Category Archives: Day hike

Slollicum Peak 12/06/10

Erez atop Slollicum Peak:
“This was my third attempt at Slollicum. The other two times were in the middle of winter. The trail was much easier to find when most of the snow has melted at lower elevation. Make sure you don’t miss the flagged marked right-turn just after entering the forest after about 800 m along the Harrison East FSR like I did. When I was there before, we couldn’t find a section of the trail (just when you cross the first gully), and we assumed that it was due to a land-slide. Not true. The trail actually leads across the gully. Consistent snow started at around 1300 m, where the markers seemed to taper-off. But from that point it was pretty obvious how to climb to the ridge, and then take a left to reach the peaks. Snowshoes were not needed as the snow was pretty packed. The second (true) summit is worth the extra walk as it is more open and provides very nice 360 degree view. The huge Harrison lake is spread on the west, and Mt. Baker is prominent in the south. In the east I saw little Slollicum lake which was frozen.

This is a very nice and not difficult summer hike. If you like Harvey/Brunswick/the lions, you’ll enjoy seeing similar views in a new location.”

Lynn Peak 24/05/10

Rich enjoying a nice cup of tea on Lynn Peak:
“Surprisingly, even with a short notice same day callout to join me for a cup of tea on Lynn peak on Victoria Day, I got 4 other wanderees to come along; Monika, Amir, Lulia and Tyler. And excellent company they were. None of them had been up Lynn before so I was able to play field guide leader and introduce them to the finer aspects of the Lynn Peak trail. The conditions at the “top” were cool but totally clear and the views were quite satisfying at all 4 lookouts. Monika brought along an especially good Pu-er tea and shared it around. Also some chocolate bars from Meinhardts. Watch out for that girl, she likes her high quality foods! We parted ways and said our goodbyes where the trail joins back to the Cedar Mills loop trail. A good time was had by all and there was talk of hikes to come. Happy trails.”

High Falls Creek, 15 May 2010

Su-Laine at High Falls Creek:
“Eight of us enjoyed a mostly-sunny day hiking and scrambling up the steep and varied trail to the High Falls Creek viewpoint, and walking along the gentle logging road back down. The trail was in great shape with no snow and no difficulties with creek crossings. Note that the driving directions in ‘103 Hikes’ 5th edition are less than ideal.”

Sumas Mtn 13/03/10

Steve on Sumas Mountain:
“Five of us headed out to Abbotsford on what was expected to be a very rainy day. However, the weather held out for all but the first few minutes and the last of the journey. We did the West trail which turned out to to be the right move as the East appears to no longer be usable due to blasting (for what purpose I do not know). Snow was hit at 550 metres but could be walked on all of the way to the top.

For those considering hiking this trail it is listed as a 6.5 hr hike but due to a range in hiking speeds within our group and snow it took us almost 8. Though on paper it seems as if the final destination is the peak with the large radio tower, the two highlights really are the East lookout, and Chadsey Lake. I believe this trip might be best used as a shady Summer trip on a hot day with a swim in the lake, but for views, you can do better by driving a bit further and exploring the many options in Chilliwack.

A good time was had by all.”

Diez Vistas 06/03/10

Heather at Diez Vistas:
“Nine keen hikers did a relaxed early season hike around the Diez Vistas loop. The sun was shining, the views were beautiful, and the conversation was interesting, varied, and plentiful. This hike was coupled with the great idea of a book exchange, so much of the conversation wound its way around the books people had read, heard about, liked or disliked, and which book each person had brought for the exchange. A big welcome went out to the few “first-time” Wanderungers in the group, and a big thank-you to Hurrian for organizing.”

The group enjoying great views

Baden-Powell Trail 06/03/10

Steve on the Baden-Powell Trail between Deep Cove and Lynn Canyon:
“With one participant out sick and a no-show behind us the cross-over went off without a hitch. Two cars starting at opposite ends of this trail was an interesting twist on this fine day. The team coming from Deep Cove had few crowds at Grey Rock in the morning and a smooth journey the whole way, with even time for a swim. My team, coming from Lynn Canyon, had a 60 person club behind us (Vancouver’s Korean hikers), which we quickly outpaced.

The meeting in the middle was joyous as the nature-loving, quiet team (mine), and the “wild and crazy” team for the cove merged near the Samaritan trail. Lunch was short-lived as we had to get ahead of the 60 person pack again, only to find that the trail from Deep Cove to Grey Rock was teeming with dogs, smokers, and Lululemon gear. I’ve never seen so many people on that rock.

For me this was the first time starting at that end, and I found it easier to navigate some of the troublespots, but no easier on the ups and down (I thought it would be more downhill- and hike times were about equal). I think I prefer the “traditional” direction better.

We wrapped up with a snack at Honey’s doughnuts.”

Iona Beach 03/03/10

Chris M. on Iona Beach at sunset:
“Seven of us spent a perfect evening walking towards the north arm jetty. The weather cleared up nicely and we moved along at a relaxed pace. Sunset was perfect. We all agreed it is a hidden gem that feels well removed from the city.”

Elk-Thurston 28/02/10

Ben V. on Elk Mountain:
“Four hikers set out at 10:00 in a medium density fog on yet another unseasonably warm winter day. The trail up to the 1200 m mark was clear without a trace of snow. The last portion to the ridge top was spotted with frozen snow in the forest and slushy snow in the open areas. The ridge top was similar, with snow depth gradually increasing as we progressed. We stopped for lunch at 12:45 on an open bump with a large cairn. There we were rewarded with a few views when the clouds broke briefly and revealed the surrounding peaks that had been hidden all day. We went a bit further to the next highest point to enjoy some of the nice deep snow we were finally upon, and then turned back. We faced some very slippery slopes on way down that added a bit of final adventure to our day.”

Elk-Thurston Feb. 28, 2010

Point Grey bike/hike 23/02/10

Heather hiking and biking Point Grey:
“Three of us set out for a little mid-week exercise, cycling from Main St. to Kits, then along Spanish Banks to Acadia Beach where we left our bikes. From there it was a relaxed 6 km ramble along the foreshore to Wreck Beach & back, enjoying the views, multi-coloured pebbles, and the natural designs of the sandy cliffs. This is a great accessible hike right here in the city, and at low tide you can continue farther along the foreshore and swing back through Pacific Spirit Park, completing a varied 10 km circular hike. Very enjoyable, especially when you make it back home before the heavy rains start to fall…”

Looking towards North Shore

Croker Lookout 13/02/10

Su-Laine at Croker Lookout:
“A fine Saturday with good company on the lush green trail to Croker Lookout. Stream crossings made life interesting. Hiking poles were helpful, as were umbrellas. Traffic was a non-issue and the trails were practically empty. Lougheed Mall’s bus loop was a good meeting spot, especially as it was close to the Insadong Korean restaurant where some of us enjoyed a tasty post-hike dinner.”

Indian Arm from Crocker Lookout