The Forbidden Plateau Traverse trail is a moderate, lesser known trail through the subalpine of Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island. It connects the Paradise Meadows trailhead with the Mount Becher (also known as Wood Mountain) trailhead.
Although it can be hiked in either direction, I started at Paradise Meadows as this allows you to descend the longest, steepest section.
Distance: 24 km one way
Cumulative Elevation Gain: ~750m
Region:Â Strathcona Provincial Park (Forbidden Plateau)
Trail Type: Point to Point
Duration: 10 hours one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Accessibility: This trail is rugged, rooty, and hilly. It is not wheelchair accessible.
Camping information: https://camping.bcparks.ca/
Lake Helen Mackenzie: Tent pads, bear cache, and outhouse. Register online or pay with cash at trailhead. $10 per adult per night. Spots are first come first served.
Kwai Lake: Tent pads, bear cache, and outhouse. Register online or pay with cash at trailhead. $10 per adult per night. Spots are first come first served.
Croteau Lake: Group campsite with 12 raised wooden tent pads, a large day-use socializing yurt with solar lighting, composting toilets, and bear-proof food caches. No walk in sites, all visitors must be pre-registered online.
McKenzie Lake (NOT Lake Helen Mackenzie)
There are no fees for camping here. Room for several tents at McKenzie Lake. Bear cache and pit toilet. Spots are first come first served.
Douglas Lake Cabin
A small, rustic cabin with 3 bunks, a wood stove, and cooking area. There are no fees for camping here. Wood is flown in by helicopter and is for winter use only.
Paradise Meadows Trailhead
Mount Becher/Wood Mountain Trailhead
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