Trip Report – Snowden Demonstration Forest – 27 Apr 2016

Five members explored the trails in the Snowden Demonstration Forest. Because the road over the dam is closed due to of construction, the access is via Duncan Bay Road (access map available at Outdoor Addictions), but the roads are good. We parked at the Lost Lake parking area and hiked around Lost Lake. We stopped for a snack on the eastern viewpoint and had lunch at the western viewpoint. The forest has quite an open understory, and there were trillium and other early wildflowers. The trails and routes we used were named Mudhoney Pass, Sanitarium, Scotty’s, T’aint, Riley Lake, and Tri Mac. The trail map is available at the Outdoor Addictions store or online at https://gocampbellriver.com/files/MapsForDownload/Snowden_Forest_Trail_Map.pdf

The trails range from flat grades that used to be logging railroad lines to walks along moss covered rocky ridges. We didn’t see anyone else while we walked. It was a very enjoyable walk, and it barely scratched the surface of what is available there. 7.6 km, 3.5 hours.

Norris

(click on photos to view larger)

Hiking – Snowden Demonstration Forest – 27 Apr 2016

Hiking – Sooke – 16-18 May 2016

Activity Hiking
Destination Sooke
Date 16-18 May, Monday-Wednesday
Trip Coordinator Debbie Quigg
Contact Info debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710; please contact the coordinator by May 1.
Description We will spend three days (two nights) in Sooke. The suggested accommodation will be camping at the Sooke River Campground. They also have three rustic cabins for rent. We have reserved three tent sites.  Please contact the coordinator about these.  If you want an RV site or a cabin, please make the arrangements yourself (250-642-6076).

The primary hiking destinations will be the Coast Trail in East Sooke Regional Park, the Sooke Potholes, or other trails in the area. There is also the opportunity to bike along the Galloping Goose trail, or kayak in the harbour.

Meeting Place Sooke River Campground; 2259 Phillips Rd, Sooke
Departure Time na
Difficulty The Coast Trail is challenging. The walk along the Potholes is easy.
Cost Transportation and camping ($25/night/tent or $40 or $60/night for the cabins)
Trip limits none
Dogs? Possible, but challenging
Notes: This is a very historical area on Vancouver Island. Recommended reading: West Coast Pioneer – John Muir