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Mt Brenton
4.0 km one way.
Terrain: Rough
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Approximate Elevations (in meters) |
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| Start | End | Minimum | Maximum | Gain |
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| 750 | 1060 | 750 | 1060 | 310 |
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Mt Brenton Logging Road (branch 6) Trailhead: (95 km from Saanich Hall, 20k on logging roads, 4wd recommended). Access to this trailhead is only available on weekends, even then this area is subject to active logging! The phone ((250) 246-9808) and toilets are only available at the gate.
This trailhead is accessed from the Copper Canyon logging road. Drive north from Victoria on the Trans-Canada highway. Turn left at the Doman's Lumber yard on MacMillian Blodel Haul Road, the second left turn beyond the light for the road leading east (right) to Chemanius. This turn is at a light itself. Proceed .7km to the gate (hours 8am-6pm) where you must stop, register. Proceed through the gate and continue down the Copper Canyon mainline until you cross the bridge over Humbird Creek (12.2km). Take the Mt Brenton Branch 1 road that is about 100m beyond the bridge. This road climbs gradually for 5.0km where Mt Brenton Branch Road 6 goes to the left. It is another 1.8km to a second bridge across Humbird Creek (elev 560m). The road then begins to climb more steeply and, in winter, you may well have to park shortly after reaching the bridge (if you can even get to it).
(A $2 parking fee is charged.)
Facilities available at the trailhead include:
- Emergency phone
- Toilets and/or outhouses
To check on snow conditions call Rob Janssen of R.E.Cycle - (250) 246-1551.
Access restrictions:Weekends only, even then there can be active logging traffic.
Uses
| Cross-country ski | Intermediate. | | |
Description
The start elevation is given after climbing a couple of the hills after crossing Humbird Creek for the second time. Ski or hike up the logging road, staying to the main road. After skiing along the west side Humbird CreekCanyon you will come to an intersection, where the main road goes to the left while a secondary track goes straight ahead. Turn to the right, following the main road. This loops around to Holy Oak Lake (elev 1050m). Stay to the left at all intersections. Ski/hike along the lake shore staying to the left shore until you reach the far side, enter via the logging road and once up the very short hill turn into the trees and ski/hike down to a cabin that is 100m or so off the main route. (The cabin can also be reached by staying on the main road but it is tricker to find).
During the 2001/2002 ski season we discovered another excellent road off the Mt Brenton Road. This heads up towards Mt Hall. This road starts about 6km along the Mt Brenton Road (before the 2nd bridge).
In early January 2003 we discovered a side road about midway between the second bridge and the Humbrid Creek Canyon Junction. This road heads up at first thought a narrow draw before leveling out. We skied for about 1.2km before tunring back due to time constraints. This was a very nice ski although there were a number of creeks that might be difficult to cross later in the season.
Features
This trail features forests, lakes and views.
Comments
In late January 2003 the snow level had retreated considerably up the mountain. We were able to drive to within 2km of the cabin. The snow was very soft and there were bare stretches on the road by the lake.
History
Humbird Creek was named after one of the original mill owners in the Chemanius area.
View trail condition reports for this trail.