Category Archives: Hiking

Trip Report – Beech’s Mtn 2 Sept 2014

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The forecast was for rain, one of the few rainy days in the entire summer. A small group decided to go anyway. The threat of rain was exaggerated, but there was mist and low clouds – not perfect for hike with such great views. We hiked up to the viewpoint and on to the summit. We then decided to make a loop back to the parking lot by taking the route down the west side of Beech’s mountain, continuing on the old logging road for a while, and then following another flagged route along bluffs, finally joining the North Chinese Mountain trail. There are several routes from the logging road to the Chinese Mountain parking lot, but this is the most scenic.

A few people went the following day which was sunny and beautiful.

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Hike Beech’s Mtn. – 2 Sept 2014

Trip Report – Bedwell Area 25-27 Aug 2014

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We began the hike up from the trailhead to Bedwell Lake at 1:00 and walked through the impressive forest of old growth, boulders and stairs up to Baby Bedwell Lake (6 km, 3 hours). We set up camp at Baby Bedwell Lake and took advantage of the warm, sunny weather to go swimming and cool down. This was a trip to try out new gear: foamies, stoves, GPS and inReach.

The next day we hiked up one of the approaches to Tom Taylor. We walked to Bedwell Lake, then west to the south shore of Baby Bedwell and more or less along the west shore of Bedwell Lake on an up and down, somewhat overgrown, flagged and cairned route. This led to excellent views of the area, especially Septimus, Big Interior Mountain, Bedwell and neighbouring lakes. There were also lovely lakes at the northeast foot of Tom Taylor. Progress was somewhat slowed by eating lots of great blueberries and swimming in the lakes. We continued on up the northeast ridge of Tom Taylor, but turned back at 3:00. We retraced our route until we reached Baby Bedwell and then followed a route to the west of the lake back to the campsite. (about 10.5 km, 9 hours)

On the third day, we had expected the weather to deteriorate, but since it was still warm and sunny, we decided to explore more of the area. We hiked to Bedwell Lake and a short way down the trail to Bedwell Sound. We then hiked along the east shore of Bedwell Lake, which is also an undulating, somewhat overgrown, flagged and cairned route. Even without the blueberries and swimming, this was not fast walking. At 1:00 we headed back, broke camp and hiked out. We left the Baby Bedwell campsite following a well cleared and flagged route to the west of the established trail, joining that trail after about a kilometre. (about 16 km, 8.5 hours for the day) This is a truly spectacular sub-alpine destination, which is quite readily accessible and has lots of opportunities for side trips.

Sidebar: As we walked in on the first day, the talk on the trail from those we met coming out was about the 140 lb, injured dog at Bedwell Lake. The dog was unable to walk, and he and the owners were running out of food. All rescue alternatives were problematic. The next day, the dog was retrieved by a volunteer helicopter and rescuers, which was the big news event of the week in Campbell River.

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Backpacking Baby Bedwell & day trips – 25-27 August 2014

Hike Rousseau Ridge – 10 Sept 2014

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NOTE:  last minute change of destination and start time!

The trip is now going to The Bluff Above Camp Homewood on Mine Lake.

Activity Hiking
Destination Rousseau Ridge Bluff above Camp Homework on Mine Lake
Date 10 Sept 2014, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Norris Weimer
Contact Info 285-3710; please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip
Description Hike the Hope Spring Trail and Thompson Trail loop, with side trips to Heriot Ridge, the old growth trees and to Rousseau Ridge. There are lots of highlights on this trip.

There is a trail from Camp Homewood on Mine Lake to the top of the hill behind the camp.  It has a great view.  We will start from the Mine Lake boat launch.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot to carpool because parking is limited at the trailhead
Departure Time 10:00 09:00
Difficulty Mostly easy
Costs none
Trip limits none
Dogs?
Notes: Bring lunch. Three to four hours.

