From
the Earle Creek Mine, locate the logging road that accesses Mount
Drew's southern pass, 429111; remember that permission from the mine
manager is necessary to mitigate trespassing issues. The service
road starts at the upper edge of a gravel pit, 369108; BC Hydro
maintains it, but some rough sections exist. From the pass, execute a
climbing traverse
towards Drew's south-western shoulder, 421112; we initially followed a crude
skid road, and our height gain was gradual as cliffs bar the way,
forcing a western bearing. Once at the shoulder, we climbed into the forest,
finding our way above the cliffs. Then, we headed north-east,
side-hilling through small meadows and open timber, towards the rocky
plateau, 425115. From there, head north to the western side of the
summit block; follow the plateau, a dip to a saddle precedes a
highpoint, 424125. Continue to the west ridge, traversing steep scree
slopes. Follow the ridge to the summit; there are no
difficulties.
|
|

|
|
From the pass, we aimed for the arrow, climbing into the forest and circumventing the cliffs.
|
|
 |
|
|
Travel isn't that pleasant.
|
Scramble:
RT 7.75; 3.5 up from the pass. Mount Drew, also known as The Black Tusk
of the Sunshine Coast, is not popular, nor will it ever be. It is
accessible by
boat and requires an ATV to facilitate the long approach on an old
logging road; furthermore, permission from the mine manager is
necessary to mitigate trespassing issues. Another deterring factor is
the long section of unpleasant bushwhacking that precedes the
sub-alpine terrain. However, this mountain is a prominent feature near
the Skookumchuck Rapids, where we reside temporarily; this makes it an
alluring objective. Milan and I had attempted an ascent earlier this
season, but snow on steep slopes forced a retreat. Even though we
knew what awaited, we were adamant about
getting up to the peak that looms over us daily. We decided to try
again
during longer summer days.
We drove the ATV to the pass, arriving at
noon; hordes of black flies greeted us, which guaranteed a heinous
start to the hike. We proceeded to bushwhack onto the old skid road,
executing a climbing traverse towards the south-west shoulder. Even
though we had done this route before, we inadvertently trudged up a
different line, but we did end up where we were aiming. From there,
hiking conditions improved; unfortunately, the bugs remained, making
the approach to the rocky plateau dreadful. Once on the plateau, good
travel and numerous tarns lifted our spirit. We could see the
objective, but we knew we had to drop 100 meters and climb a steep
slope into thick shrubbery; that was a bit disheartening, especially
for Milan's 14-year-old son. His stopping increased, as did the
duration of his breaks; I questioned whether he would make it. The
distance between us grew, and Milan's encouragement was pivotal for
continued progress. There was no turning back for me; I wanted to reach
the summit and never have to repeat the unpleasant hike. At a
highpoint, before the summit block, I decided to trudge forward. I
figured they would return to the plateau and hang out by the tarns.
Following the steep climbing traverse in the scree, I gained the summit
ridge. There wasn't a slightest breeze; black flies were still present
in full force. I was disappointed; I thought for sure I would get a
respite from the pesky buggers. I reached the summit shortly afterward.
While I took pictures, I noticed figures at the far end of the summit
ridge; wow, they decided to continue! I put on my windbreaker and
waited. It drizzled on and off throughout the day, but while I was at
the top, it hailed; it was the only time with no bugs. Then the sun
came out, and Milan showed up with Soli; what a trooper! We hung out
for a while before backtracking. Once at the rocky plateau, we took
another nice break; they went swimming in the bigger tarn. After that,
it was a mad dash to return to the machine. Overall, it wasn’t a bad
day; however, I was happy about not having to repeat this trek. I
would not recommend Mount Drew even to most hardcore peak-baggers
unless you got a heli ride to the plateau!
|
|
|
|
The forest grants respite from the alder brush.
|
|
|
|
Side-hilling through small meadows above the cliffs.
|
|
|
|
The terrain gets rockier as we approach the plateau.
|
|
|
|
The plateau hosts numerous tarns and a fine view of the objective.
|
|
|
|
|
Tzoonie Mountain's peaks are revealed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking back, hoping the drizzle ceases.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Typical terrain on the plateau.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BC ferries' route from Earle Cove to Powell River.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A 100-meter dip precedes a heinous climb in thick shrubbery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mount Drew's summit block.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tzoonie Massif consists of numerous peaks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking back.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The route to the summit ridge goes left of the trees.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Almost at the ridge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nice summit ridge.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summit ahead.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Keene Peak to the south is accessible from the same logging road.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Tzoonie Mountain's Massif to the east.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
To the north, Earle Peak could be a worthwhile adventure.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Western view towards the ocean.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Milan and Soli at the top.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Returning.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Mount Drew from the plateau.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
There's still snow in the tarns.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Refreshing dip.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Leaving the plateau.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Our beeline to the pass from the forest.
|
Back to home page
|
|
|