Category Archives: Hiking

Trip Report – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 27 Sept 2024

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After rescheduling the hike and surviving a major storm on Thursday, Friday dawned a beautiful day.  A dozen of us hiked from the Surge Narrows Road down the trail into Main Lake Provincial Park.  The trail was in excellent condition and we enjoyed the fine mature forest, lots of mushrooms, a quick stop at Roscoe Lake with very high water levels, two waterfalls and a few big old growth Douglas firs along the way.  After admiring the new outhouse at the East Beach campsite and the under-construction bridge, we enjoyed the view of the calm lake before walking a bit further to the big sunny rock where we had lunch.  Most of the group continued on the Yeatman Bay to complete our journey from forest to lake to the ocean.  The trip was very social, but we encountered no one on the trail nor at the campsite. It was a beautiful, autumn day.  (9.9 km; 4 hours)  

Debbie
 
Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 25 Sept 2024

Trip Report – Forbidden Plateau – 18 Sept 2024

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Eight members met at the Q-Cove parking lot to head out to Mt Washington to embark on one of the longest hikes completed so far in 2024. While weather forecasts called for rain and clouds, Mother Nature provided a beautiful day no showers and the clouds clearing to allow us to catch glimpses of the beautiful mountain ranges and peaks.

Starting at Raven Lodge, the group easily walked through the wheelchair accessible part of the Forbidden Plateau Loop. Once past that, the trail was well maintained to hike past Battleship Lake, Kooso Lake, Lady Lake and finally arriving at Croteau Lake for a much needed break and lunch.

After lunch, the hike to Kwai Lake was completed and a decision made not continue the loop to the west of Helen Makenzie Lake due to past rains and the steep, slippery sections we were to encounter with no great views. Therefore, the hike changed from a basic loop to a bell-bar hike and instead of heading back towards Raven Lodge we carried on completing a small loop around Mariwood Lake and back to Kwai Lake. Here we retraced our steps back past Croteau Lake, Lady Lake, Kooso Lake and then crossed over to the other side of the loop walking past breathtaking view of Lake Helen Mackenzie. Here we completed the second part of our bell-bar and closed the loop back up to Raven Lodge.

September was a beautiful time to enjoy the cooler temperatures and fall colors, along with the mushroom and blueberries. (20.5 km, 7¾ hours, 600 m cumulative elevation gain)

Louise

Thanks to Carrie, Jim and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Forbidden Plateau – 18 Sept 2024

Hiking – Santana Mine – 16 Oct 2024

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Cancelled.  Call the coordinator for more information.

Activity Hiking
Destination Santana Mine
Date 16 Oct, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710. Please contact the coordinator by Monday night.
Description We will hike to the historic Santana Mine from Conville Point Rd.  We will use logging roads of varying ages to reach the mine, along with a short and rough connection.  This outing combines a walk through a good forest and a mine with a horizontal shaft. The history of the mine is quite interesting.  Here is a link to the claim information:  https://minfile.gov.bc.ca/summary.aspx?minfilno=092K%20%20013
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot or other arrangement
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate;  this is not long, but not a maintained trail
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No.
Notes: Bring a flashlight.  Bring gear for the weather and lunch.

Hiking – Quinsam River Trails – 9 Oct 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Quinsam River Trails
Date 9 Oct, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com; 3710.  Please contact the coordinator by Monday evening.
Description We will hike along the west side of the Quinsam River, using hiking and mountain bike trails starting at Argonaut Rd.  This follows a variety of low and high bank along a picturesque river.  There will be some muddy sections and possibly trail damage from dirt bikes.  About 12km; 4 hours.
Meeting Place QCove ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:30 sailing
Difficulty
 Mostly easy
Costs Ferry
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Please arrange carpooling in advance.  Come prepared for the weather and bring lunch.  We have not been in this area since 2021 and hope that the trail is still in good enough condition.

Trip Report – Beech’s Mountain – 11 Sept 2024

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Six hikers started out from the parking area at Chinese Mountain trailhead at approximately 10 am. Morning showers had been forecast the night before, but the trail was dry with no rain. There are some areas of trail which could be awkward if there has been any amount of rain as the trail follows a dry creek bed for a short distance and would require a bit of bushwhacking to get around. Also most of the trail is on bare rock so in damp conditions it could be slippery in sections. The weather was overcast in the morning with more blue sky peeking through as day went on. There are several viewpoints on the way up with good views of Drew Harbour, East and West Quadra Island and views beyond. One viewpoint just before the top of the mountain gives an amazing 180 degree view of the East side of Quadra Island and if we had less cloud cover the peaks of the Coast Mountains. It was close to 12 noon when we reached the peak so we stopped for a lunch break and a rest after the steep ascent. We retraced our trail and had an easy downhill trek back to the parking area.  (6.9 kilometers up and down, 4 hours, 350 meters elevation gain)

Allan

Thanks to Jim and Norris for the photos.

