Mount McQuillan from China Creek Main

June 15, 2024

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

It was an excellent day in the mountains despite the weather’s best efforts to confuse us.

While we had dreams of much grander mountains, because of the crappy forecast, we decided to reroute and head over to Mount McQuillan. I’ve done this before from Father and son Lake, but this time we wanted to do it a little bit different. From previous research, I knew that there was an easier route from the north ridge. 

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SSI Hiking Fest – Two Summit Hike

June 7, 2024

~ submitted by Leslie Gardner

This was Day 2 of the Salt Spring Hiking Fest and one of two hikes that were offered that day. Nine of us set out from Burgoyne Bay with the goal of bagging two summits – Mount Sullivan, 3rd highest on Salt Spring at 609m, and Mount Bruce, the highest at 709m. We lucked out with the weather – warm and sunny throughout the day.

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CPR Trail – Arrowsmith Lookout Loop

April 13, 2024

~ submitted by Clint Millar

We made our way up the CPR trail continuing on the east side of the Arrowsmith lookout Loop. We were in and out of fog and cloud. It eventually blew out and we had clear blue sunny skies.

As we continued toward to west side of the loop, by the old ski hill road we hit the snow and it was quite cloudy again and cold. Making our way along the west side back to the CPR trail the skies opened up against and we enjoyed a beautiful decent. The whole hike was amazing.

Look forward to posting it again and taking another group up! 

Mount Hayes, Christie Falls, Camas Ridge

March 30, 2024

~ submitted by John Robertson

Seven Ramblers connected at the trailhead. Some were old hands and some were new to the club. We started out on time, gradually making our way up the mountain in the near-perfect conditions. We paused for views as we encountered them, benefiting from the excellent visibility.

Conversations waxed and waned as the path became more moderate or more steep. A snack at the summit, then the descent to Christie Falls (approached from the “other” side), and another snack.

Then more descent, and a climb up onto Camas ridge. The Camas were out, but not yet blooming. Another snack (one can’t have too many) then off the ridge, and a bit of a wander in the woods below.

Back to the cars on time, and satisfied with he morning, we bid each other goodbye until the next adventure.

Monument Mountain to Grassy Lake

January 13th, 2024
~ submitted by Su Castle

The intended trail head (parking lot #2/Sooke Potholes) that would have us closer to our intended destination was locked (icy, windy, steep road); so we changed plans and started off from the Charters Creek trailhead.

Through -5 temps, clear skies, snow and ice underfoot; 4 humans and one dog tromped up Monument instead. We had a brisk pace with very short stops to stay warm.

Coming down off the hill towards the north, we caught icy winds in the face for a short time. We stopped to admire the frozen Grassy lake before returning down Grass Lake trail.

We wanted to include Devastation Hill, but the creek crossing was a little larger than we wanted to attempt.

Took us about 3 hours to hike 12.5 kms with 550 metre elevation gain.