In between Port Alberni and Ucluelet/Tofino lies another mountain hike providing amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Unlike the mountain across the valley, Triple Peak, you do not require climbing gear to reach the summit past the lake. Here is a guide to the 5040 hike on Vancouver Island.
At a glance:
- Length: 4km (one way)
- Time: about 3 hours (one way)
- Difficulty level: Moderate-High
- Elevation gain: 1000m
The hike:
5040 peak is 1536m (or 5040ft). It takes about 1.5hrs from the car park to Cobalt Lake, and after a quick rest and photo op, another 1.5hrs to the summit. The trail is very well marked by flags to the lake, and by rock cairns along your way to the summit. This hike is easily done in a day, but there are great camping spots by the lake if you want to split the hike up into a couple days.
The view from the lake is already amazing, with Triple Peak and Cat Ears Peak right across from you. Don’t stop there though! The views get even better up and above Cobalt Lake.
They’re currently building a hut (and outhouse) for people to use and camp overnight in! It’s located above the lake, and just under the summit.
The views along the ridge by the hut are amazing, there are some great vantage points of Cobalt Lake below you. Keep going, you’re almost at the summit! If you look straight across the valley, you can also see the lake just below Triple Peak, another amazing hike I definitely recommend.
When we went in August, we still managed to find snow at the summit! The 360 degree views up here are some of the best I’ve seen on the Island, photos do it no justice.
How to get there:
If you’re driving from Port Alberni, take Highway 4 towards Ucluelet/Tofino. After about 46km turn left down Marion Main logging road. There is no sign for this road but it is marked on Google Maps. (Keep in mind there is no service on this highway or logging road). Drive about 10km down the logging road, and past a very large cleared parking lot. The next parking lot on your left is the one for 5040. The trail starts just before the parking lot (to the left), and there is a wooden 5040 sign hidden in the treas.
From the Tofino/Ukee Junction it took us about 40min to get to the Marion Main turn off, and about another 40min to get to the 5040 parking spot (this will depend on the speed you’re able to drive on the rough logging road).
4WD is NECESSARY for this road to reach the 5040 parking lot. In the past high clearance was also necessary but as of July 2018 the road has been fixed and graded, so any 4WD vehicle can make it in. It’s always good to try and find updated road conditions online though.
What to bring (in summer):
- LOTS of water – this is at least a 6 hour hike
- A hat and sunscreen – you are exposed to the sun once you’re out of the forest trail
- Sturdy shoes – running shoes would probably be fine but we were glad we had our hiking boots
- Lunch/snacks – keep your energy up!
Interested in more hikes nearby? Try the Triple Peak hike just across the valley! Continuing onwards to Ucluelet and Tofino? Read my posts about the Best walks in Ucluelet or the Best hikes in the Pacific Rim National Park. If you’re looking for a stunningly blue alpine lake, definitely don’t miss Century Sam Lake!
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