Four years ago, I went on an Island Mountain Ramblers’ trip to Lowrie Bay, and caught the bug–the bug of venturing (at low tide) along the shore and over headlands to the end of Hansen Bay. So when our trip to Nootka Island was cancelled due to COVID restrictions, I decided to return to Cape Scott, with the hope of forging our way along the lagoon to Nels Bight.
June 7 – camped at San Josef Bay (#3 on the map)
June 8 – over Mt. St. Patick to Lowrie Bay (10k; 6 hours 20 minutes)
June 9 – attempted to get to Rasmus Creek, but fallen trees forced us back and we camped just south of the point leading into Hansen Bay (a 10-hour day!)
June 10 – back to Lowrie Bay
June 11 – home sweet home
June 7 – a short 2.5k walk to our campsite
San Jo–arguably the nicest beach on Vancouver Island!
We managed to squeeze all 6 of our tents into this spot in the trees
Our beach-side kitchen, dining and living room
June 8 – up and over Mt. St. Patrick (416 m.) to Lowrie Bay
A rough trail, but oh! the view from the summit!
Bill with some fancy footwork crossing Russell Creek
Lowrie Bay
June 9—some beautiful and challenging seaside hiking
And the bushiest whacking I’ve ever experienced, especially with an overnight pack!
But fabulous flora along the way
Our camp in a small cove on June 9
Michael caching food for the night
June 10 – return to Lowrie Bay
Eli with a sea lion skull
Thankfully, the bear appears to be well fed!
Luckily, the weather cleared up and we relaxed back at Lowrie Bay
I had fun with this Japanese light bulb that I found, intact!
June 11 – back up Mt. St. Pat
And along San Jo Bay and back to the trailhead
Yes, my hands took a beating, but it was worth it!
Hey there, I’m planning a trip to Lowrie Bay as well and was wondering if you have any specific info on tide heights I should aim for when crossing sea otter cove? I understand it is best at mid-low, but that can obviously vary quite a bit. Any info is appreciated, thanks in advance!
Hey there, I’m planning a trip to Lowrie Bay as well and was wondering if you have any specific info on tide heights I should aim for when crossing sea otter cove? I understand it is best at mid-low, but that can obviously vary quite a bit. Any info is appreciated, thanks in advance!
Hi Taylor, aiming for heights below 1.6m is a good plan. Keep in mind it will take about four hours to go up and over Mount St Patrick