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Beech’s Mtn  – 11 Sept 2024

Trip Report – Mt. Seymour – 9 Sept 2024

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On short notice three of us decided to hike to Mt. Seymour on a lovely fall day.  It wasn’t completely clear, but it was mostly sunny and still a good temperature for hiking up a big hill.  The trail is in good condition and we reached the summit in about an hour and a half.  We enjoyed all the viewpoints: overlooking Nugedzi Lakes, the views west over Discovery Passage, the view to the north from the somewhat hidden viewpoint, and finally the classic view to the east and southeast.  There was a very large hiking group from Courtenay, who were just leaving as we arrived, so the timing was perfect.  We had a leisurely lunch and returned the way we came. (8.0km; 380m elevation gain; 3¾ hours.)

Debbie

Thanks to Carrie for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Main Lake and Yeatman Bay – 27 Sept 2024

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Change of date due to weather!

Activity Hiking
Destination Main Lake and Yeatman Bay from Surge Narrows Rd
Date 27 Sept, Friday – new date!
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710; Please contact the coordinator by Wednesday night.
Description This moderate hike starts from Surge Narrows Road through a beautiful old forest, passing by a lake and along a creek, to the east end of Main Lake. We will continue on the portage track to Yeatman Bay.  Those that want a shorter hike can wait at Main Lake.
Meeting Place Community Centre Parking lot or by arrangement
Departure Time Meet at 9:30
Difficulty Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 12
Dogs? Must not run through group.
Notes: Come prepared for the weather

Hiking – Forbidden Plateau Loop – 18 Sept 2024

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Activity Hiking
Destination Forbidden Plateau Loop, Strathcona Park
Date 18 Sept, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Louise Squire
Contact Info lsquire@sasktel.net
Description Due to longer hike, we will be meeting at the Q-Cove parking lot to ensure we are on the 8:30am ferry to travel Mt Washington. We will be starting at Raven Lodge. While there are actually three potential loops, we will be taking the larger loop through Paradise Meadows, past Battleship Lake and carrying on past Croteau Lake and eventually making our way around Kwai Lake and back to Raven Lodge. September should be a beautiful time to enjoy the lower temperatures and fall colours. There will be 2 or 3 km to the west of Helen Mackenzie Lake that will be harder, so the decision of which way we decide to complete the loop will be finalized once we have arrived. Bring lots of water and a lunch and snack as the trip will be about 6-7 hours, plus driving time and 18km.
Meeting Place Q Cover Ferry Terminal
Departure Time 8:30 am ferry departure time
Difficulty
 Moderate for long day and elevation
Costs Ferry costs and shared fuel
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Car pooling to be organized in advance to limit vehicles and costs. Please let me know if you will be driving or if you would like to carpool with someone else.  This trip is weather dependent.

Trip Report – Deadfish – Tripod Loop – 28 Aug 2024

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This hike had been rescheduled from Aug 26 to Aug 28th due to a heavy rain that decided to set upon the hikers on Monday. Nevertheless, the wait for two days was worth it as the skies were clear and the sun bright. The hike included seven members and one guest from Saskatchewan.

The hike started at Morte Lake parking lot, which we quickly veered off of onto Deadfish hiking/biking trail. We followed the trail all the way to the end where there was nice “peek a boo” view of Morte Lake. The group then started on Seven Sins trail that wound us back and forth to Ridge trail eventually ending up at Tripod. The most recent storm had knocked down our trail marker Tripod so three hikers set to resurrect it if only as a temporary measure until it can be secured in place.

From Tripod the group continued down and followed Mud Lake until we turned back up on Ridge to Lost Rider. Instead of heading back to Deadfish trail, the group travelled up Morning Beer to have a great lunch overlooking the valley and enjoying the August sunshine. Due to the rain, the group did not complete the hike on Morning Beer but cut across back to Deadfish and completed the loop back to the Morte Lake parking lot.

Duration was approximately 2hrs 45min and 8.3km

Louise and Nicole

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking – Deadfish – Tripod Loop – 26 Aug 2024

Hike – Nugedzi Lakes and Views – 4 Sept 2024

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Activity Hiking with swim
Destination Nugedzi Lakes and Views
Date 4 Sept, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info vicgladish@gmail.com; 250-287-9459 text
Description Hike up a steep, eroded, old logging road and meander through open forest to the lovely Nugedzi Lakes. We will also take two or three side trips to viewpoints looking northeast, southeast and west. Nugedzi Lake is a great place for lunch and a swim. About 11 km and 5½ hours.
Meeting Place Quadra Community Centre. NOTE – NOT Heriot Bay Store.  
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate due to steep, rutted approach.
Costs Nil
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes: Bring lunch and swim wear if you want to swim. This is a view hike and will not be done in poor weather.
Carpooling – if I can arrange carpools by phone or message, we can skip the meet up and go straight to trailhead.