Timberline Tales

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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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Marmot Mountain via the South Ridge – again

May 25, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Just a few weeks ago, I led a club trip to Marmot Mountain. Thanks to a recommendation from one of the participants, we took a chance and approached via the south ridge. The gamble paid off — we were treated to a lovely ridge walk and even spotted a marmot sunning itself!

With my wife and daughter away at a weekend-long Scout camp, I had the perfect opportunity to head out hiking with my son. We decided to do a double-feature: Gemini and Marmot — doubling his chances of seeing a marmot in the wild!

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Marmot Mountain from the South: Easier, Quicker, Better?

May 10, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Our Marmot Mountain adventure turned out quite different from what we expected.

In past visits, I’ve always approached the summit from the Nanaimo Lakes side — a route that plunges into steep, brush-choked terrain. That was our original plan again this time, but when fewer than five people expressed interest, I reconsidered. It didn’t seem worth dragging a group through that notoriously rough route unless it was absolutely necessary.

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Windswept and Wild: An Easter Adventure at Cape Beale and Keeha Beach

April 19, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

Tapaltos, Keeha, and Cape Beale are three of my favourite coastal spots on Vancouver Island. I’ve visited them in every month of the year — even camping once in January! Although they weren’t the original plan for our Easter weekend, they made an excellent consolation choice. With one caveat: the wind!

It blew fiercely for our three-night stay, with gusts reaching up to 50 km/h. Luckily, we were able to move our tents far enough back on the beach to shelter from the worst of it. From our camp, we could see a few other tents that hadn’t escaped the wind — I can only imagine how much they must have flapped and slapped all night long.

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Lost and Found: A Return to Nahmint’s East Ridge

May 2, 2025

~ submitted by Matthew Lettington

After the disappointing loss of my axe in early April, I vowed to return and reclaim it. Having been up the east ridge twice in the past six months, and feeling confident about where I had dropped the axe, I was sure we’d find it! Familiar with the terrain, I invited a larger group of club members to join the adventure.

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Rambling along the west coast

–originally published on John Young’s blog

Keeha and Talpatos Bay with the Island Mountain Ramblers – May 23-25, 2025

 
 

These gems are located a short distance from Bamfield, at the end of a now completely paved road, cutting off 1/2 hour of travel time.  Just north of the storied West Coast Trail, and part of the Pacific Rim National Park. 

 
 
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We certainly didn’t set any speed records on this hike, and when you see the photos you’ll see why!

 

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