Originally published at: Sooke Hills Obscurities (B2/C2) – Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island Section
Meeting time: 8:30 AM
Meeting place: Sooke River Road before yellow gate entrance to Sooke Potholes Park. Parking is at the side of the road either on the right just before the yellow gate or on the left (river side) a few metres back. There is limited parking, so carpooling is encouraged. Or you can park in the lowest Sooke Potholes parking area close to the yellow gate! Some of us could carpool from Helmcken Park N’Ride at 7: 45 AM.
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Description: We will aim to head up Harrison Trail to access the Lower Flower Ridge Trail (just past the Horse Bypass and the trestle on the Galloping Goose) and take a little known trail to cut east to Todd Hill. From there will head east again down and up to the rarely visited Elephant Hill (with an option to head up north to Lunch Peak) and a potential break at Peden Lake. Next we will head east via the Tentpole Trail to Grass Lake and back to the parking area by the Harrison Trail.
This will be partially exploratory and definately have sections where we will be bushwacking. Swimming can break out at either or both Peden and Grass Lake (swim attire optional). This will be a longish day, so don’t make any dinner plans! You can expect to hike approximately 14 km and perhaps cover 700 m elevation gain or more. We recommend wearing light long sleeves and long pants due protect yourself from picking up a tick in the dry hills. A pole(s) is also a good idea to bring along, in addition to the usual 10 essentials including water, food and layers.
No dogs please, but all others with an adventurous spirit who love to explore our local hills are welcome!
Maximum Participants: 10
Co-leaders: Roger & Peggy Taylor
To sign up please email Peggy at peggyhiking@gmail.com