The best walks and hikes around Area C (Puntledge/Black Creek)

The scenery along this section of alpine ridge is astonishing. There's no predefined trail to follow, though aluminium poles have been erected at some of the more navigationally challenging parts of the route. Further on from here, you'll have the choice of striking out for either Mount Albert Edward or the slightly lower Mount Frink.

Rising to a height of 2,093 metres (6,867 feet) above the Strathcona Provincial Park, Mount Albert Edward is a hugely worthy objective. It's one of the most technically straightforward high peaks on Vancouver Island and benefits from a good trail up from Circlet Lake. A series of tall aluminium posts have been placed along the trickier section of the trail to aid navigation when descending.

At 1,588 metres, Mount Washington rises above the eastern edge of the Vancouver Island Ranges and provides some of the most expansive views on Vancouver Island. From the summit area, the landscape stretches across Strathcona Provincial Park, surrounding mountain ranges, and on clear days toward the Salish Sea. The mountain is best known for its ski resort, but in summer the alpine terrain, wildflowers, and sweeping mountain views make it a popular hiking destination in its own right.

Linton's Trail is the main hiking route to the summit area of Mount Washington, following a former ski run up the mountain. The climb is steady from start to finish, gaining elevation quickly as the trail passes through alpine meadows and open slopes. As you ascend, views begin to open across Strathcona Provincial Park, with Mount Albert Edward and other rugged Vancouver Island peaks dominating the horizon. While relatively short, the trail packs a surprising amount of elevation gain into a few kilometres.

The Puntledge River Trail is a fantastic way to explore the banks of the Puntledge River and Bevan City ruins. This area has bears, so be bear aware, and don't leave food in parked cars. The trail itself is really flat and well-maintained and passes through tall second growth forests with wonderful river viewpoints and a few swimming holes along the way.

The Puntledge River flows 48 kilometres from Comox Lake until reaching the Strait of Georgia. This river is teeming with life, with massive salmon runs as well as great swimming, tubing and hiking opportunities. Be careful when taking a dip as many areas have strong currents, so choose designated swimming holes in calm parts of the river.

Here, and scattered through Puntledge Forest, are ruins of old coal industrial infrastructure. What remains of this once busy industry are intakes, flumes, penstocks, cement foundations, scattered bricks, and remnants of chimneys from the original 20th-century coal mining settlement. Be careful while exploring for unstable structures, glass and more.

The trail leading up to Medicine Bowls is a rough 4x4 road. It's an easy walk, or if you have a high-clearance vehicle, you could attempt to drive it. Once you reach the end of the road, look for a trail that leads to the river. There are no signs on the trail, but it's pretty easy to follow.