Monthly Archives: June 2026

Trip Report – Noel’s Knoll to Little Morte Lake – 24 June 2026

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Five of us did this particular hike as a first for the Outdoor Club. After a car shuffle, we started hiking from the Nugedzi parking lot, up the old road and across the bridge. We continued on the old logging road heading south, which has recently been cleared of deadfall and brush. Not long into our hike we noticed a wasp’s nest which had fallen into the path and had fallen apart. Although we saw that there were some wasps flying about, we were not careful enough crossing by the nest and unfortunately three of us were stung, one person multiple times. After a bit of first aid, we carried on up the old road and then on a very improved trail through the forest and across the re-located bridge. From there we followed a flagged route and slight path over to the Noel’s Knoll viewpoint. After enjoying a short break, with view, breeze and snack, we returned on this short out-and-back section to rejoin the new trail which descends steeply to the Morte Lake trail.

The new trail is quite a long descent, with some good views from bluffs along the way. Most of the route is fairly easy to follow with visible path, flagging and cairns. There was one place where we followed some flags the lead into the bush rather than a path, but we were soon back on track and down to the main Morte Lake trail. We followed the lovely Deadfish route back to the Morte Lake parking lot. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this new trail possible.

7.5km, 4½ hours, about 350m ascent and 490m descent.

Debbie
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

 

Thanks to Carrie and Les for the photos

Hiking – Noel’s Knoll to Little Morte Lake – 24 June 2026

Trip Report – Open Bay Social Picnic – 17 June 2026

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The wind blew gustily, the sun shone brightly, and the ocean continued its gentle retreat down the sandy beach as five members, one guest, and two furry friends enjoyed a very pleasant luncheon social at Big Beach, Open Bay, on June 17.

After trying to set up shelter with no success, we decided to explore the western rocky shoreline exposed by the very low tide. We were pleased to find a few healthy ochre seastars but the big surprise were the two fascinating clumps of squid eggs. We retreated back to the driftwood to enjoy our lunches and social time.

Our intrepid spy undertook the mission to find out what the only other beachgoers there were doing out at the tideline. He reported that they were digging up clams to see if a commercial clam dig at Big Beach would be viable, which was probably negative. So the tiny clams luxuriating in the outfall from the houses above are safe, for now.

All in all a very pleasant outing with good company.

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie for the photos
 

Click on photos to enlarge

Social Picnic at Open Bay – 17 June 2026

Hike – Nugedzi Lakes & Viewpoint – 9 July 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Nugedzi Lakes and Viewpoint
Date 9 July, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com 285-2029
Description We will park on Granite Bay Road and hike the Mount Seymour Trail to Nugetzi Lake. Then we will travel on out to the Nugetzi viewpoint and back to the lake for lunch. Bring gear if you would like to take a swim, although it might still be cool. After we will travel back to the vehicles. About 7 to 8 km and four hours..
Meeting Place Quadra Community Centre
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? OK, but must be under control and not run back-and-forth through the group
Notes: We are leaving earlier because of the heat that might be happening at that point. Bring lots of water and hiking poles if you use them.

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 2 July 2026

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Activity Kayaking
Destination Gowlland Harbour
Date: 2 July 2026, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info 250-285-2029 or lhquadra@gmail.com
Description This will only be a 2-3 hour paddle followed by a social hour on the deck at my house. I will provide hot dogs so the barbecue will be on. Please bring your favorite beverage and a small appetizer for the group. We will be staying in Gowland Harbor. Please bring a spray skirt and all necessary equipment mandated by the Coast Guard.
If it is more than showers the date will be changed.
Meeting Place 1157 West Rd.
Departure Time Arrive at 9:00; on the water by 9:30
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Only one vehicle at a time can come down the hill so be on time. I have permission to park vehicles at the landlord’s house. From there it is a steep concrete driveway with a switch back involved. You will need to be able to back up with your mirrors to get down close to the water. Otherwise you will park up above and we will use two people to carry the kayaks down. When you sign up I will explain more as it will not be that hard.

