5040 is blowing up on social media. Every second reel on instagram is the spectular views of 5040, people swimming in Cobalt Lake, and the funky railings on the hut. I get it, it’s pretty amazing. I have hiked it myself a good few times and loved it. Ive done it 2x this summer. There is another side of 5040 that you don't really see in all those beautiful reels. As of October 2026, Alberni Valley Rescue Squad has already responded to 10, I mean ten, rescue calls at 5040 this year. TEN. That's a lot of rescues on one mountain and as someone who is renting gear for people headed out that way it is worth me talking about.
Instagram Makes It Look Easy
You see a reel showing someone diving into the cold water of Cobalt Lake on a sunny day and think… I need to get there. Plus everyone you know is making the trip. But what you don't see in that photo is the steep climb, the logging road to get there, how quickly the weather can change or what happens if you're still up there when it gets dark. Thats the scary part. The trail gains around 700 metres in only 2.5 kilometres just getting up toward the hut. It's a workout. Especially if you have a heavy pack and if you're not physically fit. Search and Rescue has actually talked about the social media side of 5040 too. People see the highlight reels, but don't always see the harder side of the hike or realize how prepared they need to be before heading up.
People Are Getting Into Trouble Up There
Two rescue situations: in March 2026, a hiker became separated from their group after dark and Search and Rescue had to head up through snow and steep terrain to reach them. Thankfully they had satellite messaging and could still communicate. In January 2025, a snowshoer reportedly slid more than 300 feet down a steep slope, seriously injured their leg and had to be rescued by helicopter. Those are some extreme examples and things can go wrong even when you're prepared. But with 10 Search and Rescue calls at 5040 already this year, it's a pretty good reminder that this is still a backcountry mountain, even though every second person is posting about it on instagram (me included).
TIP: Plan for the Hike Taking Longer Than You Think
Even if you think there is no chance you will still be hiking after dark, bring a headlamp just in case. Give yourself lots of daylight too and start early. Drive out there in the dark and start hiking once daylight hits. I sometimes have people rent gear from me to hike 5040 who aren't even getting into Port Alberni until around noon. By the time they pick up their gear, grab whatever supplies they still need and then drive another 1–1.5 hours from Port Alberni to the trailhead they're getting a pretty late start. Then they still have the whole hike ahead of them before sunset. To me that's cutting it close and not leaving much room for anything to take longer than planned. You might stop longer than you expected, someone in your group might be slower than you thought, or the hike itself might just take longer than you planned. Give yourself the extra time. Make sure to download your map before you go and bring extra layers, rain gear, food, enough water or a water filter, first aid and a fully charged phone. I also carry bear spray. And tell someone where you're going. I always tell my husband where I'm hiking, where I'm parking and roughly when I should be back into service.
TIP: Know When to Turn Around
If the weather changes and you're way behind schedule or someone in your group is struggling Id suggest to turn around. I know it sucks when you've driven all the way out there and already climbed halfway up a mountain but you can always come back to reach that summit. And I'm not saying any of this to scare people away from hiking 5040. I think you should go! I absolutely loved it and the views really are incredible. Plus I want people to rent my gear! Just don't let all the beautiful photos on Instagram make you forget that you're still heading into the backcountry. Do a little research before you go, bring the right stuff and give yourself lots of time.
If you're visiting Vancouver Island and don't have all the gear with you, that's literally why I started Alberni Adventure Gear. We rent backpacks, trekking poles, headlamps, water filters, bear spray and full backpacking setups right here in Port Alberni. 5040 is actually one of the hikes our gear heads out on pretty regularly!