Hiking and Outdoor Forum » Recent Posts

hezzbliss on "Help! Anybody know the name of this lower mainland trail?"

hezzbliss — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:58:02 +0000

Definitely Mt. Thom.

hezzbliss on "Backpacking in May"

hezzbliss — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:56:29 +0000

I'd like to get out backpacking with my daughters for a night or two in May. Anyone know a hike-in spot that permits campfires?

jgrooms on "Only one day to hike"

jgrooms — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:40:04 +0000

Thank you so much for the suggestion! I just got back to Florida from my trip and we had an awesome time and hiking/climbing to the top of the Chief was definitely the highlight of the trip. We started early last Saturday (4/14) and it was a cool, crisp morning with some clouds hanging around, we were the only car in the parking lot when we arrived. Shannon Falls was incredible sight at the beginning of the hike and as we climbed up the Chief the clouds slowly broke. By the time we made it to the South peak they had cleared to a beautiful blue sky. I'll take credit for bringing the awesome sunny weather for that weekend with me from Florida! We had lunch up top and started to make our way back down before the trail got too crowded. The drive up to Whistler was beautiful and so very different from what I get to see here in Florida.

Thanks again for the suggestion and I can't wait to venture north of the border again!

Tranc3r on "Looking for long distance runner!"

Tranc3r — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:05:18 +0000

Haha, well... I'd like someone at the same level as I. =)

mcvan on "Looking for long distance runner!"

mcvan — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:19:48 +0000

I can see why you're not getting any responses -- intimidating opening lines!

mcvan on "Thank you for a great web resource! + notes on Jug Island Beach trail"

mcvan — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:17:15 +0000

The site is a pleasure to discover and use, and very complete as well! My thanks to the developers! My wife and I used the site to identify an appropriate trail for ourselves and hiked it yesterday.

PS -- The 100m elevation gain cited for Jug Island Beach trail doesn't seem to take into account that there are basically two hills on the trail; you're going up/down each one twice -- the way in and the way out. Still, it's identified as a intermediate trail... and we managed it in less than 2 hours rather than the 2.5 cited.

vancouvertrails on "Only one day to hike"

vancouvertrails — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:03:37 +0000

Since you're going up to Whistler, I'd recommend The Chief in Squamish as a good hike on a clear sunny day. I've recommended this to a few people from out of town and they've loved it, although there might still be a bit of snow at the top (see a trail report from mid-March). Not sure what your definition of not too difficult is but this one is a good climb.

There's still snow at a lot of the higher elevations. Lynn Headwaters is another area in North Van I recommend, which is about a 30 or so minute drive from downtown. Some hikes in this area include Lynn Loop, which is fairly short but you can add to it, or Norvan Falls.

Hope that helps.

jgrooms on "Only one day to hike"

jgrooms — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:44:01 +0000

I all, I'm visiting Vancouver from Florida for the first time in a few days. I will be busy with lots of meetings, but I have all day Saturday to hike and explore. I was considering heading up toward Whistler just to see the scenery (as it will be very different from flat Florida). I also want to do a great hike...not too difficult but not a cake-walk either. If I can only do one hike what should I do considering the weather and local trail conditions?

jkenpon on "camera found on Diez Vistas trail"

jkenpon — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:01:48 +0000

I found a camera on the Diez Vistas trail yesterday. If you've lost a camera about two years ago along the trail (or
know anyone who has) and would want it back, let me know.

vancouvertrails on "Help! Anybody know the name of this lower mainland trail?"

vancouvertrails — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:11:56 +0000

After asking around a bit, a friend of mine believes this photo is taken on Mt. Thom in Chilliwack. I'm pretty certain that's Cultus Lake in the back left and so was he. He also said it's overlooking the Promontory area which is a neighbourhood of Chilliwack.

Hope that helps.

Tranc3r on "Help! Anybody know the name of this lower mainland trail?"