Trip Report – Mt. Lolo – 10 June 2026

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We had a lovely spring day for this rarely visited peak. We shortened the hike a bit by parking in the clear-cut and making our way quickly to the Maud Island trail. This trail is in very good condition. After the small creek we turned off onto an even older logging road, which has also had some trail work done on it. However, we soon turned uphill through the open forest and followed a gradual ascent to views over Discovery Passage. We followed the ridge south to the end, where we had lunch on the mossy rocks with views to the south. We ignored the good historical tracks we had for the descent, and chose a route descending through the cliffy bluffs which required some careful route finding and negotiating deadfall and steep rocks. We came out to the Maud Lake trail a bit south of our starting point and returned to the vehicles. We really enjoyed revisiting this area. (About 5.3km, 4 hours, 270m elevation gain)

Norris
 
Thanks to Norris and Les for the photos.
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Mt. Lolo – 10 June 2026

Hiking – Newton Lake – Small Inlet-Waiatt Bay – 21 July 2026

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Activity Hike and swim
Destination Newton Lake with Small Inlet and/or Waiatt Bay
Date 21 July 2026, Tuesday, revised
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-285-2111 or 250-287-0459 (text)
Description We will hike up to Newton Lake, down to Small Inlet, take the portage trail to Waiatt Bay and then back to the Newton Lake. Distance about 15 kilometres – will take approximately 4-5 hours (including lunch and short swim stops at Newton Lake.
If there is consensus to do so, we will break into two groups at the trail junction, one going on to Waiatt Bay, and the other returning to the lake. We will then rendezvous at Newton Lake.
Meeting Place Quadra Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty
 A rocky, rutty initial kilometer, and a steep section at Small Inlet, plus overall distance makes this a moderate – not easy – hike.
Costs Share fuel costs
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Limit 2 and on leash.
Notes: Bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks, and swimming stuff if you want to swim.
The trip is best on a good summer’s day so will be postponed if the forecast is for rain.

Trip Report – Canyon View and Elk Falls – 3 June 2026

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A good turnout of eight hikers and two dogs took advantage of the slightly cooler and overcast day to hike the Canyon View and Elk Falls Trail. For the previous two days we have had temperatures in the mid to high twenties, so the milder weather was a blessing for the 11 km hike. We caught the 9:00 am ferry from Quadra Island and returned on the 2:30 pm boat.
We parked on the North side of the Duncan Bay Main bridge (over the Campbell River) where we started our hike. The well maintained trail follows the river to the old power station outfall, where the grade changes to a steep uphill climb with lots of stairs. Once at the top, the trail levels off until you reach the entrance to the falls where now you go down stairs to a viewing platform and the suspension bridge. We viewed the falls from the bridge and hiked back up to the old parking lot for a different view of the falls. At the parking lot there are pit toilets and picnic tables.
On the way back we took a side trail downriver from the falls to a mossy bluff overlooking the river. From here we had a view of the suspension bridge and the falls. After a lunch break we continued back on the trail to the old outfall where we crossed over to the highway side of the river. Here there is a path following the river back to the bridge where we parked our vehicles. Total distance 11 km in 4 hours.

Allan

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Canyon View and Elk Falls – 3 June 2026

Hiking – Noel’s Knoll to Little Morte Lake – 24 June 2026

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Activity Hiking
Destination Noel’s Knoll to Little Morte Lake
Date 24 June 2026, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710
Description REVISED: We will start at the Nugedzi parking lot and hike up the old logging road toward Beech’s Mtn. The Trail Committee has recently brushed and improved this route. We will visit Noel’s Knoll for great views and then return to the saddle between Beech’s and Noel’s Knoll. From there we will follow a new and impressive trail which descends through some bluffs with views and then continues more steeply down to the Morte Lake trail. As this is hiked in a straight line, we will need a car shuffle ending at the Morte Lake parking lot. Roughly 7.5km, 4 hours, 300m ascent and more than 400m descent.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 9:00, as an early-ish start for the heat.
Difficulty
 Challenging. This trip will work your legs.
Costs No
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring poles if you use them. We will not do this if the weather is poor and may start earlier if it is hot.

Social Picnic – Open Bay Beach – 17 June 2026

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Activity Picnic Social intertidal exploration
Destination Open Bay Beach
Date 17 June, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca, cell 778 242 5774; home 250 285 2329
Description June 17 is predicted to be in the middle of a heat wave, 33c. For me, too hot to hike or kayak. However, it will be a low tide around noon in Open Bay, perfect for intertidal exploration and a beach picnic.
Meeting Place End of Marina Rd, Open Bay
Departure Time 11:00 am
Difficulty Access to the beach is by a short, steep trail.
Costs None
Trip limits None
Dogs? Under control, please
Notes: Be prepared for strong, hot sun ….sunscreen, umbrellas, etc. bring a beach blanket, picnic lunch and WATER (or substitute). Must contact organizer by Tuesday June 16 evening. May be cancelled if temps soar towards 40c.