Drew, Mount GR:430132

elevation: 1,887 m.
height gain: 700 m. (includes height loss)
area: Sunshine Coast,BC
map 92 G/12-13
2024-Jul-21


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. 
aiming for the arrow

From the pass, we aimed for the arrow, climbing into the forest and circumventing the cliffs.   

travel isn't pleasant


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

The forest grants respite from the alder brush.

small meadows

Side-hilling through small meadows above the cliffs.

rockier terrain

The terrain gets rockier as we approach the plateau.

on the plateau

The plateau hosts numerous tarns and a fine view of the objective.

tzoonie mountain's peaks


Tzoonie Mountain's peaks are revealed.


looking back


Looking back, hoping the drizzle ceases.


typical terrain


Typical terrain on the plateau.


bc ferries' route


BC ferries' route from Earle Cove to Powell River.


dip and heinous climb


A 100-meter dip precedes a heinous climb in thick shrubbery.


summit block


Mount Drew's summit block.


tzoonie massif


Tzoonie Massif consists of numerous peaks.


looking back


Looking back.


straightforward


The route to the summit ridge goes left of the trees.


almost at the ridge


Almost at the ridge.


summit ridge


Nice summit ridge.


summit ahead


Summit ahead.


keene peak


Keene Peak to the south is accessible from the same logging road.


tzoonie mountain


Tzoonie Mountain's Massif to the east.


earle peak


To the north, Earle Peak could be a worthwhile adventure.


view to the ocean


Western view towards the ocean.


at the top


Milan and Soli at the top.


returning


Returning.


mount drew


Mount Drew from the plateau.


snow in tarns


There's still snow in the tarns.


refreshing dip


Refreshing dip.


leaving the plateau


Leaving the plateau.


our beeline to the col


Our beeline to the pass from the forest.
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