Tranc3r — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:37:09 +0000

Wow, that looks soooo nice! Unfortunately I have no idea where that is.

emmalarocque on "Want to hike the Sunshine Coast Trail?"

emmalarocque — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:25:26 +0000

The Sunshine Coast Trail is a 180-kilometre epic adventure trail found on the Upper Sunshine Coast near Powell River. It's not far to get to, and you will be astounded by its variety and beauty. Find out more about the trail at a book launch coming up on April 18th in Vancouver for A Dream of Giants: The Story of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Due to limited space, you have to register - go to http://clubfatass.com/Speaker/DreamOfGiants. Hope to see you there!

emmalarocque on "Marathon Shuffle coming up in Powell River, BC"

emmalarocque — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:17:30 +0000

Come on out and enjoy the Sunshine Coast Trail with PRPAWS, Club Fat Ass
and a bunch of friends - some of whom you may not have met yet! Hike or
run the full shuffle (29kms) from the trail crossing on Malaspina Road
to the Shinglemill Pub or the half shuffle (12kms) starting at the
trail-head on Tomkinson Road (Wilde Road).

See event details and registration here: http://www.clubfatass.com/<wbr>events/marathon-shuffle

LittleWanderer on "Help! Anybody know the name of this lower mainland trail?"

LittleWanderer — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:12:24 +0000

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v137/DontFollowMe/DSCN0712.jpg

Does anybody recognize and know the name of this trail? This is the summit of a fairly short trail somewhere in the lower mainland, Mission area, i think.

bester on "Chief Trail 1 Conditions."

bester — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:36:53 +0000

That's a lot of snow. I've been up there in late March in the past but I guess with the recent cold weather, there's still a lot of snow pack on the mountains.

Tranc3r on "Chief Trail 1 Conditions."

Tranc3r — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:01:46 +0000

March 18.

Alright, so I just got back. Did Trail I & II. There was snow as the trees were fading away. Highly recommend buying crampons on either three peaks, I used them and it was so much safer.

@ Peak I, snow was about ankle level

@ Peak II, snow was about knee level!!!

But overall, it was a fantastic hike but not a great view.

Tranc3r on "Chief Trail 1 Conditions."

Tranc3r — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:40:29 +0000

Anyone know the conditions of the Chief? Is it safe to go up? Planning to go Sun, March 18th!

vancouvertrails on "Grouse grind conditions"

vancouvertrails — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:59:03 +0000

Hi Roadman, the Grouse Grind is closed right now because there is too much snow on it and doesn't usually open until sometime in June, depending how much snow there is. By closed, there is a gate blocking the main entrance to the trail.

What month will you be traveling to Vancouver? There's tonnes of options in the summer but spring can be a bit tricky at the higher elevations.

Roadman on "Grouse grind conditions"

Roadman — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:30:59 +0000

Hi,

I'm visiting from out of town and wanted to know a little about the gg. Is there too much snow to do it right now with out extra traction?

Can I hike down ?

or do I have to take this tram that people complain about paying for?

I want a long steep trail to run and would love some other recommendations in the area. Something line 10 miles with 1500m of vert would be great!

Thanks

vancouvertrails on "Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show"

vancouvertrails — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:04:55 +0000

Just a reminder that the 2012 Vancouver Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show is this weekend at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Don't forget to print out your 2 for 1 Coupon from:

http://www.vancouvertrails.com/news/2012/02/28/the-2012-outdoor-adventure-show-2-for-1-coupon/

vancouvertrails on "Elk Mountain Logging and Access"

vancouvertrails — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:18:32 +0000

There are currently logging operations going on near Elk Mountain and the access road to the trailhead is a challenge to navigate. Normally, the grovel road is accessible by car but apparently it has become so rough that a 4x4 is needed. There is minimal impact to the trails itself but getting to the trail is the challenge.

Thanks to Wanderung for this note.

