Category Archives: trip photos

Trip Report – Mt. Seymour – 19 June 2025

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We had moved this hike from Wednesday to Thursday due to the heavy rainfall forecast, which didn’t come until afternoon, but it really poured so we were glad that we had.

Five hikers left at 9:30 in the morning from the Granite Bay Road to hike to Mount Seymour. The large ferns on the start of the trail were very wet from the rainfall the night before, but the trail was in good shape. It was a cool pleasant morning with clouds and sunshine that made the moss very photogenic. We briefly stopped to admire the Nugedzi Lakes and could see huge thunder heads to the west toward Gold River. We continued our ascent and stopped on top by the large rock cairn to enjoy lunch and the views. There was a small breeze, but the sunshine had warmed up the rocks, so it was a very pleasant time on top of the highest point on Quadra Island. After this, we went to the viewpoint looking out over Browns Bay and then to the second peak with the view to the north.

We then descended down, following the same path, to the fork that goes to Nugedzi Lake. Because it looked like the thunder heads were coming toward us we decided not to carry on to the Nugedzi view point and we went back down the same route to the vehicles.
8 km, 4 1/2 hours and 500 m total ascent to 612 m elevation.

Les

Thanks to Les and Norris for the photos.

(click on photos to enlarge)    

 

Hiking – Mt. Seymour – 19 June 2025

Trip Report – Cortes Island – 27-29 May 2025

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The first part of the adventure was just getting to Cortes, due to overloads and low tides.  Seven of us went on four different ferry sailings and arrived more or less as planned.

Tuesday: We started at Manson’s Landing Provincial Park to explore the forest and the beach.  The timing was arranged to coincide with a very slightly minus tide around 12:30.  We hiked through the forest to the community of Manson’s Landing and then down along Hague Lake before circling back to walk along the nearly dry Lagoon and out across the sand to the island for lunch.  There were wild roses, death camas and sedums around us as we sheltered out of the wind.  We walked around the end of the peninsula before going to the campground at Smelt Bay Provincial Park before our hike to Easter Bluff.  (Manson Lagoon walk: 5.0 km, 2½ hours, 115m)  The hike to the bluffs is short, but steep and rough in some places.  The morning overcast was just retreating as we arrived on the bluff for the great views over Desolation Sound, Baker Passage and toward the mainland.  (Easter Bluff hike: 2.0 km, 1½ hours, 130m)  We wanted a bit more, so we explored the trail out to Red Granite Point, which we had not visited before.  We found this a wonderful viewpoint for the effort to get there. (Red Granite Point hike: 1.1 km, 1¾ hour, 70m)

Back at the campground, we enjoyed a group happy hour, some of us walked on the beach, and after dinner we sat around a campfire.

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

Wednesday: We were off by 9:30 for the hike to Green Mountain.  The climb went more quickly than we remembered and we were up to the loop on the bluff in half an hour.  The day was very clear and the views in every direction were great.  (Green Mountain hike: 4.1 km, 1¾ hour, 200m)  We returned to the campsite for lunch and then headed out on the beach again with a slightly minus tide at around 13:20.  We walked out toward the end of Sutil Point, but did not go the entire way.  It was a wonderful, if a bit wet, walk.  The extensive flats, the intertidal life, the views and the clouds were excellent.  (Sutil Point beach exploration: 4.8 km, 2 hours)  For a bit more variety, most of us visited the gardens at Hollyhock in the late afternoon.  The garden with flowers, vegetables and herbs is very impressive and photogenic.  The variety of iris in bloom was lovely.  We visited their east-facing beach before returning to camp for dinner and some early packing up, in light of the forecast rain overnight.

Thursday: It definitely rained overnight, but what was more inconvenient was the deluge at 8:30 in the morning, which was not forecast.  If definitely put a damper on enthusiasm for walking.  While some headed home, two headed out to visit the very popular free-store on Cortes, while two others went for the initial planned walk to the south end of Kw’as Park.  We had not used this approach before.  After reaching the park we followed two short loops with a connector.  From the really huge Douglas fir tree, we climbed to the cedar ridge and back down to the bridge over the inlet between Hague and Gunflint Lakes.  We circled back and then climbed up to the short Pierre de trail loop.  It was a lovely, quiet, wet walk.  (South Kw’as hike: 3.5 km, 1 hour, 120m)

We returned to Quadra on three different ferry sailings and by noon the sun was out and the wind was up.  This was a wonderful visit to Cortes with great destinations and mostly great weather.

