Definition
Mount Queen Bess is a mountain in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada.
Overview
The peak is part of the Pacific Ranges, a sub‑division of the Coast Mountains that extends along the western edge of British Columbia. It lies within a remote, largely undeveloped area of the provincial interior, north of the Bella Coola River basin. The mountain is a notable landmark for backcountry hikers, mountaineers, and geographic surveys of the region.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Mount Queen Bess” commemorates Queen Elizabeth I of England (reigned 1558–1603), who was popularly called “Good Queen Bess.” The designation was applied by early 20th‑century British explorers and surveyors who named several peaks in the area after English monarchs and historical figures.
Characteristics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Approximately 3,070 m (10,070 ft) above sea level. (Exact figure varies among sources.) |
| Prominence | Roughly 1,200 m (3,940 ft), making it a dominant local high point. |
| Location | Central Coast Regional District, British Columbia, Canada; coordinates are commonly cited near 51°15′N 126°00′W, though precise geodetic data differ among maps. |
| Range | Pacific Ranges, Coast Mountains. |
| Geology | Composed principally of granitic intrusions of the Coast Plutonic Complex, heavily sculpted by Pleistocene glaciation. |
| Climate | Alpine climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers; the summit retains permanent snowfields and small glaciers. |
| Access | No paved roads approach the mountain; access is typically achieved via multi‑day bush‑plane or helicopter trips to nearby valleys, followed by overland travel on foot or skis. |
Related Topics
- Coast Mountains – the extensive mountain system that includes Mount Queen Bess.
- Pacific Ranges – the sub‑range of the Coast Mountains where the mountain is situated.
- Mount Waddington – the highest summit in the Coast Mountains, located southeast of Mount Queen Bess.
- British Columbia geography – broader context of the province’s mountainous terrain.
- Queen Elizabeth I (“Good Queen Bess”) – the historical figure after whom the mountain is named.
Note: While the existence and general attributes of Mount Queen Bess are documented in Canadian topographic sources, specific details such as exact elevation, coordinates, and geological composition may vary among references. Accurate, up‑to‑date measurements should be consulted from official surveys for precise work.