Timberline Tales

Posted on

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.

Continue reading “Marmot Mountain from the South: Easier, Quicker, Better?”
Posted on

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.

Continue reading “Windswept and Wild: An Easter Adventure at Cape Beale and Keeha Beach”
Posted on

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.

Continue reading “Lost and Found: A Return to Nahmint’s East Ridge”
Posted on

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. 

 
 
Untitled photo
 
 
 
 

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

 

Continue reading “Rambling along the west coast”

Posted on

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.

Continue reading “Maple Mountain, Blue and Yellow Trail”
Posted on

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.