Howe Sound Crest Trail - 2 days or 3?

[u/green_blue_grey]

I'm planning on doing the HSCT next weekend with a small group and we're debating the timeline. We just did Albert Edward and found it to be challenging, so we're thinking that 3 days might space out what's otherwise a very difficult first day to do the 15km to Magnesia.

Supposedly there's a tarn and some rough bivvy spots at Unnecessary, but I've been up there before and never seen them - does anyone have information on where they are, and if they're in season right now? If they're dry, it means humping in even more water and carrying heavy packs through the Lions traverse and James peak catwalk.

As for our experience level, I've been up to the Lions, Brunswick Lake, and Unnecessary (just never connected them via the HSCT), have done the Baden Powel in its entirety over 2 days, and have been hiking for many years. Our party is a little less experienced but not by much.

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[u/mothermaggiesshoes]

You can, in theory, camp wherever you want along the HSCT.

The main limiting factor that generally limits people to places like Magnesia Meadows, Brunswick/Deeks Lake is water. It’s been hot and dry lately and many of the seasonal/ephemeral tarns and creeks will be dry. There is some rain in the forecast so you might find some water along the way but you might not.

Personally, I would just grind it out to magnesia, where you know you will have a water source. If you have another day to play with why not spend 2 night there and explore the area? Pop up Brunswick, check out Harvey, or sit in the meadow and read a book!

[u/SonAndHeirUnderwear → u/mothermaggiesshoes]

But keep in mind it can be very buggy at magnesia 

[u/mothermaggiesshoes → u/SonAndHeirUnderwear]

True that.

[u/smfu]

Unnecessary tarns are easily accessible and currently good to go. There’s also the big tarn off the HSCT just past Thomas Peak. Here’s a screenshot from Gaia showing the Unnecessary tarns. There’s a little side trail that leads you towards them.

[u/SonAndHeirUnderwear]

The tarn is a short distance NE of Unnecessary at 49.449009° N 123.194591° W.

[u/steveingold]

If you are doing it with a group, plan for 3 days. No doubt or question about it. Unless your group is known to be fast, light and experienced you won’t make it to Magnesia and enjoy your hike. But really you don’t need 3 whole days. Get going early after work on Friday. Camp by unnecessary. Saturday will be your big day to Magnesia and Sunday gets you out and back home not too late. SAR pulls groups out of HSCT every other weekend who try to do it in two and always say “we didn’t think it was this tough, it’s so short on paper”. Those who attempt for the first time and make in two days usually regret it. Just enjoy the hike. Don’t rush it, you’re group will be a lot happier. 

[u/pancake_atd]

I've done probably 20-25 backpacking trips (to give context for my experience), I did it in 3 days and I honestly can't imagine doing it in 2...it would have been so miserable

[u/CurrySands]

I enjoyed my 3 day trip more than the 2 day, but it's up to you and your endurance level. Camping at the base of the Lions / Unnecessary is pretty epic, and also hiking all the way to Magnesia in one day killed my legs (I instantly regretted bringing my chair). Also I did my 3 day in late July so there was still plenty of water at Unnecessary. We slept in, then made breakfast burritos and some trail runners came by and were pretty surprised to see us just chillin eating breakfast burritos and drinking coffee lol

Edit: can't help with tairn location but it wasn't hard to find a tent spot. We had a 3 man Marmot limelight which is pretty big

[u/touchable]

Definitely advise doing it in 3 days if you really want to enjoy it.

My group tried to do Cypress to Magnesia Meadows in one day and came up a bit short as it became dark, so we ended up camping in a flat spot just off the trail after the descent from David peak. Would not recommend this spot as it does not have any easily accessed water sources.

The tarns near Unnecessary are probably your best bet. Day 2 will be a nice length of hiking to get to MM through some of the slightly more technical sections.

[u/RAMango99]

I did it in 2 days 1 night last week starting from cypress. That section from the lions to magnesia is so slow going and technical with a big pack so watch out for that.

If I were to do it again I would bring 5L and take it slow by camping night 1 at enchantment ridge right after the lions before the boulder field and night 2 at one of the lakes (Brunswick or deeks) that would’ve made it more enjoyable

[u/Dirtbag_Nurse]

I had an absolutely stunning night on Unnecessary and was glad I did it over 3 days 2 nights

[u/Barka_King]

We just did it this week in 2 days and 1 night at MM. We are fit and experienced, did West Lion and dip in the lake under Enchantment pass to cool down, and took us about 10hrs. If you can do it in 3 you will enjoy it more! Bring plenty water and you will be fine!

[u/yooken]

If you're all fit, experienced, and start early, doing it in 2 days shouldn't be a problem. If the section up to Unnecessary is an easy and quick hike for you (with a multi-day pack), then going to Magnesia Meadows in a day should be doable. Just be aware that the section between Unnecessary and Magnesia Meadows is a lot more scrambly, with poor markings, and some exposed sections.

I did it in 2 days and I think doing it in 3 would have been less enjoyable for me. Bringing extra food, find water and spots for tents, etc, when adding an extra night on Unnecessary would have been more hassle than just doing that section in one day.

[u/fromme13]

In my opinion, it’s best to either travel light and do it in a single day, or take your time and spend two nights.

[u/YVR19]

Three will make it much more enjoyable