Plan Strathcona-Westmin Park near Buttle Lake with Myra Falls walks, Price Creek, Philips Ridge, Mount Myra routes, fishing rules, bear safety, and no campfires.
Strathcona-Westmin Park is surrounded by Strathcona Park on central Vancouver Island, at the south end of Buttle Lake. BC Parks says this unusual Class B park includes the working Myra Falls mine while also offering rugged forest recreation, especially hiking and backcountry camping.
Access is by Highway 28 from Campbell River and the Buttle Lake road.
Why Visit Strathcona-Westmin Park
Strathcona-Westmin is a practical trailhead zone for the southern Buttle Lake area. Routes range from quick walks to steep backcountry hikes. Lower Myra Falls is a one-kilometre walk with cascade viewpoints, while Upper Myra Falls is a three-kilometre route through old-growth forest to a waterfall.
Longer options include Price Creek to Cream Lake, Philips Ridge to Arnica Lake, and the steep Tennent Lake-Mount Myra route. BC Parks also notes Roosevelt elk habitat, Thelwood Creek spawning beds important to Buttle Lake fisheries, black bears, Vancouver Island wolverine, cougars, deer, wolves, birds, and amphibians.
Things To Do
Hike to Myra Falls, use trailheads into surrounding Strathcona Park, backpack toward Cream Lake, Arnica Lake, Tennent Lake, or Mount Myra, fish with the proper licence where open, and watch waterfalls and wildlife from safe viewpoints.
Planning Notes
Campfires are not permitted, so bring a camp stove. There is no potable water. Black bears are common along trails and roadsides; keep pets leashed, store food securely, and never approach wildlife. Obey posted signs, avoid shortcutting trails, and check fishing rules because Thelwood Creek is closed to all fishing and the Elk River is catch-and-release fly fishing only.