The Red Pillar is a
mountain
A mountain is an elevated portion of the Earth's crust, generally with steep sides that show significant exposed bedrock. Although definitions vary, a mountain may differ from a plateau in having a limited Summit (topography), summit area, and ...
on
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is an island in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and part of the Canadian Provinces and territories of Canada, province of British Columbia. The island is in length, in width at its widest point, and in total area, while are o ...
,
British Columbia
British Columbia (commonly abbreviated as BC) is the westernmost province of Canada, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. It has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, ...
,
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
, located southwest of
Courtenay and south of
Mount Albert Edward.
The Red Pillar is a member of the
Vancouver Island Ranges
The Vancouver Island Ranges, formerly called the Vancouver Island Mountains, are a series of mountain ranges extending along the length of Vancouver Island which has an area of . The Vancouver Island Ranges comprise the central and largest part ...
which in turn form part of the
Insular Mountains
, photo = Ghinde2.jpg
, photo_caption = Golden Hinde, south aspect, August 2006.
, country = Canada
, region_type = Province
, region = British Columbia
, parent = Pacific Cordillera
, range_coordinates =
, a ...
.
History
The Red Pillar's name is descriptive, according to the BC Geographical Names Information System:
The mountain was climbed in 1931 by local climbers Geoff Capes and Jack Gregson; they left a note in a cairn at the summit naming it "The Pillar". (Ruth Masters, Comox & District Mountaineering Club)
"...the highest peak in the glacier region, which was first climbed on August 1, 1931. The party of which I was one, did not wish to call the peak after one of our number so left the request in the cairn we erected that is should be called "The Pillar." There are many other Pillars so may I suggest that it be called The Red Pillar as it is of distinctly reddish rock." (July 1935 letter from Ben Hughes, publisher, Comox Argus)
Access
The easiest access to The Red Pillar is from the south, via the Ash River Trail. The trail starts at the north-west end of
Oshinow Lake. There are two ways to reach the trail head:
# Paddle the length of Oshinow Lake starting from the launch at the south-east end.
# Hike the overgrown and washed-out logging branch, 110H, along the east side of Oshinow Lake.
Alternatively, The Red Pillar can be accessed by from the
Comox Glacier
The Comox Glacier is a glacier on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, located southwest of Courtenay and west of Argus Mountain.
The highest elevation of the Comox Glacier, , refers to a rocky outcrop on the north side of the glacier. ...
by traversing over, or going around,
Argus Mountain
Argus Mountain is a mountain on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, located southwest of Courtenay and north of The Red Pillar.
Argus Mountain is a member of the Vancouver Island Ranges which in turn form part of the Insular Mountains ...
.
See also
*
List of mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park
The list of mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park lists all mountains in Strathcona Provincial Park recognized by name. All of these mountains are part of the Vancouver Island Ranges.
Mountains of Strathcona Provincial Park
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0-9 ...
*
List of mountains of British Columbia
List of mountains of British Columbia is a list of mountains in the Canadian province of British Columbia.
List of Mountains
See also
*Geography of British Columbia
*List of mountains of Canada
*Mountain peaks of Canada
*List of mountain peak ...
References
Alberni Valley
Vancouver Island Ranges
Mid Vancouver Island
Two-thousanders of British Columbia
Clayoquot Land District
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