In a quiet corner of Vancouver Island near Gold River can be found one of the Island’s most charming and quietly-popular recreation destinations. For rock climbers from Victoria to Port Hardy, Crest Creek Crags at the western edge of Strathcona Provincial Park is a treasured gem. It is a place of cool forest trails, sparkling lakes and carefully developed rock cliffs where climbers hone their skills and follow their passion.
Crest Creek Crags have been something of a backwater when compared to better known B.C. climbing destinations like the Squamish Chief and Skaha Bluffs near Penticton. But Crest Creek is about to undergo a big reveal with the publication, this summer, of a new guidebook to the rock climbing routes at these remarkable crags.
Crest Creek Rock Climbs is a well-crafted, 168 page book by co-authors Chris Barner and Ahren Rankin of the Heathens Outdoor Club, designed by Philip Stone with Wild Isle Publications. The book tells the story of over 30 years of climbing at Crest Creek. There are anecdotes and a detailed history that help bring the characters that forged this park within a park to life. The unique qualities of this west coast climbing venue are illustrated by dozens of photographs spanning the earliest years of climbing at Crest to the most recent achievements.
Find the book at Vancouver Island outfitters or order online at www.wildisle.ca
There’s a book launch celebration Friday, June 30 at the old Outdoor Addictions store space, next door to On the Rocks Climbing Gym, 1980 North Island Highway in Campbell River. Doors open at 6 p.m.
