We had a beautiful fall day for eight of us and four dogs to hike along the eastern Quadra shoreline and through woodlot trails. We sat on the beach for a snack and were lucky to see two humpback whales passing by. 2 hours.
We had six people and two dogs for this hike, as well as a WWOOFer from Belgium. The walk was lovely and dry through forest to see stands of first growth Douglas fir. We passed by wetlands, along a creek following the undulating trail. We had lunch on the northern bluff, with a good view for a cloudy October day. There were lots of colourful mushroom along the way and some were collected for dinner.
Seven hikers enjoyed what turned out to be a splendid day, after heavy rain the day and night before. The hike began via the South Chinese trailhead in the fog, following the low cloud almost to the top. Here the skies broke into sunshine at the large open east-facing bluff where the group had peekaboo views of the Coast Mountains. From there the weather continued to improve to full sunshine. After turning off the South Chinese Mountain trail, Beech’s trail follows a series of rock bluffs between fir and hemlock forested sections, with arguably the best views of any trail on the Island.
After lunch at the east viewpoint and a brief stop at the top, the group continued on a route only, descending the north side and dropping down to an old logging road. After about fifteen minutes on the road, we followed a convoluted route over another series of bluffs which brought us to the North Chinese Mountain trail. From here, it was a straightforward walk down the steep trail to the parking lot. Even though the sun was shining in the afternoon, extra care was taken on the steep bluff sections since the rock was very wet and slippery. The second half of this loop is not recommended unless hiking with someone who knows the route down the far side of Beech’s Mountain. 6.2 km; 340 elevation gain; total time four hours.
Janis
(click on photos to enlarge)
Four of us headed out into Paradise Meadows on a nice autumn morning after a weekend of heavy rain. The first part of our loop went quickly on good boardwalk from which we could appreciate the bogs, ponds, meadows and lakes and their flora without tramping through mud. After passing Battleship, Kooso, Lady Lakes and numerous meadows, we had lunch at Croteau group campsite and yurt. As the forecast rain held off, we decided to hike the Kwai Lake Loop, so we continued on to Kwai Lake and up the hill to the Ranger cabin. Passing through a meadow surrounded by blueberries and huckleberries, we surprised two black bears: a mom and cub. The long descent to Helen Mackenzie Lake is through forest and features roots, rocks and mud. This section always seems endless. However, on the plus side, there were many varieties of mushrooms to admire. And it didn’t rain until we got back to the car. 17.2km; 187m elevation gain; 6 hours,
On the drive back to Campbell River a large black bear cub ran across the four lane highway in front of us, near Black Creek, with a big mama bear watching from the ditch.
Norris
(click on photos to enlarge)
| Activity | Hiking |
| Destination | North Gowlland Loop |
| Date | 30 Oct 2019, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Debbie Quigg |
| Contact Info | 285-3710 or debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca. Please contact the coordinator in advance of the trip. |
| Description | We will use bike trails, logging roads and a bit of official hiking trail to make this loop on both sides of North Gowlland Road: Marlow’s Road Climb, North Gowlland Trail, Missing Link, Little Black Dress, Back Door, Cash Only and Lady Lumps. If the weather is good we will visit Rousseau Ridge. |
| Meeting Place | Heriot Bay Store for car pooling |
| Departure Time | 10:00 |
| Difficulty |
Moderate |
| Costs | none |
| Trip limits | none |
| Dogs? | Okay if they don’t run through the group |
| Notes: | Bring lunch and gear for the weather. |
Six hardy souls prepared for rain and began the lovely stroll through the forest before reaching the rockier trails. Recent rains had helped the mosses to pop out in colour, but possibly the most stunning visuals were the fungi. Many we were able to identify, but a small, white cauliflower shaped fungi with shiny red and black markings was unknown and stunning.
Sandra
(click on photos to view larger)
| Activity | Hiking |
| Destination | Rebecca Spit Loop |
| Date | 30 October 2019, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Debbie Quigg |
| Contact Info | debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710. Please contact the trip coordinator prior to the trip. |
| Description | We will visit the Sasquatch and then continue to Paddy’s Lagoon. We will follow some unofficial trails that loop out and then circle back to the campground. We will explore the recent improvements to Drew Creek. If we then continue to the end of the Spit, the hike is about 8km. |
| Meeting Place | Rebecca Spit parking lot just past the gate on the right by the water at the south end of the park. |
| Departure Time | 10:00 |
| Difficulty |
easy |
| Costs | none |
| Trip limits | none |
| Dogs? | |
| Notes: | Expect some mud on the way to Paddy’s Lagoon. Bring a snack and gear for the weather. |
| Activity | Hiking |
| Destination | South Morte Lake Loop |
| Date | 6 Nov 2019, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Debbie Quigg |
| Contact Info | debbie.quigg@ualberta.ca or 3710. Please contact the coordinator in advance. |
| Description | Starting from the Morte Lake parking lot, we will hike up Morning Beer, joining Deadfish and on to other mountain bike trails. We will descend maybe by Tripod, carry on along Reed Lake, cross the Wal Can Road and return to the Morte Lake parking lot following McKercher Creek. |
| Meeting Place | Heriot Bay store parking lot |
| Departure Time | 10:00 |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Costs | none |
| Trip limits | none |
| Dogs? | okay, but must not run through the group |
| Notes: | Bring a snack or lunch, poles if you use them, and gear appropriate for the weather. |
| Activity | Hiking |
| Destination | Mt. Seymour |
| Date | 14 |
| Trip Coordinator | Norris Weimer |
| Contact Info | norris.weimer@ualberta.ca or 3710 |
| Description | This hike will take us to the highest point on Quadra Island. After ascending the old logging road we wander over open bluffs with great views. Once at the summit there are nearly 360° views. We will not do this trip in poor weather. |
| Meeting Place | Heriot Bay parking lot to carpool |
| Departure Time | 10:00 |
| Difficulty |
challenging |
| Costs | none |
| Trip limits | none |
| Dogs | |
| Notes: | Bring lunch, poles if you use them, and gear appropriate for the weather. |
| Activity | Hiking |
| Destination | Kay Dubois Trail |
| Date | 9 Oct 2019, Wednesday |
| Trip Coordinator | Julie Mellanby |
| Contact Info | 3978 |
| Description | We will hike this trail beginning at the south. This is a classic trail along the shore through a mixed forest with great views of Sutil Chanel. A short walk. |
| Meeting Place | Kay Dubois trailhead at the end of Sutil Road |
| Departure Time | 10:00 |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Costs | none |
| Trip limits | none |
| Dogs? | Okay if they don’t run through the group. |
| Notes: | Bring a snack or lunch and poles if you use them. |
Quadra Island Outdoor Club 