Timberline Tales

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Early-Season Snowshoeing at Battleship Lake

December 28, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

We had nearly a full group out for this early-season snowshoe trip, thanks in part to a recent snowfall that piled up just enough snow to make snowshoes worthwhile. In many spots, the snow was only about five inches deep—shallow enough that the picnic benches were still visible. If we’d wanted to, we could have stopped for a proper sit-down break!

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Green Mountain

~November 30, 2025

~ submitted by Su Castle

Beautiful late fall weather day for this trip up Green Mountain. We drove up logging spur K15 until the creek crossing. (approx 49.04447 124.34843), snow started 1100m.

We hiked steadily upwards, using micro spikes near the summit. There was more of a crust on the snow the higher up we got. Ice formations on the foliage were beautiful!

The last 100m of elevation gave us the adventure we were seeking, as the snow wasn’t consistent enough to create good steps, and there was just enough ice on the rocks with a bit of a drop off below us to make it a super sketchy choice!

We descended the summit a slightly different way. We were back at the vehicle and out of the last Nanaimo Lakes gates by 3:00. 

Trip length: 7.5 km Total elevation: 450 Total Hike: 4 hours  

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Sooke Hills – Black Bear & Trafalgar Mountains

November 29, 2025

~ submitted by Evan Martin

Winter is coming, which for me means ski trips and gulley climbs.  However, after coming off the summer high and dipping into the fall low, I needed to start getting out again to build the necessary fitness.  The Sooke Hills are a convenient place to train and keep up the fitness for those of us on the South Island.  I had spent a lot of time exploring the area a few years ago, but the North West corner of the park was closed due to the Old Man Lake fire of 2024.  Hence, this trip gave me an opportunity to get out into one of the last parts of the park that I haven’t yet explored.

I was joined by three other Ramblers and a special guest from UVic. It was a good mix of participants – some seeking fitness, others checking off the Sooke Hills challenge.  Our guest was gathering data on risk in outdoor activities as part of an Anthropology course, which led to some interesting discussions during the trip.

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Mount Cokely

October 25, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

On October 25, only four members were brave enough to face the forecast. Although the trip was originally quite popular, a half-dozen people backed out in the final hours—and honestly, who could blame them? The weather looked downright grim.

Still, the four of us met at the head of the logging road, determined to take on the predicted 50 km/h winds, driving rain, and fresh snow. Our plan was to climb Mount Cokely via the Saddle Route and return along Rosseau Ridge.

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Run Ragged in the Sooke Foothills!

November 8, 2025

~ submitted by Jaime Crucil

Seven Island Mountain Ramblers met at the Sooke Hills parking area for a rolling stroll through the foothills. For those who know the area, the Sooke Foothills host a maze of intersecting and sometimes faint trails—so naturally, I managed to lose the route within the first 100 feet on a very wide and obvious trail. Fortunately, a quick correction had us back on track in no time. Continue reading “Run Ragged in the Sooke Foothills!”

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Mount Service

November 15, 2025

~ submitted by Sarah Duncan

7 of us met at a reasonable time at a park and ride to convoy to Cottonwood main where we used gate keys to let us onto the main extinguishing the need for the long haul walk up the logging road.

We were lucky to have two gate key holders on this trip so we were able to pack more folks in than just one vehicle would allow. 

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