Category Archives: moderate

Trip Report – Maud Island – 26 Nov 2025

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It wasn’t sure that this trip would happen with heavy rain on the days before and after the scheduled day.  Also five people who wanted to go, weren’t able to come, but fortunately we still had five hikers on a dry day.  Plus a dog that loved sticks.  The recent logging has changed the appearance of the quite long approach on logging roads, but the trail was in better condition than we expected.

We hiked into the forest from the trailhead off of the Q80 logging road system and followed the old, disused roads to the end  where the International Harvester Scout rests.  We chose to hike the loop over the Mt. Lolo bluff, taking our time and care on the wet bluffs.  We had a limited, watercolour view down Discovery Passage from the shoulder  We descended to the small bay on Discovery Passage and then continued along the shore before traversing to the east side.  We checked out the cabin and then crossed the causeway to Maud Island and hiked up to the viewpoint over Seymour Narrows.  It was a very calm, quiet day highlighting the smooth, but complex currents in this difficult passage.

After a late lunch, we hiked back on the low route, stopping briefly at the Saltwater Lagoon, before returning to the vehicles.  (10.6 km, 430 m elevation gain, 4¼ hours)

Debbie

Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos.

Click on photos to enlarge
 

Hiking – Maud Island – 26 Nov 2025

Trip Report – Shellaligan Loop – 19 Nov 2025

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There had been no rain for three days so nine hikers, including a new member, and one furry friend, had all of the Shellaligan trail system open to us.  We opted to park at the first lot as the logging road deteriorates further on. We walked down this road, paved with huge fallen broadleaf maple leaves, to reach the beach trailhead. This small corner of Quadra is mixed deciduous though most of northern Quadra is coniferous forest. We took time to enjoy the ocean views from the various bluffs, stopping for lunch where the trail comes down to the beach. The oyster farm is active again, we hailed the two fellows harvesting the farm.  Bird sightings included a large flock of Goldeneyes and a few Grebes.  At the Haiku Corner we enjoyed the written contributions of hikers more inspired than us. This is also the junction with the short or long circuits; two of our hikers opted to go back via the short route.  The rest of the group continued on the long route, which can euphemistically be described as “undulating”, following the creek uphill through the beautiful mixed forest.

Shellaligan trails had been closed earlier in the year due to logging. We encountered the new clear cut near the end of the route.  Logging in this area over the years has made trail-finding on the long route somewhat challenging as old landmarks are erased.  For future hikes on the long route, going counter clockwise…when the forest trail first meets a logging road turn left, and left again at the T junction with the next logging road.  There is a signpost high up in the trees for those going in the clockwise direction. Follow this road uphill and look for the trail marker on the right, follow this trail past the clearcut (as of November 2025) to the logging road. Turn left and it is a short walk back to the first parking lot. (7.5 km, 3¾ hours)

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 19 Nov 2025

Hiking – Thompson Trail-Hopespring Loop – 10 Dec 2025

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Activity Hiking
Destination Thompson Trail – Hopespring Loop
Date 10 Dec, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Allan Liimatta
Contact Info allanliimatta@gmail.com or 250-416-9338
Description Hike up Thompson Trail and on to Gowlland Trail and the Three Sisters which are some of the largest Old Growth on Quadra Island, then picking up the Hopespring Trail and back to the parking area on Thompson Rd. Bring a lunch. Trip length 6-7 km. approx. 3.5 hrs.
Meeting Place Parking place at end of Thompson road
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Yes, but must be on leash
Notes:

Hiking – Maud Island – 26 Nov 2025

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Activity Hiking
Destination Maud Island
Date 6 May 2024, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710
Description We will use the trailhead from the Walcan and active logging roads and hike along very old logging roads and then up onto the Mt. Lolo bluffs for views over Discovery Passage.  After descending and heading west, we will follow the shoreline, then cross the causeway to Maud Island. We will have lunch at the viewpoint over Seymour Narrows.  The currents will not be particularly strong.  We will return by the Saltwater Lagoon.  If there is a group of three or more who don’t want to go by Mt. Lolo, they could go out and back by Saltwater Lagoon.  Approximately 10 km and four hours.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? No
Notes We will not do this trip in poor weather.

