Michael PaskeviciusStrathcona Traverse from Flower Ridge to Bedwell Trailhead
This was a return trip to reattempt the route from Flower Ridge to Bedwell Trail that we tried in 2021. On that trip we descended into the Love Lake bowl and could not find a way back onto Septimus without backtracking. As a result, in 2021 we ended up exiting at the Della Falls trail, resulting in a massive (254km) car fetch from Port Alberni back to Buttle Lake.
The route involves going up Flower Ridge, across Price Pass, around Margaret, The Mistorns, Rosseau, and Septimus and exiting at the Bedwell trailhead. On this attempt we did not go down to Love Lake and instead stayed high and traversed a massive scree wall under Rosseau and Septimus to reach the shoulder above Cream Lake.
This four-day push passed through some of the island’s most stunning landscapes. We experienced outstanding vistas, significant exposure, howling alpine winds, treacherous scree slopes, and serene glacial lakes. This trip had a little bit of everything. Here is the day-by-day breakdown of our adventure.
Contents
- Day One: The Ascent to Flower Ridge
- Day Two: Wildflowers, Passes, and a Howling High Camp
- Day Three: Glaciers, Scree, and the Oasis of Cream Lake
- Day Four: The Long Walk Out
- Coda
- Trip Video
- Trip Talk
Day One: The Ascent to Flower Ridge
After a long morning of driving, we hit the trail with heavy packs and eager legs. The ascent up Flower Ridge is a significant climb, especially right out of the car, and we were incredibly relieved to finally establish camp at the far back end of the ridge.
We pitched our tents next to a pristine alpine tarn, which served as the perfect foreground for an unbelievable 360-degree panorama. As the sun began to set, we were treated to golden-hour views of Mt. Rousseau, Nine Peaks, Tom Taylor, Cream Lake, and Sheppard’s Horn. It was one of those textbook backcountry sunsets that instantly makes all the grueling elevation gain worth it.
Day Two: Wildflowers, Passes, and a Howling High Camp
We woke up eager to move. We traveled to the very end of Flower Ridge and began our descent down to Price Pass. On our previous attempt we had struggled to find the way down onto Price Pass, but with data and experience, this time was smooth sailing.
It was a steep knee-burner, but the vibrant wildflowers lining the trail provided a welcome distraction. After navigating over the Price Pass Notch requiring a careful downclimb, we crossed the front of Mt. Rousseau and the Misthorns, wrapping our way around Mt. Margaret.
The final push of the day required a steep climb up the snow to reach Mt. Margaret. We set up our high camp at 1,800 meters, looking down over an ancient glacier and a beautifully frozen lake. Our high camp is incredibly exposed, and Mother Nature reminded us of that after sundown. Violent katabatic winds kicked up to a howl, and there were moments I legitimately thought my tent was going to take flight or collapse as the poles bent and the roof of the tent was pushed down. Thankfully, I made it through the night.
Day Three: Glaciers, Scree, and the Oasis of Cream Lake
Day three involved new terrain on a demanding push from Mt. Margaret to Cream Lake. We started with a lovely descent down from the high camp across a glacier, passing a stunning, baby-blue alpine lake. Looking down at Love Lake brought back great memories from our previous trip through this area. I could actually see where we were stopped out along the lake and a better route that went high above the Love Lake camp.
We hit the treacherous scree slope traversing right below the towering peaks of the Misthorns, Rousseau, and Mt. Septimus. This section was incredibly slow going; every step had to be calculated, and we had a few minor slips over the agonizing three-hour traverse. Finally, we made it to the shoulder beside Septimus and dropped our packs for a well-deserved rest.
The afternoon brought us to the top of the infamous “X Gully” snowfield. We strapped on crampons for the long walk down, eventually transitioning from snow into a sprawling boulder field. Emerging from the rocks, we were greeted by the lush, wildflower-filled shores of Cream Lake—an absolute oasis after a day of rock and ice.
Overnight the winds picked up again and I am sad to say my tent succumbed to the elements. In the middle of the night, my central pole snapped under the pressure of the winds, tearing my fly open, and my entire tent collapsed. In the light of the moon I managed to move it to a more wind sheltered area, tied it up to a tree, and climbed back into the collapsed mess of silpoly.
Day Four: The Long Walk Out
The final stretch from Cream Lake back to the Bedwell Trailhead is a straightforward, well-trodden route, but it made for a very long and hot day.
We got an early start to beat the worst of the heat. Leaving the solitude of the deep backcountry behind, we noticed the crowds immediately picking up as we descended into the popular Bedwell Lake area. We finally hit the trailhead by midday, exhausted but incredibly fulfilled, and began the long drive back to Victoria.
Coda
It felt great to complete this route. A little older and a little wiser, armed with data, and with memories of our last adventure in this area. Looking down at Love Lake and seeing our previous route brought closure, but also gratitude for having seen so much of the park and continuing our adventures with good friends on the trail.
Trip Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4M9uk-S2FU
Trip Talk
I was asked to give a talk about the Septimus Traverse at the Island Mountain Ramblers Fall 2025 meeting. I prepared the following talk description and slides that described the two trips and lessons learners along the way.
Flower Ridge to Bedwell Trail: A Tale of Two Trips
In early August 2025, three Island Mountain Ramblers set out from the Flower Ridge Trailhead with an intention to go around the east side of the Septimus-Rosseau massif and exit at the Bedwell Trail. This followed an unsuccessful attempt of the same route in 2021. With lessons learned and follies experienced we successfully connected the two routes through rugged terrain, glaciers, and scree travel. In this session I will reflect on the two journeys using photos and video.
2025-11 Island Mountain Ramblers Septimus Traverse Presentation_smDownloadOur return trip to connect Flower Ridge to Bedwell Trail after a challenging failed attempt in 2021. Over four days, we experienced stunning landscapes while overcoming difficulties like scree slopes and severe winds. We ultimately completed the trek, reflecting on lessons learned from the initial attempt in 2021.
#AlpineHiking #Hiking #StrathconaPark #VancouverIsland https://exploring.michaelpaskevicius.com/2025/08/strathcona-traverse-from-flower-ridge-to-bedwell-trailhead/
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