Debbie

Thanks to Vic, Les and Norris for the photos

Multi-day Hiking, Camping – Cortes Island – 27-29 May 2025

Trip Report – Amor Lake – 21 May 2025

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Seven paddlers launched at Amor Lake, a little later than planned as the road seems considerably rougher than previously. We headed north from the boat launch to the campsite at the north end of the lake. The site boasts a shelter with picnic table and fire ring (not an official structure) installed when there was easier road access. Some ATV’s seem to be getting in, but the main access road from Blackwater Main is blocked now. After lunch, we headed to the portage trail at the east end of the lake for a planned walk up to Twin Lake. However, by then, the rain had started and the access point is both muddy and rocky, so we gave the portage hike a miss. After taking a short break at one of the sandy beaches on the west side of Amor, we paddled back to the boat launch, at which time the rain stopped. We were the only folks out, and enjoyed the quiet, if occasionally damp, conditions. Not too much wildlife – just a few loons which were not perturbed by our presence.  (13.4 km, 4¼ hr)

Darcy

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Kayaking – Amor Lake -21 May 2025

Trip Report – Ripple Rock Trail – 13 May 2025

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Three of us and two dogs hiked out from trailhead at Highway 19 to the viewpoint overlooking former Ripple Rock. Blasted in 1958, it was the largest non nuclear blast up until that time. It was a beautiful sunny day with slight breeze so temperature was ideal for hiking. With no significant rainfall for awhile the trail was dry with no mud or slippery sections. We walked the trail at a good pace with dogs helping us along. The whole route out and back was 9 km and took 3 hours and 6 minutes, with a 15 to 20 minute break for a snack at Ripple Rock viewpoint. The last uphill stretch to parking lot was a bit exhausting, but welcome once there.

Allan
 
Thanks to Allan for the photos
 

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Hiking – Ripple Rock Trail – 13 May 2025

Trip Report – Gowlland Harbour – 14 May 2025

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What could go wrong?  Well, first there were 13 people who registered to come on this trip, but only four were able to come and three of them live on Gowlland Harbour.  The day was beautifully clear and a perfect temperature.  We paddled over to Gowlland Harbour Resort, who very generously allowed us to launch from their property.  There was a slight breeze from the northwest, which was just a bit of extra work.  By the time the last person was in the water, however, it seemed as if the wind was sufficient to reconsider the planned route and so instead of paddling over to Gowlland Island, we went upwind into North Gowlland.  We got out on a beach there for a short break, even though we had not paddled for very long.  In the 15 minutes or so that we were there, the wind increased noticeably so the there were small white caps.  So we once again changed our plan to explore the upper reaches of North Gowlland Harbour and instead crossed over to Vigilant Islet.  The bay behind the island was very sheltered and the tide was rapidly ebbing so there was lots of foreshore.  A few people rambled around the Island, admiring the flowers and the views before returning to the kayaks.  We had a brisk paddle back over to the north shore of Quadra Island, but were then somewhat sheltered.  We poked into the inlet east of Gowlland Harbour Resort before heading back to the launching beach.  We had lunch on the rocks there, enjoying the sunshine, and the view.  In our fairly short paddle we saw a mink, river otter, lots of Harbour Seals, a few porpoise or dolphin (which may have been Pacific White-sided Dolphin), deer, Bald Eagles, Canada Geese, Turkey Vultures, and Great Blue Heron.  It was a lovely day, but not the day we expected.    (From east Gowlland Harbour 7.4 km; 4 hours with lunch and two stops)

Debbie

(click on photos to enlarge)

