Nanaimo Day Hikes Meetup

The trail head is located at end of Lorenzen lane. Pin may not be exact…

This hike will be at a slower pace due to Leaders current abilities

If you are not familiar with this hike please ensure you have a tracking device and are able to track this hike from the start… This will help you to return to your vehicle should you find the hike too difficult….

Dont let this short distance fool you, this is a tough one best suited to those who have already done it or those who are comfortable with steep elevation. We will move at a moderate pace with a few stops along the way to catch our breath…

This will be a short but steep hike to the lookout…. The views at top are spectacular overlooking Nanoose bay and mainland in the distance. We will move at a moderate pace up with a very brief stop at the top.

We will encounter loose slippery rock sections, as well as downed trees to navigate. Poles will be beneficial. The hike up will be steep and take approx 40 minutes and a bit longer on way down with a few steep areas but most of it
will be a nice walk on a well groomed trail. This hike is best suited for those who can keep a steady pace on a steep uphill with very few stops to catch our breath. We will go slower on the way down.
You should be a strong "B" or higher hiker to enjoy this hike…

Distance 5k
Elevation 330 meteres
Time 1-2 hours
Difficulty upper moderate

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By signing up to this event, you agree to our waiver available here: https://www.meetup.com/Nanaimo-Day-Hikes-Meetup/pages/22791742/waiver/.
All participants are expected to act as a responsible member of the group. Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition and current trail conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being.
Please ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.

A shorter one today as I have appointment later. Note 8:30 start time!
8-9km/<300m accumulated elevation gain @ "a notch above" moderate pace.
You s/b @ a strong “B/moderate” level hiker or higher to enjoy hike.
Not suited for anyone with balance/knee/mobility/cardio deficiencies.
Pet-free hike/NO DOGS please. No Pit Toilet.

REMINDER: be prepared to show some of the Ten Essentials/First Aid supplies that you carry in your pack-back. See Ten Essentials link below.

A counter-clockwise loop on forested trails plus some access road. The new Copley Cliff & Barrell trails are a great addition to the network of trails.
Expect wet & muddy conditions with unstable terrain (stones, roots & some blowdown). Hiking boots/shoes with good tread required. Poles may be beneficial.

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By signing up to this event, you agree to our waiver available here: https://www.meetup.com/Nanaimo-Day-Hikes-Meetup/pages/22791742/waiver/.
All participants are expected to act as a responsible member of the group. Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition and current trail conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being.
Please ensure you are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group.

I know this is a bit early but have you ever wanted to catch a sunrise from the top of Mt. Benson and better yet make it the first sunrise of Summer? Well here is your chance if you're interested. It will be an early start leaving from Mt. Benson Regional Park parking lot or Witchcraft Lake area at 3am sharp giving us just over two hours to get to the top with sunrise around 5:10am. Now the actual Summer Solstice occurs Friday June 20th in the evening around 7:30 pm, but the actual first sunrise and first full day of Summer will be Saturday the 21st. We generally spend about 45mins at the top before leaving with a return time to the parking lot of around 8am. Bring extra clothing as it can get quite chilly up there that time of day. Something to think about over the next few months. To be clear this hike will proceed Saturday morning June 21st at 3am sharp. Because the view is the goal here, this hike will be weather dependent, and could be cancelled due to rain or heavy overcast type of events.
The pace will be moderate, which means kinda slow

Items to bring:
-adequate water
-proper hiking footwear
-snacks are good and good snacks are even better.
-layers including raincoat
-hiking poles may be useful to some on steep sections.
-a flashlight could be helpful, doesn't have to be a headlamp.

Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are expected to act as a responsible member of the group. Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance.

Weather information: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-20_metric_e.html

This is a short walk (20 minutes) along access road from parking to the top of Cottle Hill, aka Radar Ridge to watch the sunset on the longest daylight day of the year.
About 15/20 minutes after the sunset we will return along the same access road.
The sunset should be enjoyable. Bring something to sit on, eat & drink if you wish.

There are no outhouses on this walk. Plenty of parking. No dogs please.
Any significant precipitation or wind forecast, & this event will be rescheduled or rerouted.
https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-20_metric_e.html
Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By signing up to this event, you agree to our waiver available here: https://www.meetup.com/Nanaimo-Day-Hikes-Meetup/pages/22791742/waiver/ . All participants are expected to act as a responsible member of the group. Shared values of this trip include personal responsibility and mutual reliance.