When the weather warmed up, the snow in the valley began to melt and in the hills the snow was wet, slushy, or became a mud-snow mix. Snowshoeing at higher elevations would not have been much better, except in north-aspect higher elevations, but even those spots would be prone to snow “clumping” underfoot. The valley bottom is the best choice in such conditions, hiking/walking … Continue reading →
On a grey and cold January day we parked at Lac du Bois, then followed a stomped-in track west around Lac du Bois. We wore hiking boots with spikes attached. The trail was in good shape to the upper end of Hanging Valley, then it was irregular and more difficult on the ankles, so we went along the treeline where there was less snow. … Continue reading →
We camped at Jasper and hiked a number of trails in the park. One of the hikes we chose was Verdant Pass. The trailhead is at the parking lot next to Cavell Lake to the northeast of the mountain. We hiked past the end of Cavell Lake and continued southwest above the Astoria River. After passing the slopes of Mount Sorrow, we could … Continue reading →
Getting out on the trails almost every day all winter can be challenging, but a variety of activity choices like snowshoeing, spike hiking, and valley-bottom walks/hikes allows some flexibility with changing weather and conditions. When the roads are clear enough to get into the high country hills south and north of Kamloops, snowshoeing is the preferred winter activity. Off the Lac le Jeune Road, … Continue reading →
We camped at Waterton by the lakeside and hiked trails each day in Waterton National Park. One of the hikes we did was Crypt Lake. To get to the trailhead, we had to book a ride on the ferry. The ferry service leaves from the Marina and it takes 15 – 20 minutes to land at the trailhead on the far side of … Continue reading →
Over the years we have hiked (and run) the Skyline Trail in Manning Park, clock-wise and counter-clockwise. The way up from Lightning Lake is a long steep climb, so I preferred to go to the top of the ridge from Gibson Pass. On one year, I hiked from Gibson Pass to Despair Pass, then turned right to continue on the Skyline Two Trail. Its a … Continue reading →
On a blustery winter day near the end of December, the hike was one I did in the same time period in the previous year. From the Pacific Way trailhead in Kenna Cartwright Park I followed a series of trails: Upper Doc Findlay > Owl’s Perch > Ruffed Grouse > Upper Doug Daws > North Vista > and then back on a well-stomped route. The conditions … Continue reading →
We have been to Galiano Island a few times to hike, paddle, and explore. One of the best trails on this Gulf Island is on Mount Galiano. We hiked to the top of Mt. Galiano one day to enjoy the views, then we hiked the the Collison Park Trails another day. The trail to the top of Mt. Galiano winds up through the forest … Continue reading →
In shoulder season when hiking conditions are variable and hard-to-predict, its nice to have a few routes that are reliable. One of these is the Rivers Trail, starting at Aviation Way. The trail follows the top of the dike. The dike has compacted gravels so it drains well. It can be snowy or even icy, but it is rarely muddy (except in … Continue reading →
We stayed on Saturna Island one spring and hiked all the trails we could while there. Sections of Saturna Island are part of the Gulf Islands National Park Preserve. Parts of Mount Warburton Pike are in the park too. We drove up the narrow and steep road (Harris Road > Staples Road) to the upper parking lot to the trailhead on Brown Ridge. … Continue reading →
