Hišimy̓awiƛ (Previously
known as 5040 Hut) Vancouver Island | Hard

Cobalt blue alpine lakes, open ridges that connect with other summits, warm summer sun and Mount Arrowsmith joining you for a camp dinner. The trail up to Hišimy̓awiƛ hut is stunning. After a FSR entrance and a bumpy ride into the woods on a steep gravel road you arrive at the trailhead. This hike is steep, gaining elevation quickly. With Asia (my dog) I need to bring a rope, both mine and her harnesses, and my ATC (belay assist device) as there are two spots where there is a rope to assist hikers, but Asia needs help being lowered or raised up to the trail. After a couple hour slog up Cobalt Lake Trail you arrive at the accurately named dipping spot - Cobalt Lake. This is where I love to set up camp. I head up the last portion of the hike, rising above the treeline, visiting the hut and following the ridge then back down to the lake for dinner. The hike is on the traditional territory of Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations. First Nations were the first people to summit many of the peaks in this area including 5040 Peak. They have been on Vancouver Island for thousands of years and have developed a rich culture and history. It is a privilege to share this land with them. The hike is named after the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation saying “His-shuk-nish-tsa-waak” which means “We Are All One”.

• 5-6 hours
• Snacks, lots of water tablets, Asia’s collapsable dog dish, and harnesses for both me and Asia plus a short rope and belay assist device.
• Adventure – Out in nature, away from an urban centre.
  
  
  Hard - Technical and often remote terrain with serious elevation requiring a high level of fitness, up to 6 hours.