Category Archives: Hiking

Exploring – Two Mines and Some Karst – 4 Dec 2024

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We won’t be doing this outing.  The forest has overwhelmed the sites.  Expect an update.

Activity Exploring
Destination Two Mines and Some Karst Formations
Date 4 December 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info 3710 or dmquigg@gmail.com; please RSVP by Monday night
Description We will visit an old mine off of Open Bay Main, a limestone cave and grikes in the limestone.  We will also stop at the Lucky Jim mine before continuing on to some sinkhole formations.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking to carpool or by arrangement
Departure Time 9:30 am
Difficulty
 Easy.  This will more a visit to multiple sites than a lot of exercise, however the trails will not be maintained
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Be prepared for wet.  Bring a good flashlight if you have one.

Hiking – Nighthawk Lake – 20 Nov 2024

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Postponed due to weather!

Activity Hiking
Destination Nighthawk Lake and bluffs to the west
Date 20 Nov 2024
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info vvv@qisland.ca, 250 285 2329, 778 242 5774
Description We will start at the Mud Lake parking area and follow Yellow Mud trail to the south end of Nighthawk Lake, route back via Rob’s Ride and Plaything to Yellow Mud to return back to the Mud Lake parking lot.
Meeting Place Community Centre at 10:00 or Mud Lake parking lot at 10:10
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate, one steep downhill
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Must be under control and stay with owner at front of group
Notes: Bring lunch, snack, dress for the weather. Be sure to sign up as the final choice of location for this hike will be entirely weather dependent … weather alternatives will be in the south end.

Trip Report – Baikie Estuary – 6 Nov 2024

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After heavy rains and wind on Quadra earlier in the week, complete with power outages, nine of us met a tenth walker at Spruce and 19th to start our walk. Our first block was along an interesting row of river front houses and then a view of a few of Alex Witcombe’s driftwood sculptures near an informative plaque about local wildlife at the river edge.

Then it was up and over the bridge to the Raven trail that follows the estuary and across a number of wooden bridges. Spawning Chum could be seen at many vantage points and as we strolled out to the mill pond, we got a glimpse of many water fowl.

We came upon a recently reconstructed section near the information board and were greeted by a very informative worker who was in the process of hand bombing thousands of trees to bring the island back to where it was before industry. The Greenway Land Trust and Wei Wa Kum have put years, months and many hours into reclaiming this once very industrial area and their efforts are really starting to show.

This short 5K walk only minutes from Campbellton offers everyone a great way to enjoy our surroundings with very little effort as the trails are wide and very accessible. We ended with a fine meal at More Eatery and we headed home without any rain.  (4.7 km; 1½ hours for the walk)

Neil U

Thanks to Neil and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Baikie Estuary – 6 Nov 2024

Hiking – Beaver Lake to Open Bay Creek – 14 Nov 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Beaver Lake to Open Bay Creek
Date 14 Nov 2024, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com 285-2029
Description We will leave from Hyacinth Bay Road and follow a flagged trail down to Beaver Lake. From there we will continue on to Open Bay Creek and follow it back to Village Bay Road.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. but must not run back and forth
Notes Bring a lunch or snack and dress for the weather.

Trip Report – Morte Lake Loop – 24 Oct 2024

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Nine hikers set out on a cool, cloudy day to go around Morte Lake. We went up Lower Deadfish Trail from the parking lot to get a better view of the creek, which was running well after all the heavy rains. At the first junction, we crossed back over the creek and proceeded on to the lake. The moss and foliage has really greened up since the rain. There was also an abundance of mushrooms, but some types are dying back now. We decided to go counterclockwise around the lake and stopped at the first beach to look at all the ducks that were at the end. We proceeded up the newer mountain bike trail that has many switchbacks up the side of the hill before we went out on to the rock bluffs. There are many great views of the lake along this portion. We stopped at the picnic table at the west end for lunch. A wind came up a bit so it was quite cool. The lake level was very high for this time of year. After this we proceeded through the Conservancy land and back around Morte Lake.

When we got back to the small bridge close to the parking lot, we were treated to a special event. There were 100 or more chum salmon spawning at the bridge. We were all amazed at that amount of fish churning up the water there. After this, we decided to stop down at the salmon viewing platforms at Hyacinthe Creek. There were a few hundred there with some of them having died already. It would seem that all of the work that the Salmon Enhancement Society has done is paying off. (10.5 km and 4 hours)

Les

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 24 Oct 2024

Hiking – Morte Lake Loop – 24 Oct 2024

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Change of date and time!

