Forbidden Plateau: Mariwood Lake (to, alongside & then return).

Forecast calls for another sunny day in the alpine!
Please read full description. This will be an in/out hike with a new to me section alongside Mariwood Lake. Start time/end time does not include the approx 1 hour, 20 min drive to TH.
Your name will go onto waitlist and will be moved to "attending" if I've hiked with you before/know your hiking skill level.
My best guess - approx. 19km/700m accumulated elevation gain. End time is a guess as well, please don't have any time commitments. You s/b @ minimum a strong “B/moderate” level hiker or higher to enjoy this hike. Not suitable for anyone with balance/cardio/knee deficiencies.
Snack breaks along the way and lunch @ Mariwood Lake.
Pit toilet: @ Battleship Lake, Crouteau and Kwai Lakes.

Carpooling: Pre-arrange beforehand - PM or comment below. Passengers pitch in for gas $$$.
Nanaimo suggested meeting spot: overflow parking lot adjacent to PetSmart @ 6950 Island Hwy. Park in stalls close to highway as the other area needs to be kept clear for delivery trucks to turn around in.
OR alternative = Park & Ride slots @ North Town Center near Montana's.

REMINDER: be prepared to show some of the Ten Essentials/First aid supplies that you carry in your pack-back. See Ten Essentials link below.

Hike along boardwalks & trail, pass by Battleship, Kooso, Lady, Crouteau and Kwai Lakes. Turn off @ junction for Cruickshank Canyon and hike as far as Mariwood Lake. Take a break and enjoy the beautiful view before hiking trail alongside Mariwood Lake (new to me) for approx 1.5km and then join the Plateau Trail. Turn back onto main trail and retrace our steps to TH.

The season has changed up in the alpine. Our planning and packs need to change as well. Be prepared: pack gloves/mitts, toques, warm & waterproof layers, headlamp - check/replace batteries. Forecast: sunshine with a low of 5, a high of 12.

Expect wet, slippery, and muddy conditions with unstable terrain (the boardwalks may be frosty/very slippery and in rough shape & have tripping hazards, the usual stones & roots, blowdown to navigate). Hiking boots/shoes with good tread required. Poles may be beneficial.

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
All participants are expected to act as a responsible member of the group. Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition and current trail conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being.
Please ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.

See also the Ten Essentials: What to Bring - North Shore Rescue