If you've ever wanted to experience Vancouver Island's alpine landscapes without committing to a strenuous mountain climb, Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau are hard to beat. Located high on Mount Washington, this area offers one of the easiest ways to access the island's spectacular high country. Within minutes of leaving the parking lot, you'll find yourself surrounded by wildflower-filled meadows, tranquil ponds, and sweeping mountain views.
The Paradise Meadows loop is perfect for families, casual hikers, and anyone looking for a short but rewarding walk. If you're craving more adventure, Forbidden Plateau offers an extensive network of trails leading to alpine lakes, scenic viewpoints, and longer backcountry routes through the heart of Strathcona Provincial Park.
Whether you have an hour to spare or an entire day to explore, this remarkable corner of Vancouver Island delivers some of the most accessible and rewarding alpine hiking on the island. Pack a picnic, bring an extra layer, and get ready to discover why Paradise Meadows and Forbidden Plateau are favourites among locals and visitors alike.
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Quick Trail Facts
- Trail Features: long boardwalks, alpine lakes and meadows, old-growth forest, second-growth forest
- Length: Variety of trail lengths, from 2 km up to hikes exceeding 22 km.
- Difficulty: Easy to strenuous, depending on the hike chosen
- Hazards: Boardwalks can be slippery when cold and/or wet; you are in the backcountry, which means bears and cougars may be present
- Suitability: hiking/walking; Approximately half of the full Paradise Meadows loop is wheelchair and stroller-friendly (see details below)
- Bike Trails: not in this particular area; however, there are many at the chairlifts of Mount Washington
- Dogs: Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.
About the Area
Paradise Meadows, and ultimately Forbidden Plateau, is located in Strathcona Provincial Park. With over 250,000 hectares to explore, Strathcona is Vancouver Island's largest park. The park is divided into two separate areas: Buttle Lake and its vicinity, accessible via Campbell River, and Forbidden Plateau, accessible via Mount Washington.
The Forbidden Plateau is approximately 160 hectares in size and is situated on the eastern side of Strathcona Provincial Park.
As Forbidden Plateau is at a high elevation, the area can be covered in snow from the end of October until as late as June. While you can still access this area during that time, you will do so with snowshoes.
This means the area is most easily accessible during the summer and early fall. During the early summer (around mid-July), expect to see brilliant wildflowers of many varieties. In early autumn, you will see beautiful fall-coloured foliage, as well as a variety of migrating birds.
Expect plenty of mosquitoes, especially during July.
My favourite time to explore this area is August. When much of the central island is brown and dusty due to a lack of rain and excessive heat, the lush greenery and cooler temperatures of the alpine region provide a welcome reprieve.
Wildlife You May See
While walking any of the trails in this area, you may come across the following wildlife:
Frequently Seen Wildlife
- Black-tailed deer
- Steller's Jay
- Gray Jay (often referenced as Whiskey Jacks)
- Red Squirrels
Seldom Seen Wildlife
- Black Bear
- Cougar
- Roosevelt Elk
- Vancouver Island wolf
- The endangered Vancouver Island Marmot
Please ensure you are familiar with the wildlife protocols before you go!
Forbidden Plateau Trails
Paradise Meadows Loop
The Paradise Meadows loop has a 2 km Centennial loop that is fully accessible and stroller-friendly. This short loop leads along a boardwalk, passing a beautiful meadow and a pretty pond.
The full Paradise Meadows loop is 4.2 km, but it's not considered fully accessible due to a few stairs. However, many steps along the boardwalk are adapted with special ramps, allowing wheelchairs with “freewheels” to access the longer trails. A sign at the trailhead states that a few special chairs are available.
The full Paradise Meadows loop is incredibly beautiful. During August, when many of the trails around Vancouver Island are dry, this area is still green and spectacular. The pretty ponds are full of life (trout, dragonflies, butterflies, birds, etc.), and the green meadows and mountain views are stunning.
There are pit toilets at the start of this trail. When open, there are indoor washrooms at the nearby Raven Lodge.