Trip Report – Newton Lake 13 August 2014

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The group was undaunted by a few drops of rain at the beginning of the hike into Newton Lake and was rewarded with clearing skies. We had this beautiful and serene lake all to ourselves, but no one went swimming. It was a bit cool and some leeches kept cruising by. After a leisurely lunch and a bit of exploring beyond the second swimming rock, we returned as many others headed up to the lake.  8.9 km; 3 3/4 hours.

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Hike Newton Lake – 13 August 2014

Trip Report – Cortes 5-7 August 2014

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Seven enthusiastic ladies ventured on this trip. Sailed on the day’s first ferry for Cortes Island. We set-up camp at Smelt Bay Provincial Park. Later drove down to Smelt Bay Beach, & kayaked around the southern tip of Cortes Island, stopping along the way at Hollyhock. Some chose to swim & others toured the beautiful gardens at Hollyhock. We continued onto Hanks Beach. Beautiful rock formations & all took the time to explore. Return route we paddled past Manson’s Heritage Farm & also the Japanese Farm, learning a little about the history of these farms. A good hard paddle, watched a minke whale & arrived safely back to the camp site at Smelt Bay. This was certainly a good workout for us all.

Great pot-luck dinner at night & then down to watch the sunset.

The next day we set out for Manson’s Lagoon. Quite a breeze blowing, ventured out towards Shark Spit. Many lovely islands on route with lots of resident seals to watch. Put in at Shark Spit, viewed the camp site & the lovely tidal pools. Enjoyed our pot-luck lunch on the beach & took the time to rest. We then kayaked over to Gillean Douglas’s home. It was such a delight to visit her home & to learn more about this incredible author. Return paddle was at times challenging due to the boat traffic, however, a beautiful return trip into Manson’s Lagoon.

A quick change & out for dinner at ‘The Cove Restaurant’ in Squirrel Cove. After a delicious dinner we drove over to the Klahoose Long House. A most impressive building & grounds.

Final day, after we had packed up, we all drove to have a java at the Cooperative Café & local grocery store. Then onto Easter Bluff Trail. This bluff hike is part of Linnaea Farm & offers gorgeous views overlooking the south & west end of Cortes Island & the mountains beyond. Parts of this trail were steep but well worth the view from the top. After, we drove onto Hague Lake & most had a refreshing swim, plus time for lunch. Margot then took a few of the party to Whaletown to view the tiny library, Whaletown Church & the floating dentist. Onto the ferry terminal to be in line-up to catch the ferry for beloved Quadra Island.

The weather was superb, the camp site was clean & quiet, apart from the ‘boot sneak’. What an enjoyable trip & thanks to everyone for making it happen. There is still so much to explore on beautiful Cortes Island.

submitted by Margot Wood, trip coordinator

 

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Camp, Kayak, Hike Cortes 5-7 Aug 2014

Trip Report – Cruickshank Canyon – 29 July 2014

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After taking the 8:00 ferry and driving up to Mt. Washington, the group of seven hikers started out from the Strathcona Park visitor centre just after 9:30. It was sunny and hot, and the Paradise Meadows were beautiful even though most of the flowers were past their peak. We hiked passed Battleship Lake on some excellent new boardwalk and continued through lovely forest with views of the sub-alpine lakes of Kooso, Lady and Croteau and the mountains beyond them. We stopped on the peninsula at Kwai Lake for lunch. Our pace was quite leisurely with all the scenic distractions. We reached Cruickshank Canyon around 2:00, with great views and an impressive drop off. On the return trip, we stopped at Mariwood Lake for a swim and then climbed the hill up to the Park Rangers’ cabin and continued on the rough trail descending to Lake Helen Mackenzie. After more snacks and swimming, we returned to the parking lot. The wildlife for the day was a young bear on the road as we drove down the hill. 22 km.

