5040 Peak Hike on Vancouver Island: What You Need To Know

One of my favorite hiking trails on Vancouver Island is the 5040 Peak hike. If you’re already planning a trip to Tofino or just looking for the best hikes in British Columbia, the 5040 Peak trail is an excellent choice.

What makes 5040 Peak hike so special? In addition to the rocky mountain peaks surrounding you, the summit offers panoramic views that stretch all the way to the Pacific ocean. Although you don’t hike along the coast, as on the Juan de Fuca trail, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.

Girl at the top of 5040 Peak hike on Vancouver Island

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone looking to tackle a moderate to difficult hike with incredible views, this hike won’t disappoint.

In this article, I cover everything from the best time to hike 5040 Peak, how to get to the trailhead, the difficulty level of the hike, camping at 5040 Peak and much more.

Table of Contents

Snapshot: 5040 Peak Hike

Where: Vancouver Island
Trailhead: on Marion Main forest road, here is the exact location
Distance: 8 km round trip
Elevation gain: 924 m
Time required: 4 to 6 hours (round trip)
Trail type: out and back
Camping: yes, at Cobalt Lake and near 5040 Peak Alpine Hut
Camping reservation: not required
Best Time to Hike: July to early October

Where Is 5040 Peak Located

Drive from Vancouver: 220 km, 4 hours drive (but it involves taking a ferry)
Distance from Port Alberni: 62 km, about 1 hour drive
Distance from Tofino: 83 km, about 1.5 hours drive

5040 Peak is located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, between Port Alberni and Tofino. The trailhead to 5040 Peak hike follows the Cobalt Lake trail, which is accessed via the Marion Main Forest Service Road off HWY 4.

The 5040 Peak hike offers some of the most scenic views of Vancouver Island and the nearby mountains, such as Triple Peak and Cats Ears. This makes it a very popular destination for day hikes and backcountry trips on Vancouver Island.

5040 Peak hike is also a perfect addition to a weekend in Victoria or a road trip between Nanaimo and Tofino.

Getting to the 5040 Peak Trailhead

Mountain range seen from 5040 Peak trail on Vancouver Island

The 5040 Peak trailhead is shared with the Cobalt Lake trailhead. To reach the trailhead, you need to drive west on HWY 4 from Nanaimo to Tofino. About 1 hour drive from Port Alberni and just over an hour from Tofino, you’ll hit the junction with Marion Main Forest Service Road.

While the service road isn’t as rough as some other hikes we’ve been on, such as Cheam Peak or Watersprite Lake, it’s still a good idea to drive in an SUV or high clearance vehicle. The gravel road is about 13 km long to the Cobalt Lake trailhead parking area. But there are some pullouts along the way if the road conditions aren’t ideal and you’d rather park lower down.

My advise is to check the road conditions before you go, as they change year to year. Also conditions can vary, especially during the rainy months, creating deeper washouts along the way.

Why is 5040 Peak Called 5040 Peak

The name 5040 Peak comes from the height of its summit, which sits at 5040 ft above sea level. It’s an easy name to remember and quite straightforward. So, over the years, local hikers and mountaineers have embraced it.

How Hard is the Hike

The 5040 Peak hike is a moderate to difficult hike, depending on your hiking experience and the trail conditions. The trail is steep in certain sections, especially as you make your way up to Cobalt Lake. You should expect plenty of roots along the way, requiring you to take some big steps.

5040 Peak trail on the steep section to Cobalt Lake — 5040 Peak trail on the way up to Cobalt Lake

From Cobalt Lake to 5040 Peak, the trail becomes a bit more exposed but slightly less steep. But it’s not a technical hike by any means. Even so, it’s essential to wear good hiking boots or shoes, especially when navigating the more exposed areas of the trail.

Another consideration is the potential for snow during the shoulder season. In fact, there might be still snow on the trail until early July, which can make the hike more difficult. If that’s the case, be sure to wear shoe spikes and bring appropriate winter hiking gear. Similarly, new snow could start to accumulate as early as October. We did the 5040 Peak hike in mid-October and there was no snow, but every year is different.

🥾 Hiking Tip: hiking poles can be very helpful around certain sections of the 5040 Peak hike!

When Is The Best Time to Hike 5040 Peak

The best time to hike 5040 Peak is when the trail is snow-free and the alpine views are clear. This coincides with the months of July and August. But that’s also when flies are an absolute nightmare and the trail gets crowded.

Girl at Cobalt Lake on the way up to 5040 Peak on Vancouver Island

I personally find September and early October one of the best times to hike 5040 Peak. Not only will there be fewer crowds, but the fall colors and the lack of flies make the hike far more enjoyable. But keep in mind that the days are shorter and the temperatures can drop, especially if you’re camping near the summit. But for those looking to experience 5040 Peak in a quieter setting, this is definitely one the best seasons to tackle the trail.

🍁 Are you interested in more fall hikes? Check out these scenic fall hikes near Vancouver!