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 14 May 2025

Trip Report – Trout Creek Falls – 7 May 2025

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On a sunny spring day, nine hikers drove out Menzie’s Main to the start of the trail. There is a easy place to park just before and after the bridge over Mohun Creek, which used to be called Trout Creek. It is only a short walk to the first of three waterfalls. The first is impressive, but smaller. The trail has lots of rocks and roots in it so you must be careful not to trip. The trail has been used extensively already this spring. As you hike up the trail, there are many pools and rapid areas that are very picturesque. The second waterfall is the highest and very beautiful. The trail is very steep here so you need to be careful not to slip. The third waterfall is short but very impressive as it drops over a rock face and then makes a sharp right down a rocky ravine before it drops more. We carried on and had lunch on the rock bluff above the waterfall. After lunch we hiked out to the old logging road, stopped briefly at Mary Lake and then returned to the vehicles.
7 km in about three hours

Les
 
(click on photos to enlarge)
 

Hiking – Trout Creek Falls Loop – 7 May 2025

Trip Report – Canyon View and Elk Falls – 23 Apr 2025

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Five Club members and one of the four-legged persuasion took full advantage of a beautiful, uncrowded spring day to enjoy the many signs of spring bursting all around us on this hike. While the actual hike, Canyon View Trail to Millenium Trail to Elk Falls Provincial Park, and return, is guaranteed to give a good workout, the bonus was the opportunity to enjoy so much else this local treasure has to offer.

We were quickly delighted to find that the pink fawn lilies were still in bloom, and, in fact abundant, along both sides of the Canyon View Trail, as well as wild bleeding hearts, trilliums, and yellow violets, and few other unnamed wild flowers. The salmonberries are just beginning to flower, along with the elderberry bushes.

Our knowledgeable birder’s identifications began at QCove then along the Campbell River, sightings included Yellowlegs, Eagle, Killdeer, Pine Siskins, and Mergansers.

Apart from Nature’s offerings, this trail is also a fascinating engineering study. Watching the progress since initiation, in 2014, of the new generating plant, the seismic upgrades and restoration work on the John Hart Dam has been most interesting. The former penstock valley is now being regraded and restored, completion projected for 2030. As this trail was new to two of our members, we all enjoyed the opportunity to read the excellent signage explaining this massive project.

The north side of the Canyon View Trail has just been reopened following improvements made to the upper end. We followed a diversion through alder scrub out to the beaver ponds and spawning channels to the north of the river, these quiet channels would be great swimming holes in the summer. Rejoining the main trail, we were impressed with the new boardwalks in the hilly, muddy areas, providing much more secure footing and preventing further erosion.

Once in Elk Falls Park, we enjoyed lunch warmed by the sunshine pouring into the picnic area, then followed the outer loop to the river. All along this hike we marvelled at the old growth trees, mostly spruce, some fir and cedar. We stopped at the Dolphin Pool to gawk at the changes, yet again, to the Dam and seismic infrastructure visible across the pool. Further on, one of our hikers took full advantage of a small riverside pool to cool off.

A trip over the suspension bridge is mandatory on this hike, its construction was another source of examination and discussion. This suspension bridge is certainly more secure than the wood slats (always some missing) and wire ropes of the old Lyn Valley bridge (North Vancouver) of my youth, but not as thrilling.

We returned on the south side of the river, again reconstruction and restoration of the trail up to the Highway bridge was noted. After crossing the bridge, the trail is still a rough, woodlands trail following the river. Altogether a beautiful hike offering many added delights. (12.5 km; 4 ¾ hours)

Valerie van Veen

Thanks to Valerie for the photos

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Canyon View and Elk Falls – 23 Apr 2025

Trip Report – Beech’s Mountain – 16 Apr 2025

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Ten hikers set out from the Chinese mountain parking lot on a beautiful sunny spring day. The trail was dry and in excellent condition. It has been a while since we have had this nice of weather and we were certainly enjoying it. We stopped at many of the open large rock outcrops to look out over Quadra and to the snow on the mountains on Vancouver Island. As we approached the pond, where the trail forks to go to Beech’s or Chinese mountain, there was a huge uproar of thousands of frogs croaking. Often at the first sound of people talking they will stop croaking, but they did not seem to mind us at all and just kept going. We proceeded on up to the large open rock face and decided to have lunch here as we enjoyed the views to the south and east. After we hiked on to the top of Beech’s where we unrolled a large Canadian flag that Val had brought. She took a group photo of us with the flag to send into Global TV. It will be interesting to see if it gets used on the evening news.
With the top and picture accomplished, we took a leisurely pace back down the hill to our vehicles. (7km, 4½ hours, 350m elevation)

Les

Thanks to Carrie and Les for the photos.