Lake Helen Mackenzie / Battleship Lake Loop
To further your walk or hike, I highly recommend continuing to Helen Mackenzie Lake and Battleship Lake. This 9 km loop gives you access to even more picture-perfect views. It's a relatively easy hike on well-developed trails with an elevation gain of only 70 meters. Don't let the km scare you; we saw bodies, young and old, walk this loop, and many groups of young families.
This portion of the trek is a mix of boardwalks and developed dirt trails.
Bring a picnic and swimsuit if you decide to make this trek. The lakes are crystal clear and, although cold, a refreshing reprieve on a hot day.
There are pit toilets available at Battleship Lake and Helen Mackenzie Lake. Tenting sites are available at Helen Mackenzie. Backcountry camping fees apply.
If in doubt, use the map on AllTrails
More Strenuous Hiking Opportunities
Kwai Lake Loop: a 14 km loop that leads you to a beautiful lake, said to be the premier photo spot of the area. You pass Kooso Lake, Lady Lake and Croteau Lake along the way.
You will see several tent sites and more pit toilets at Kwai Lake. Many backcountry campers use Kwai Lake as their first overnight stop to complete the full Forbidden Plateau Lakes loop and/or for the strenuous hike up nearby mountains.
Please note that the trailhead is located 14 km from Raven Lodge. Kwai Lake is an additional 4.2 km from Lake Helen Mackenzie.
Circlet Lake: Approximately 4 km past Kwai Lake, you can hike to Circlet Lake. This is another backcountry tenting location. You can access Mount Albert Edward, Mount Frink and Castle Crag Mountain from there.
These last three mountain hikes should only be attempted by experienced backcountry hikers, fully equipped with the necessary gear.
Getting to Forbidden Plateau and Paradise Meadows
The Paradise Meadows (Forbidden Plateau) trailhead and parking lot are near the Mount Washington ski area.
From Highway 19, follow signs to Mount Washington Ski Resort via exit #130 (the Strathcona Parkway) for 20 km. Turn left onto the Nordic Lodge road for 1.5 km to the Paradise Meadows parking lot. There is ample parking; however, this is a popular hiking location, especially on weekends.
The more strenuous hikes mentioned can also be accessed via Forbidden Plateau Road, where the former ski lodge was located (and where a few remnants remain).
Why you should go
Forbidden Plateau offers some of the most rewarding alpine hiking on Vancouver Island, without the commitment required for many of the island's more remote mountain destinations. Whether you're looking for a gentle stroll through the boardwalks and wildflowers of Paradise Meadows, a peaceful afternoon beside an alpine lake, or a full-day adventure deeper into Strathcona Park, there's a trail here to match every level of ambition.
What makes this area truly special is its accessibility. Within minutes of leaving the parking lot, you'll find yourself surrounded by mountain views, subalpine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and meadows bursting with colour during the summer months. It's a place where families, casual hikers, photographers, and seasoned adventurers can all find their own version of the perfect day outdoors.
If you're only going to experience one alpine destination on Vancouver Island, make it Forbidden Plateau. Few places offer such an impressive combination of beauty, accessibility, and endless opportunities for exploration.
Ready for More Mountain Adventures?
If the alpine beauty of Forbidden Plateau leaves you wanting more, my Summit Seeker itinerary is the perfect next step.
Designed for hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this self-guided Vancouver Island road trip showcases the island's most spectacular mountain viewpoints, alpine landscapes, scenic drives, and rewarding summit hikes. Complete with a detailed itinerary, interactive map, and insider tips, it's your guide to discovering Vancouver Island's most unforgettable high-country adventures.
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Walked boardwalk yesterday with my spouse riding a scooter. Boardwalk is in disrepair, one point at to lift the scooter over area.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.
Just an update about the Canada Jay formerly Gray Jay (aka Whiskey Jack). It’s name since 2018 is now Canada Jay when it was officially changed by the American Ornithology Society.
I didn’t know that. Thank you!