Spring lasts all summer in the mountains as the snow recedes and wave after wave of flowers climb the mountain into September. Now is the time to get up into Vancouver Island alpine.

Mount Arrowsmith is one of the easiest routes to get up into the nice alpine flowers meadows, stunning vistas, and emerald lakes. You can drive quite a ways up the mountain and get to the top of the saddle after two hours of hiking.

From there you can climb higher towards the Arrowsmith summit, though to actually get to the top, the Judges route is better. You can also go the other way from the saddle and ascend Mount Cockley. If you really want a long hike you can start at Cameron Lake.

There is a nice loop on top of the plateau that can be accessed from the logging roads as well. This option has rolling terrain through the forest and some open meadows, but is less strenuous hiking.

Be sure to stop at the tourist information center and get detailed maps and directions. Ideally, check with Island Timberlands forestry company about the status of the Cameron Main and Pass Main access.

These are active bumpy logging roads with big trucks, loose gravel and sometimes locked gates. Drive slow and turn your lights on and yeild to any industrial traffic.

Patrick Walshe, biologist, is owner/operator of Coastal Revelations Nature & Heritage Tours.