Hiking – Shellaligan Loop – 19 Nov 2025

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Activity Hiking
Destination Shellaligan Loop
Date 19 Nov, Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Valerie van Veen
Contact Info Vvv@qisland.ca, 250 285 2329, 778 242 5774( cell)
Description We will hike the circular route, in a clockwise direction, allowing us to take the coast trail option if weather permits. Otherwise we will stay inland to complete the loop. We will start at the first parking lot, hike the route, and walk back to our cars on the logging road. Bring lunch, dress for the weather. Trip cancelled if heavy rain and/or strong winds. Only registered hikers will be advised of any changes in plans.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot OR Shellaligan logging road turn off on Valdes Road
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs None
Trip limits 10
Dogs? Under control, must stay with owner at front or back of group.
Notes: Must register by Monday evening, Nov 17. South end hikers will meet at the CC parking lot. I will let registered hikers know who else is coming and I will be available by cell phone if needed Wednesday morning. I will meet the group at the turn off to the logging road on Valdes Road. Please contact me if unsure of these directions.

Trip Report – Beaver Lake and Open Bay Creek – 30 Oct 2025

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We had a small but enthusiastic group for a hike on a lovely autumn day.  We started from Hyacinthe Bay Road and followed a flagged route down to Beaver Lake.  The fungi were amazing.  We crossed the outflow creek without any problem and paused on the bluff above Beaver Lake  before heading east on the open logging road and then into the forest and down the path following the creek to Open Bay Creek. The water was flowing well and when we reached the falls we always visit, we noticed that there were falls higher up, so we bushwhacked to see these other cascades. There were two sets which were more impressive than the falls by the trail.  After lunch on an open, mossy bluff, we bushwhacked back to the trail and down to Open Bay Creek.  From there we meandered upstream along the creek, mostly on high bank, but sometimes at the creek level.  There were no salmon in the creek, but the forest and the views were lovely.   (5.9 km and 3 hours)

Debbie
 
Thanks to Carrie and Norris for the photos
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Beaver Lake and Open Bay Creek – 30 Oct 2025

Hiking – Elk Falls Loop – 6 Nov 2025

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This hike has been cancelled due to weather.

Activity Hiking
Destination Elk Falls – Canyon View trails
Date 6 Nov, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Vic Gladish
Contact Info 250-287-0459; vicgladish@gmail.com
Description This is a well developed, popular trail that follows the Campbell River along the north shore and into Elk Falls Park and to the Suspension Bridge. We will have lunch at Elk Falls, and return on the River Trail.
We will start from the parking lot on the north side of the river across the “log” bridge before the Quinsam Campground. TURN RIGHT off of Hwy 28.
Anyone not wanting the full, 4 hr hike, could loop back to the starting point when we get to the bridge.
Meeting Place Q Cove Ferry terminal
Departure Time 9:30 ferry
Difficulty Moderate
Costs Ferry costs
Trip limits None
Dogs? On leash; warning.. the ramps and bridge at Elk Falls are made of metal grids that are hard on dogs’ feet
Notes: Bring lunch. We will hike at a leisurely pace to really enjoy this beautiful area. (fall colours?) Unless extreme weather, we will at least do the Canyon View Trail. About 2 – 4 hours, 5 – 10 km depending on route. Carpooling from the ferry parking lot will be attempted. Drivers should arrive to be in line for the 0930.Elk Falls Park/Trails Map here: https://nrs.objectstore.gov.bc.ca/kuwyyf/elk_falls_parking_trails_map_68efc975fd.pdf

Hiking – Beaver Lake to Open Bay Creek – 30 Oct 2025

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Activity Hiking
Destination Beaver Lake to Open Bay Creek
Date 30 Oct 2025, Thursday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info dmquigg@gmail.com or 3710
Description We will leave from Hyacinthe Bay Road and follow a flagged trail down to Beaver Lake. After crossing the outflow creek, we will continue on to Open Bay Creek mostly following the creek with some sections of steep descent.  The path along Open Bay Creek is undulating, but mostly flat.  This involves a car shuffle.
Meeting Place Community Centre parking lot
Departure Time 10:00
Difficulty
 Moderate
Costs none
Trip limits 10
Dogs?
Notes Bring a lunch or snack and dress for the weather.