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Beech’s Mtn  – 16 Apr 2025

Trip Report – Nugedzi Lakes Traverse – 9 Apr 2025

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In order to do a Nugedzi Lake traverse we positioned two vehicles at the start of the Mount Seymour Trail. Then eight hikers met at the Nugedzi Lake Trail parking area. After the heavy rainfall the day before we anticipated much water. The creeks were running hard, but there was not too much water on the trails. The loose rocks were wet and slippery though, as we started the long climb uphill. After about an hour, we stopped at a viewpoint by the trail in order to view the mountains to the east and a brief rest. It was nice to get off of the old road’s loose rocks and onto a good hiking trail. The trail was in good condition with only the odd tree down. We continued on through the Cedar Grove Valley, over the ridge and down to Nugedzi Lake. The lake was beautiful on this partially sunny afternoon. There was a brisk cold breeze coming off the lake though, so we decided to go toward the viewpoint for lunch. Near the top we stopped in the trees for a well-deserved break and lunch. It was a beautiful mossy area and out of the wind.

After lunch, we continued to the top of the ridge and then down to the open view point. Here you can look down towards Browns Bay or north up Discovery Passage, There are also great views to the mountains on Vancouver Island. We then started downhill and went around Little Nugedzi Lake on the old boardwalks which some of the group had never been on before. From here, it was all downhill which we enjoyed in the pleasant weather. Canyon Creek was a bit of a challenge to cross, as it was quite high, but other than that, it was a easy walk back to the vehicles. (9.2 km, 4½ hours, 540 m ascent)

Les

Thanks to Jim and Norris for the photos

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Nugedzi Lakes Traverse – 9 Apr 2025

Trip Report – Bays and Bretons – 2 April 2025

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Six eager kayakers set out on a beautiful, sunny, spring day for our first group paddle of ‘25. For our first outing we were not too ambitious and were granted gentle conditions.  However, the Len Rd shore access had its challenges, as usual – a very small beach beyond a log jam for our put-in; 200 m of beach to cross on our return at low tide.

We were on the water at about 10:00 and paddled out, on calm waters, amid a flock of ducks (Buffleheads, Goldeneyes) fleeing our approach. We crossed the mouth of Hyacinthe Bay, and stayed close to the shoreline as we rounded Hyacinthe Point to enter Open Bay. A slight NW breeze rippled the water and we paddled halfway into the Bay before crossing to a group of rocky islands and then along the shore again. The tide was now low enough that we had to go around Valdez Point rather than picking a way through the rocky islets. The rock formations in this area are always fascinating to see close up. At this point two paddlers headed straight over to Breton Island and four of us continued on into Moulds Bay under the watchful eyes of a pair of eagles, one probably sitting on an egg or two, and a rest stop at a gravelly beach below a rustic home. A leg stretch is always welcome after an hour of paddling!

So as not to over-extend ourselves it was decided to head south through the small islands of the Breton group. A few Oystercatchers and Cormorants were sighted on the rocky outcrops. Then on to our lunch stop at the Breton Island “campsite”. It’s a nice sunny spot to relax and view the Salish Sea, from its “deep end”, south to the middle regions beyond Mitlenatch Island. No whale blows were sighted! The island has been closed to camping since becoming the Breton-Whitbridge Reserve under the BC Nature Trust in 2021.  Visit https://www.naturetrust.bc.ca/news/a-treasured-island for more information.

After lunch we set our sights on Turtle Island and started on the final leg. With about an hour remaining to a very low tide it seemed unlikely that we’d get around Turtle, and headed to the take out instead, which was now 200 metres from the parked cars! The portage to the headland was made much easier with four sets of kayak wheels which worked quite well on the firm, sandy beach. Everyone was glad to have finally got out on the water after a winter of cancelled paddle outings.(13.2 km; 4 hours)

Vic

Thanks to Carrie and Stephen for the photos.


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Kayaking – Bays and Bretons – 2 April 2025