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[stanley strazza]

..........I could fit in here very well..........walk, eat, drink and probably I could squeese a whine or two in there........sounds like fun...........

[fitz]

Hiked on Saturday, nice to have locals to show me 'the' spots to go! This one is definately worth the hike, beautiful views from the top, but hey, I'll just this photo speak for itself... Sorry if you have to scroll a bit! (panoramic)

[4byfourbyeIV]

Could you give me a brief description on how to get there or where the trailhead starts? I've been wanting to go up there for a while now, but don't know exactly where to start. I'm guessing it's an offshoot trail from the westwood ridges trails. I was just going to thrash my way up there from the morrel nature santuary using a compass bearing, and take whatever tail was there, back down. lol

[riverrat]

I was just going to thrash my way up there from the morrel nature santuary using a compass bearing, and take whatever tail was there, back down. lol

Hee hee that's how I found it a year ago (but no compass, dunno if I would get much outta one - never dunnit).
Anyway, here's a ROUGH map to Roberts Roost, with some Westwood Ridge thrown in for the heck of it. Note: this map should NOT be used for reference except in a very basic sense. It should serve to get to you to Roberts Roost from Morrell, though.

• The purple X is a spot with ropes.
• The "Cesspool" is a lookout with a weird, deep, water-filled pit - about 300m elevation.
• The "table" has the best view of Westwood Lake and central Nanaimo.
• The two trails that continue up Mt Benson never meet, except at the summit.
• The spot with the daffodils has a breathtaking mountain view. Well, before the recent logging. (That view was worth FAR more to this city than some stupid one-time lumber sale revenue).
• The scout cabin is a rough shack with a loft. I always talk as I approach, especially while passing at night, so as not to appear threatening.

[fitz]

Much love for MSPaint.

So, which way do you prefer approaching Mt. Benson? The trail on the left, or right of your map?

Also; how long is the hike to the summit, and when are we going? heh.

[4byfourbyeIV]

I'm up for a hike to the summit when I get back into town after the 19th. And I'll go up any trail anyone want's to challenge with me.

[riverrat]

So, which way do you prefer approaching Mt. Benson? The trail on the left, or right of your map?

The one on the left avoids most of the recent logging, but it's almost all loose rock road to the top. The one on the right has the clearcuts, but its last approach to the summit is far more beautiful, climbing through some OLD trees.

I've updated the Mt Benson page, now that I've climbed from the south twice.

[fitz]

cool - looks like I'd like to try the one to the right, despite the clearcuts.

here's a map of our hike last night, gps lost track here and there, but its pretty much complete!



far right= Morell Parking (yellow 'P' sign)
fork= more of a 'Y' actually - left shows the trail to Roberts Roost, right, back up the ridges
Daffodils 1(faces Nanaimo)&2(faces Benson) Marked on the map, as well as the Scout Cabin

Some elevations:
end of Arbot Rd. 582feet
Scout Cabin - 962feet
Daffodils-1 1152feet
Daffodils-2 1155feet
Fork - 1090 feet
'039' on the map, Roberts Roost - 1259feet
Morell Parking - 539feet

Thought it may be of some interest here.

[riverrat]

'039' on the map, Roberts Roost - 1259feet

1 259 feet = 383 meters, according to this handy tool:
Online conversion tool

[fitz]

I always use Google for conversions, did you know you can do that..

try typing 1259 feet in metres into google search... or anything else like, 12 litres in gallons, 1 centimetre in inches etc etc... its wicked !