JChu on "Dog Mountain Snowshoeing"

JChu — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:11:48 +0000

Sweet. Thinking of going this weekend with all the new snow the mountains are getting right now.

JChu on "Looking for long distance runner!"

JChu — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:10:34 +0000

There's also a new website called Trail Hunger (http://www.trailhunger.com/) that I found with trail running information and routes.

JChu on "Looking for long distance runner!"

JChu — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:02:39 +0000

Have you ever checked out http://www.clubfatass.com/ ? It costs a bit for an annual membership but they organize lots of events and there's lots of trail runners involved in this group.

Tranc3r on "New Trails Added"

Tranc3r — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:33:34 +0000

Sweet!

vancouvertrails on "New Trails Added"

vancouvertrails — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:31:03 +0000

Yes, that one is definitely on the list for this summer. Got to wait until the snow thaws.

Tranc3r on "5 Snowshoeing Destinations in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains"

Tranc3r — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:13:05 +0000

Snowshoe Grind @ Grouse Mountain is another one you can do, but it's not year round and you have to pay for general admissions :(.

bradwhite on "5 Snowshoeing Destinations in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains"

bradwhite — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:44:28 +0000

If you want some good Snowshoe trips there are a bunch in Squamish

Tranc3r on "New Trails Added"

Tranc3r — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:53:37 +0000

Could you add the BCMC trail description, the one next to Grouse Grind?

vancouvertrails on "New Trails Added"

vancouvertrails — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:17:10 +0000

Yes, there is also the other option of taking the Howe Sound Crest Trail to the Lions, which starts from the parking lot at Cypress. In terms of elevation change, this route is deceiving because it goes over St. Mark's Summit and Unnecessary Mountain before heading up to the Lions, so you do a lot of ascending and descending. I found this route to be much more difficult than the route from Lions Bay.

The Howe Sound Crest Trail is not on the website but St. Mark's Summit is. It's the same route, you just keep going along the same trail beyond St. Mark's.

http://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/st-mark%27s-summit/

Tranc3r on "New Trails Added"

Tranc3r — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:19:10 +0000

Oh I'm sorry, I just was not looking for it correctly on this site, you do have it!

Tranc3r on "New Trails Added"

Tranc3r — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:15:33 +0000

Could you add The Lions? It's absolutely amazing! I've been there in the first week of September, and OMG, it was amazing and guess what, it had snow!!! I've got a lot of photos of it in case you'd want some and a video of my friends shoe sledding down! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tuQXJnHbX8)

Great site!

Tranc3r on "Looking for long distance runner!"

Tranc3r — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:05:58 +0000

I'm looking for someone who's got great cardio and is able to keep up with me on hikes! (Just a feel of my speed, Grouse Grind in 38 mins, 10 KM in 42ish)

I've done a lot of trails in the Greater Vancouver area in my volunteering pursuits (look up BCMOS if you're interested, been with them for two years). I've done Pacific Spirit Park, Green Timbers, Lynn Canyon, Buntzen Lake, a trail at Bowen Island, The Lions, Garibaldi Lake, just to name a few.

Quarry Rock is my favourite trail because I love obstabcle courses!

I'm currently a college student at Langara College, so weekends would work the best or Monday if it's after 12 pm. I can get around by UPASS really easily.

My interest of trails are the ones that are in the North/West/Van/Richmond area because those are easily accessible by transit.

If you'd like to do hikes that would require a car, I'll be more than happy to pitch in for gas, I've done a lot of those in the past.

Cheers!

Tranc3r on "Other trails like Quarry Rock in Deep Cove"

Tranc3r — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:57:18 +0000

That type of trail is really only unique to Quarry Rock, but there's always the Grouse Grind, which I find is similar to it as well except for distance.

sheilabee on "Norvan Falls"

sheilabee — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:49:11 +0000

Does anyone know if Norvan Falls is accessible right now? Is there snow along the trail? Thanks.