcountry trails.

Plan it on the trails map

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•Check In

Where to stay in Strathcona.

Lakeside campgrounds and the lodges at the edge of the park.

See them all on the map

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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

A Local Guide to the High Country

I am Doug, your local journalist mapping out the trails, lakes, and high alpine routes of this region.

The short answer

Begin your trip by driving Highway 28 to Buttle Lake. You can pitch a tent at Ralph River Campground before hiking up to the subalpine terrain of Forbidden Plateau.

01Main access

The Highway 28 Corridor

Highway 28 paves the way west from town, winding past Upper Campbell Lake and the Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre before dropping into the main valley.

This paved route hugs the steep shoreline of Buttle Lake. You will find drive-in sites to pitch a tent right by the water at both Buttle Lake Campground and Ralph River Campground.

Local tips

Fill your gas tank and buy groceries in Campbell River before driving out, as commercial services stop at the boundary.

Upper Campbell Lake Strathcona Park Lodge & Outdoor Education Centre Buttle Lake Buttle Lake Campground Ralph River Campground

02Steep creeks

Waterfall Hikes

Heavy winter rainfall and melting glaciers feed dozens of steep creeks. Short trails off the main road lead directly to the Lupin Falls Trailhead, the limestone terraces of Lower Myra Falls, and the viewing platform at Upper Myra Falls.

Far to the south, Della Falls drops 440 metres. Reaching it requires a boat ride across Great Central Lake from Port Alberni and a long hike up the valley.

Local tips

Black bears forage near these creeks. Make noise while walking through dense brush and pack out all food waste.

Lupin Falls Trailhead Lower Myra Falls Upper Myra Falls Della Falls

03High elevation

The Eastern Alpine

You can bypass the valley floor entirely by driving up to the east side via Mount Washington. This high-elevation access point leads straight into the Forbidden Plateau, starting with the boardwalks of the Paradise Meadows Trail.

The adjacent Mount Washington Alpine Resort has private rentals and commercial lodging. Base yourself at the Bear Lodge, Mount Washington or the Mount Washington Guesthouse to start your hikes early.

Local tips

Deep snow patches often block the higher routes until late July. Ask the staff at the Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre about current conditions.

Forbidden Plateau Paradise Meadows Trail Mount Washington Alpine Resort Bear Lodge, Mount Washington Mount Washington Guesthouse Strathcona Park Wilderness Centre

04Multi-day trips

Backcountry Routes

The deep interior of Strathcona Provincial Park demands strong navigation skills and proper gear. The Elk River Trail is a standard multi-day route that finishes at the rocky shores of Landslide Lake.

Steep elevation gains define the local geography. The climb up Crest Mountain is a grueling day trip, while the Bedwell Trail involves metal staircases and ladders to access campsites at Bedwell Lake.