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Hike Cruickshank Canyon 29 July 2014

Hike Beech’s Mtn. – 2 Sept 2014

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Activity Hiking
Destination Beech’s Mtn
Date 2 Sept 2014, Tuesday
Trip Coordinator Sheelagh Elmitt
Contact Info 250 285 2296
Description A beautiful hike with stunning views in all directions at the top. The trail goes up the west side of South Chinese mountain before it branches off to Beech. There are alternate routes for descent if the group chooses.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty Moderate with some steep sections
Costs none except gas donations
Trip limits none
Dogs? no
Notes: About 6 kms round trip, approximately 4 hrs hiking time

Backpacking Baby Bedwell & day trips – 25-27 August 2014

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Activity Backpacking
Destination Baby Bedwell; Tom Taylor or Cream Lake day trip
Date 25-27 August 2014, Monday to Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Jill Sampson
Contact Info 285-3202; please contact the coordinator well in advance of the trip.
Description We will take the ferry and then drive to the south end of Buttle Lake.  The access road from Highway 28 to the trailhead may be quite rough. The trail to Baby Bedwell climbs 600 metres over 6 kilometers to reach this beautiful sub-alpine area with lakes and tarns.  On the second day, there are two options: an ascent of Mt. Tom Taylor (1,778 m) or a more gentle day exploring Bedwell and Cream Lakes.  On the third day, the group will hike out and return to Quadra.
Meeting Place Quadra ferry terminal to Campbell River
Departure Time 10:55 ferry
Difficulty Moderate to difficult
Costs Ferry costs; fee for camping
Trip limits 8
Dogs? no
Notes: Carpooling and food arrangements will be made prior to the departure.

Trip Report – Mt. Seymour – 12 July 2014

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The seven hikers on the trip headed out early due to the early-July heat wave. We dropped vehicles off at the Nugedzi Lakes parking area, and headed up the trail to Mount Seymour from the Granite Bay Road departure point. The climb through the forest was not too hot yet, and we were pleased to find a breeze to help the over-heating issue once we moved onto the more open section of the trail to the summit. The views from the top were superb. A bit of summer heat haze, but still a lovely, clear panorama of peaks to the east, and the Vancouver Island coastline and more fine peaks to the west.

We descended to Nugedzi Lakes for lunch, and a refreshing dip in the lake for some of us. A couple of grouse flushed along the trail were our most exciting wildlife spotting for the day. We descended through the forest trail below Nugedzi, appreciative of at the work the Trails Committee did last year to reestablish this path after the damage from the previous winter. We were back at the cars around 2 pm and glad to be out of the most intense heat of the day.

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Hike Mt. Seymour – 12 July 2014

Hike Mt. Seymour – 12 July 2014

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Activity Hiking
Destination Mt. Seymour
Date 12 July 2014, Saturday
Trip Coordinator Mark Zimmerman / Kathryn Manry
Contact Info 285-2103 or kamanry@gmail.com
Description We will drop off some vehicles at the Nugedzi Lakes parking lot, then head on to the departure point on Granite Bay Road to hike up to Mount Seymour from that access point. The trail is a steady climb up for about 620 m to a 360 degree view point from the highest point on Quadra Island. We will then descend via Nugedzi Lakes, through some lovely forest and back to where the shuttle vehicles were parked. Then a bit of vehicle shuffling, and we will return to the HB Store by about 4 pm. Bring lots of water, a lunch and snacks. Hiking poles may be a good idea. We will be grateful to those who offer vehicles for the shuttle to accommodate the loop trip.
Meeting Place Heriot Bay Tru Value parking lot
Departure Time 9:00
Difficulty moderate to difficult (summit is 620 m)
Costs none
Trip limits 15 enthusiastic hikers
Dogs? ok on leash
Notes: We would like to make this a loop trip – leaving from the Granite Bay Road access point and returning via the Nugedzi Lakes trail. This will entail a bit of car shuffling, and a bit longer day to accommodate this, but should make for a more rewarding hike.