Eve Cone: Hiking to a Pristine Cinder Cone in Remote British Columbia

Why Visit Eve Cone

Eve Cone stands out as one of the most perfectly preserved cinder cones in Canada, rising about 150 metres above the surrounding lava plateau in northern British Columbia. Its steep, symmetrical slopes and dark volcanic rubble offer a striking contrast to the surrounding subalpine meadows and distant ice-capped peaks of the Tahltan Highland. The cone formed during relatively recent volcanic activity within the Mount Edziza complex, creating a textbook example of monogenetic volcanism that draws geologists and hikers seeking an authentic wilderness experience far from developed trails.

Getting There

Reaching Eve Cone requires careful planning due to its location within Mount Edziza Provincial Park. Most visitors begin from the community of Telegraph Creek or the Cassiar Highway (Highway 37), then arrange float-plane access to nearby lakes such as Buckley Lake or use multi-day backpacking routes through the park’s volcanic landscape. No maintained roads lead directly to the cone, so expect a combination of bush plane, boat, or foot travel across lava flows and tundra. Permits for backcountry camping are typically required and can be obtained through BC Parks channels in advance.

What to See and Do

Once at the cone, hikers can circumnavigate its base on rough game trails and scramble partway up the loose cinder slopes for panoramic views of the surrounding lava fields and the broader Edziza volcanic plateau. The dark red and black scoria creates a stark foreground against the green and white alpine scenery. Photographers particularly value the cone’s near-perfect shape at sunrise or sunset when low light accentuates its form. Wildlife sightings may include caribou, grizzly bears, and marmots in the adjacent meadows.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal window runs from mid-July through early September when snow has cleared from the high plateau and daytime temperatures allow comfortable hiking. Earlier in the season, lingering snow patches and swollen streams complicate travel, while by late September early frosts and shorter days return. Summer also brings long daylight hours essential for remote backcountry travel.

Nearby Attractions

Within the same park, visitors often combine a trip to Eve Cone with exploration of nearby Williams Cone, the Ice Peak massif, or the extensive lava flows around the Spectrum Range. The historic settlement of Telegraph Creek offers a base with hot springs and river access, while the broader region connects to the Stikine River corridor for multi-week wilderness trips.