Activity Hiking
Destination Morte Lake Loop
Date 24 Oct, Thursday 23 Oct, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Les Hand
Contact Info lhquadra@gmail.com or 285-2029
Description We will go around Morte Lake. Exact route will be determined by who comes along.  Bring a lunch.
Meeting Place Morte Lake parking lot
Departure Time 11:00 10:00
Difficulty
 Easy
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? O.K. but must not run back and forth through the group
Notes: Dress for the weather as this will take 3 or more hours. If it is raining hard it will be canceled so be sure and sign up so I can contact you.

Trip Report – Blindman’s Bluff – 16 Oct 2024

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There wasn’t a lot of interest in the original destination, so those who wanted an outing opted for a change to Blindman’s Bluff.  A short hike worked well because of deteriorating weather in the afternoon.  Five of us approached the hike from the traditional Copperhead logging road.  After crossing the creek, we found a newly constructed logging road spur that we decided to explore.  From the end of the spur we continued on a short bushwhack through open forest, to more directly join the Blindman’s Bluff trail.

We followed the loop around clockwise, quickly arriving at the high, open bluffs with 180° views to the east. It was a perfect autumn day, with great views at the right temperature.  We stopped for a snack/lunch at the southeast viewpoint with great views over Gowlland Harbour and Vancouver Island.  We stopped again at the southwest viewpoint before continuing back on the trail and the logging road to the vehicles.  (3.7 km; 2 hours; 170 m ascent)

Norris and Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Trip Report – Quinsam River West – 9 Oct 2024

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Three of us had a great hike along the west side of the Quinsam River on a beautiful fall day.  The trail along the low bank of the river was very busy with the salmon run and many people fishing.  We started on the trail from the bridge on Quinsam Road and followed it up stream to the salmon hatchery.  From there we hiked up into the forest following mountain bike trails to the high bank area.  The maples were at their peak of colour and the forest is quite varied as it meanders up stream.  Mostly the trail was in good condition and drier than expected, but unfortunately the motor bike abuse is causing erosion of the trail and bank in places.  Occasionally the brush had grown in, but this might deter the motor bikes.

We reached the bend in the river where the bank is especially high and the view down to the river is excellent.  We could see the bench where we have lunch on the east side of the river.  We continued briefly on the trail following a side ravine, until we reached a logging road and electrical poles.  We returned to Eagle Bluff for a lunch stop in the dappled sun before heading back down the river.  This area is often overlooked because of the popularity of Elk Falls and the Campbell River, but it is very accessible and well worth the walk.  (11.6 km; 4 hours)

Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Quinsam West- 9 Oct 2024

Trip Report – Hornby Bluffs Loop – 2 Oct 2024

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On October 2nd, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to Hornby Island. The four of us departed on the 7am ferry from Quadra Island, followed by a drive down Island to catch the Hornby ferry. Despite a delay due to roadwork, we enjoyed a stunning sunrise.

Once on Hornby, we hiked up to Middle Bench Trail. From there we took in spectacular panoramic views of the coast and distant lighthouses, with picturesque arbutus and fir trees lining our path. Our dog Farah added to the joy as she frolicked along the cliffside. We continued our trek to the southern tip of Hornby, descending to a beach near a farmstead where Cyndy once lived. The sandstone beach, with its intricate arches and waterways was a highlight of the trip.

We enjoyed lunch on magical Toby Island, thanks to the low tide. Unique patterns in sandstone cliffs provided a perfect backdrop for our meal and some leisurely exploration. With spirits high, we looped back on the Ford Cove to Shingle Spit Trail, catching the 4pm ferry.

In total, we covered 13 kilometers or 21,000 steps, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty and history of Hornby Island. It was a day of perfect weather, stunning landscapes, and great company. Returning home tired but fulfilled, already looking forward to our next club adventure.

Cyndy
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Hornby Island Bluff Loop – 2 Oct 2024

Hiking – Hornby Island Bluff Loop – 2 Oct 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Hornby Island Bluff Loop
Date 2 Oct 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Cyndy Chidley
Contact Info 250-285-3575; please contact the coordinator by Tuesday
Description
We will hike a loop in the Mount Geoffrey Escarpment Provincial Park, going out on a higher bluff and returning lower on the bluff.  We will pass through Ford Cove and return to Shingle Spit.
Here are the ferry sailings to make this work as a day trip:
Leave QCove, Quadra at 7:00
Leave Buckley Bay at 8:20
Leave Gravelly Bay, Denman Island at 9:40 as pedestrians
Return from Shingle Spit, Hornby Island at 4:00
Hope to return from Denman West at 4:40 or 5:40
Meeting Place: QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 7:00 sailing to Campbell River
Difficulty
 Moderate, but some flexibility for the group
Costs Ferries and fuel
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes: Bring your lunch with you.  The weather forecast is good, but come prepared.  Please make you own carpooling arrangements.