The Mount Albert Edward – Frink – Castlecrag Loop is a roughly 36 km trail run accessed via the Paradise Meadows trailhead located within the traditional and unceded territories of the Ligwiłda'xw (Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ), K'ómoks, and Nuu-chah-nulth (including the Mowachaht/Muchalaht) peoples.
This is one of the most accessible runs in the Forbidden Plateau section of Strathcona Park. The route begins with hard-packed gravel and bridge crossings until Lake Helen Mackenzie, where exposed roots slow travel and make sprained ankles likely. From Hairtrigger Lake to Circlet Lake, the alpine ecosystem really begins to take shape; tarns and dwarfed flora become abundant. After Circlet the real accent begins.
After roughly 700 m over 5 km, you're ascending through spur-filled terrain until you reach the Edward Albert ridgeline. This section is incredibly exposed; we had a 40 km/h headwind and a temperature of -3 with wind chill. The diversity of geology is truly bewildering; the thick chunks of basalt, pillow lava, and volcanic breccias, however, slow the pace. Note that wayfinding in this section is quite difficult closer to the summit, as markers become scarce.
After the Edward Albert Out and Back, you traverse Frink via the north face and descend the east face. From here on, the only markers are cairns and flagging. It is a lovely descent down Frink to Castlecrag and a nice scramble up the western ridge of Castlecrag. Castlecrag's prominence is only 123 m, yet it feels incredibly monolithic.
After the Castlecrag summit, you'll finish the loop with two large rockslide crossings and easily the best descent of the circuit. I won't spoil it, but it's truly breathtaking.
