WEDNESDAY = Forbidden Plateau: 5 Lakes + 1 viewpoint

Weather dependent as alpine weather changes quickly - as of now, Mountain Forecast shows snow for Monday!

Approx 15km/585m accumulated elevation gain.
You s/b @ minimum a strong “B/moderate” level hiker or higher to enjoy this longer hike. Not suitable for anyone with balance/cardio/knee deficiencies.
Snack breaks along the way.
Pit toilets: @ Battleship, Croteau & Helen MacKenzie Lakes

Carpooling: Pre-arrange beforehand - comment below or PM others. Passengers pitch in for gas $$$.
Nanaimo suggested meeting spot: overflow parking lot adjacent to PetSmart @ 6950 Island Hwy. Park in stalls close to highway as the other area needs to be kept clear for delivery trucks to turn around in.

Driving directions: After you turn off Strathcona Pkwy/Mount Washington Rd, drive approx 1 km on Nordic Drive and watch for the Cruikshank Ridge Rd entrance on your right. Turn around, and park in the paved pullout section on Nordic Drive. If you arrive @ Raven Lodge parking lot, you've driven too far!

REMINDER: be prepared to show some of the Ten Essentials/First Aid supplies that you carry in your pack-back. See Ten Essentials link below.
Cell service is spotty/non-existent!

Alpine conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared - bring warm & waterproof layers etc. Some sections are in full sun, so sunglasses, sun hat & sunscreen advised. Bugs 🦟 are out!

Planned route: hike along boardwalks & trail to Battleship, Kooso, Lady and Crouteau Lakes. Hike up to a viewpoint just beyond Croteau Lake. We'll return back to junction and then hike along Lake Helen MacKenzie looping back to vehicles.

Expect snow patches/wet/muddy/slippery varied conditions and unstable terrain (the boardwalks may be in rough shape & have tripping hazards, the usual stones & roots, blowdown to navigate). Hiking boots/shoes with good tread required. Poles may be beneficial.

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By signing up to this event, you agree to our waiver available here: https://www.meetup.com/Nanaimo-Day-Hikes-Meetup/pages/22791742/waiver/.
All participants are expected to act as a responsible member of the group. Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition and current trail conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being.
Please ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.

See also the Ten Essentials: What to Bring - North Shore Rescue