The first attempt at an ascent of Rugged Mountain occurs when Captain Hamilton Moffat, officer in charge of the Hudson's Bay Company post at Fort Rupert, near present-day Port Hardy, began a first exploration inland. On July 5, 1852 he gave up his attempt. He named the mountain Ben Lomand. This was the first recorded attempt to climb any of the major peaks of the Vancouver Island Ranges.[3]
The first successful ascent of Rugged Mountain was completed in 1959 by George Lepore and Chuck Smitson.[4]
Stone, Philip (2003). Island Alpine, A Guide to the Mountains of Strathcona Park and Vancouver Island. Wild Isle Publications: Heriot Bay, BC. ISBN0-9680766-5-3.
Elms, Lindsay (1996). Beyond Nootka, A Historical Perspective of Vancouver Island Mountains. Misthorn Press: Courtenay, BC. ISBN0-9680159-0-5.
