In order to do a Nugedzi Lake traverse we positioned two vehicles at the start of the Mount Seymour Trail. Then eight hikers met at the Nugedzi Lake Trail parking area. After the heavy rainfall the day before we anticipated much water. The creeks were running hard, but there was not too much water on the trails. The loose rocks were wet and slippery though, as we started the long climb uphill. After about an hour, we stopped at a viewpoint by the trail in order to view the mountains to the east and a brief rest. It was nice to get off of the old road’s loose rocks and onto a good hiking trail. The trail was in good condition with only the odd tree down. We continued on through the Cedar Grove Valley, over the ridge and down to Nugedzi Lake. The lake was beautiful on this partially sunny afternoon. There was a brisk cold breeze coming off the lake though, so we decided to go toward the viewpoint for lunch. Near the top we stopped in the trees for a well-deserved break and lunch. It was a beautiful mossy area and out of the wind.

After lunch, we continued to the top of the ridge and then down to the open view point. Here you can look down towards Browns Bay or north up Discovery Passage, There are also great views to the mountains on Vancouver Island. We then started downhill and went around Little Nugedzi Lake on the old boardwalks which some of the group had never been on before. From here, it was all downhill which we enjoyed in the pleasant weather. Canyon Creek was a bit of a challenge to cross, as it was quite high, but other than that, it was a easy walk back to the vehicles. (9.2 km, 4½ hours, 540 m ascent)

Les

Thanks to Jim and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Nugedzi Lakes Traverse – 9 Apr 2025