Category: Cowichan Valley Regional District

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Tzouhalem — Another Day of the Weathers

November 1, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

While we didn’t have all the weather, we definitely experienced multiple seasons. We went up in the fall and came down in the spring!

Driving to the trailhead, I could barely get my vehicle up to the speed limit — it was hydroplaning so badly. Fortunately, by the time we regrouped at the trailhead, the deluge had settled into a steady drizzle.

The three of us took our time gaining the ridge, pausing often to enjoy the misty views and admire the towering trees.

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Mount Geoffrey (Hornby Island)

June 10, 2025

~ submitted by Dorothy Benneke

7 of us had one of those perfect Gulf Island days for Mount Geoffrey on Hornby Island…it was a new hike for a few of the group.  We enjoyed the Middle Bench and Ridge Trails with spectacular views over Lambert Channel.  

For the lunch spot, a local biker directed us to a bench which offered great views (but also added on a few extra kms!). On the return trip, the busy Denman ferry was running shuttle sailing mode, but an ice cream stand made the wait time a bit sweeter.

My track showed 17.5km with 585m accumulated elevation.

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Heather Mountain

June 6, 2025

~ submitted by Su Castle

It was a hot day up Heather Mountain. The snow had mostly melted; luckily there were a few patches to cool down with.

It was one member’s first hike both on Vancouver Island and with the IMR.  We had a 12 km round trip as we were able to drive most of the way up.

Great company, big views. We took it slow and steady, made time for rest stops and a little exploring.

Elapsed time: 6 hours. Elevation gain: 750m.

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Maple Mountain, Blue and Yellow Trail

April 15, 2025

~ submitted by Mary Hof

I love this hike on Maple Mountain, starting on the Blue trail going down and along the Yellow trail along the ocean. I decided to lead this hike today for the OCV and Island Mountain Ramblers. Instead of following the Yellow till the end and then up to the Blue, I have found a way up through the ridges and forest to the Blue Trail.

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Bald Mountain

April 5, 2025

~ submitted by Mary Hof

I was suppose to lead a hike to Bald Mountain in Youbou on Sunday, but looking at the weather forecast I switched to Saturday and I am glad we did.

We hiked up to the tower and beyond to that beautiful view with Heather Mountain under a lot of snow. 8 hikers we were, and we all had the same speed for a wonderful hike.

We met a few people on the trail, but not many. 13 km 600m of elevation gain was a good days worth. Thanks for joining me.

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Mount Provost

March 30, 2025

~ submitted by Mary Hof

Today I led hikers from three different groups on Mt. Prevost, some never having been there. Outdoor Club of Victoria, the Ramblers and Cowichan Hikers. 10 strong hikers. I even took them to a hidden waterfall, none had been there.

Good hiking weather, wind a little strong at times, but a beautiful day to enjoy the beauty around us, visit with friends, and learn all about what these awesome hikers are up too. 

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Mt. Tzouhalem – from a different way

March 2, 2025

~ submitted by Mary Hof

It was a beautiful day to do a hike, meeting new Ramblers. The group kept a good pace. Parts of this hike are seldom used so it was nice to show people the huge rocks that are along the trail.

The hike was 4.5 hours with an elevation gain of 650m. Thanks for the opportunity to lead.

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Upper Cowichan River (Part 3) – Lifetime Hiking Objective

–submitted by Su Castle
 
Part 3 Cowichan River Trail. ✅
 
By previous accounts, I thought parts of this trail was going to be really gnarly with bad bushwacking. We did follow a previous hiker’s track to keep us in line when the ‘trail’ was more elk than human. Most of the hike was lovely and obvious. The frozen ground helped to keep feet dry. Some areas typically would be pretty mushy. My shins bear the tale of walking into hidden branches along the ‘make your own adventure’ sections!
 

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Maple Mountain – Pink Route

December 15, 2024

~ submitted by Mary Hof

The weather was perfect on this December day. I decided to lead the New Pink Trail on Maple mountain having just done is few days before. This hike does take you through a high cliff area, with a couple of tricky parts.

We started on this route all going well until one person just did not feel she could do it. It was decided we would all head down and bush walk to find the other pink. Finding it was no problem, we then continued our route to the top and down to Darell Bench and ridge and headed to a couple cars we had place on Arbutus Drive.

A fun day and enjoyed by all.