Trip Report – Big Trees and Clear Lake – 22 Oct 2025

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With ten hikers, we approached Main Lake Provincial Park from the west and hiked into a valley with a number of large Douglas firs.  The biggest has a diameter of nearly 8 meters.  We hiked up the dis-used logging road with Alders growing over it and into the dense forest on an already quite dark day.   Following a flagged route we crossed the saddle and descended into the protected valley.  Progress was fairly slow navigating the deadfall even with a path.  After admiring the group of big trees near the small creek, we continued on toward Clear Lake.  With water levels already quite high, some continued on to lake views while others started their lunch on the mossy open bluff above the lake.  Lunch included contributions of muffins from Julie and smoked salmon from Vic which were much appreciated.  As we headed back it began to rain lightly, but it was a gentle day for a forest walk. (4.9 km; 3 hours.)
 
Here is a video of the biggest tree in the group, with views that were not available to us:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MARVLftC-YY    
 
Debbie
 

(click on photos to enlarge)

Hiking – Big Trees & Clear Lake – 22 Oct 2025

Trip Report – Denman & Hornby Islands – 5-8 Oct 2025

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Sunday: Seven of us went straight from the 10:00 ferry from Buckley Bay to the Morning Beach trailhead to take advantage of the relatively low tide, and walk to Tree Island (aka Sandy Island).  We descended the stairs on the east side of Longbeak Point and walked north along the shore and then across the sandy flats to Tree Island.  It was a perfect, sunny day.  We walked across the wooded area for the view north before heading back.  We hurried a bit, not wanting to be too late with the turn of the tide, but there was no problem and we could have taken more time.  We had lunch once we returned to Longbeak Point on Denman and then continued to the trailhead.  (7.5 km, 3h)  We went to Fillongley Provincial Park and set up our campsites in this popular park on Lambert Channel.  Several people explored Denman a bit more and visited Chickadee Lake looking for the best swimming spot.  (2.25 km, 45m).  The evening was cool and the group gathered around a fire for happy hour and later for dessert.  The moon was nearly full as it rose over the Salish Sea.

(click on photos to view larger)

Monday – The weather was again perfect.  We took the 9:40 ferry to Hornby and positioned the vehicles for a car shuffle.  Starting from Mount Road, we hiked up Middle Bench in the Mt. Geoffrey Escarpment Provincial Park and almost immediately had wonderful views to the west, over Lambert Channel and Denman Island.  The gradual climb continued on Outer Ridge up to the summit of Mt. Geoffrey at 330m.  But the views are not at the summit, they are along the embankment with the unusual conglomerate geology. We continued on the Cliff Trail in Mt. Geoffrey Regional Park, with views that included the Hornby farmlands and the scenery to the north.  We descended the dirt stairs down to Lea Smith Road and took the ferry back to Denman Island for the evening at Fillongley.  The trail was very quiet and we encountered only one group of mountain bikers all day.  (9.2 km, 3¾ hours, about 300m ascent)  Once again the campfire was the social centre and the truly full moon rose over Hornby Island.

Tuesday – We had a spectacular sunrise, which was followed by significant cloud cover until late in the afternoon.  We again returned to Hornby Island on the 9:40 ferry and went to Helliwell Provincial Park to walk the south-facing bluffs.  The views are great and the cliff formations from conglomerate are fascinating.  We walked north to the park boundary and then followed the trail loop counterclockwise.  There were sea lions swimming below the cliffs and in a colony on nearby Flora Island.  (5.4 km, 1¾ hours).  After visiting the Hornby Coop Store, which is an amazing source of anything that you might need, we continued on to Tribune Bay for lunch and to enjoy the fine sand and the scenery.  After a quick visit to Little Tribune Bay, there were a variety of short explorations before returning to Denman for the evening.  Regrettably, we did not have time or tide to explore the rock formations at Heron Rock and elsewhere.  Back on Denman, a few in the group went to explore the Lindsay Dickson Nature Reserve and Graham Lake, which were both worth the visit.  (2.9 km, 1h)

Wednesday: For most of us, this was a short and cloudy day.  A group hiked the eastern shore in Boyle Point Provincial Park to see Eagle Rock and the view of the Chrome Island lighthouse.  This was a gentle walk through a fine forest.  (2.9 km, 1h)

We then headed home after a great trip with an amazing variety of hikes and scenery.

Debbie

Thanks to Jim, Louise, and Norris for the photos

Multi-day Hiking – Denman & Hornby – 5-8 Oct 2025