Backpacking 5040 Peak: Where to Camp

If you’re planning a backpacking trip to 5040 Peak, the most common camping areas to camp are near Cobalt Lake and the 5040 Peak alpine hut. The hut is just after Cobalt Lake and before the 5040 Peak itself.

You can also stay at the 5040 Peak hut, which is managed by Alpine Club of Canada, but you need a reservation.

How to Book the 5040 Peak Hut

5040 Peak alpine hut on Vancouver Island

You can reserve your spot at the 5040 Peak alpine hut on the Alpine Clubs of Canada website. There are about 12 spots in the hut split between 2 rooms, with 6 bunks each. Although mattress pads are provided, you’ll need your own sleeping bag.

When you make a reservation, the booking will cover one room, which includes 6 sleeping spots and costs $150 (in 2025).

The 5040 Peak hut is located about 2.4 km up from Cobalt Lake but in winter reaching the hut can require up to 12 km from the trailhead. In winter, the best way to access the 5040 Peak Hut is by skiing or snowshoeing.

Before your trip, check the latest weather data and webcam at 5040 Peak Hut.

Camping Areas on the 5040 Peak Hike

The most popular spot to camp is at Cobalt Lake, which has a few flat and rocky tent pads around the lakeshore. It is an ideal spot for easy water access, especially during the summer months. Also, this way you don’t have to carry the extra weight up to the summit but are still close for a sunrise hike to 5040 Peak.

Another area you can camp at is near the 5040 Peak alpine hut. Nearby you’ll find a few flat spots to pitch down your tent. But you won’t have water access, so you’ll need to carry extra water for the night for about 2.4 km.

Tent on the ridge near 5040 Peak summit — Tent on the ridge to 5040 Peak summit

Many hikers aim to get to the summit early in the day to secure a spot on one of the few flat areas nearby. Just keep in mind that you’ll be very exposed to wind, which might make your nights very cold.

Do You Need a Camping Permit for 5040 Peak?

In 2025, there are no camping permits required. So, all the camping spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Water Sources on 5040 Peak Trail

The first section of the 5040 Peak trail, leading up to Cobalt Lake, follows a steep path mostly in the forest. As you near the top, the trail crosses several small water creeks where you can refill your water bottle.

But the most reliable water source on the 5040 Peak hike is Cobalt Lake. Just remember to pack a water filter with you.

Between Cobalt Lake and 5040 Peak, there are no direct water sources. So, if you’re planning to camp near the summit, make sure to carry enough water or plan accordingly.

Day Hike to 5040 Peak vs Backpacking Trip

Doing a day hike to 5040 Peak is doable but also challenging. Instead, if you’re traveling from Vancouver, you could turn it into a backcountry overnight trip to 5040 Peak.

During our long weekend in Tofino, we opted for a day hike to 5040 Peak. So I thought it would be helpful to break down the main differences between a day hike and a backpacking trip to 5040 Peak.

Girl looking at mountains from 5040 Peak

Firstly, if you choose to do a backpacking trip, you’ll need to carry more weight and the initial steep elevation gain will be tough. But in exchange, you’ll be able to enjoy both a sunset and a sunrise from 5040 Peak.

Instead, doing a day hike to 5040 Peak requires a lighter pack, but it requires an early start. Unless you’re a fast hiker, I would recommend accounting for at least 6 hours for the hike. As a reference, it took us about 2 hours to reach the 5040 Peak summit and 2 hours to get back to the car. But we also made several stops along the way and took a few breaks at the top to enjoy the breathtaking views.

5040 Peak Hiking Trail: Section Breakdown

Distance: 8 km round trip
Elevation gain: 924 m
Time required: 4 to 6 hours
Trail type: out and back
Camping: yes, at Cobalt Lake and near the 5040 Peak Alpine Hut

From the Trailhead to Cobalt Lake

At the end of the forest road to 5040 Peak, you’ll first come across a larger parking area. But if you drive just a few more meters, you’ll find a smaller lot that’s closer to the trailhead for the 5040 Peak hike.

Signs at the 5040 Peak trailhead — Signs at the trailhead

The section of the hike to Cobalt Lake is very steep and starts through a dense forest. The trail is also very rooty and can be muddy at some times in the year.

Along the way, you’ll cross several small water creeks before reaching Cobalt Lake. This section of the 5040 Peak trail took us about 1 hour to hike, but the time may vary depending on trail conditions and your pace.

Cobalt Lake to the 5040 Peak Summit

At Cobalt Lake, the wind can make you feel quite chilly, even in summer. To reach the 5040 Peak summit, you’ll follow a series of switchbacks leading to the alpine hut. From there, you’ll continue your ascent through some scrambling sections near the ridge.

Girl in front of Cobalt Lake on Vancouver Island

The views form 5040 Peak are absolutely breathtaking! You’ll get 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, such as Triple Peak, Cats Ears and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.