Retreads Hiking

CLR Retreads Fall 2022 (16)
CLR Retreads Fall 2022 (9)

The Retreads Hiking Club is a program run in partnership between Cowichan Lake Recreation and local area hiking enthusiasts. The club welcomes all outdoor enthusiasts interested in fitness and fun to join in exploring the beautiful trails of the Cowichan Valley area and other parts of central Vancouver Island.

Although the club’s primary emphasis is on hiking the trails of the Cowichan Valley, from time to time the club does venture to other locales. All hikes are led by experienced leaders who know the trails being hiked. All hikes are pet free. The club hikes year round with hikes that vary in skill level/endurance from average to advanced. The club usually meets Wednesdays at Saywell Park in Lake Cowichan (next to the Visitor Information Centre) to begin each hike.

Ages 18+

Wednesdays | 9:30 a.m. | Fall, Winter & Spring

Wednesdays | 9:00 a.m. | Summer

Annual membership $25. 

Drop-In $3.00 per hike

To sign up for a membership, please call 250.749.6742 ext 0

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Hikes for Winter & Spring 2023

 

DateHike
Hike Area
Hike Rating
Leader(s)
Mar 29Christie FallsLadysmith2BCliff & Kathryn
Apr 5Mt. Tzouhalem: Jitka’s BenchDuncan E3CJulia B.
Apr 12Robertson Falls
Mesachie
2B
Julia M. & Randall
Apr 19Harewood Bluff
Nanaimo
2B
Tony M.
Apr 26Beaver Lake Loop
Lake Cowichan W
1C
Cliff & Willa
May 3Mt. Tzouhalem: Eco Reserve
Duncan E
2B
Lorna
May 10Cherry Point
Duncan S1BKen
May 17Cottonwood Ridge
Youbou
3A
Julia M. & Randall
May 24Mt. Richards: Sawden Pass
Duncan E
3B
Lorna & Leslie
May 31Mt. Prevost: 
Hidden Peaks Loop
Duncan2BMike & Carrol
June 7CVT GlenoraDuncan W1ADave A.
June 14Holland CreekLadysmith3BMike & Carrol
June 21Stone CircleLake Cowichan3BJulia M. & Randall
June 28Maple Mt.: 
Chilco Rd. to Smith Bay
Duncan E
2BLorna


CRFP = Cowichan River Footpath     CVT: Cowichan Valley Trail (aka Great Trail)

  Part 1: 
INCLINE ELEVATION
  Part 2:
TERRAIN
1
Very small hills or very little stair climbing.
A
Almost entirely on groomed trails
2
Some moderate hills and/or stair climbing.
B
A significant part of the route is on well groomed trails, very few obstacles.
3
Some significant Hills and/or stair climbing.
C
A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky/rooted paths or soft sand).
4
Lots of significant hills and/or stair climbing.
D
A signifi cant part of the route is on diffi cult terrain.
   
E
Majority of route is on very diffi cult terrain

Keep in mind that no rating system is perfect all are open to interpretation. This system gives hikers a good idea of the difficulty of a hike.  Our weekly hiking notes supply more details including approximate length/duration of hike which will vary according to weather conditions, number and speed of hikers, etc.

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Hiking Guidelines

In order to maximize fun and safety on the trail, the club follows the following guidelines:

  • All hikes are pet free
  • Registration with the hike leader at the start of the hike is mandatory
  • Hiking boots and appropriate clothing are essential plus a pack with water, snacks, lunch, first aid supplies, a whistle, etc (click here for a suggested packing list)
  • For safety reasons, when on the trail participants are expected to follow directions of the hike leader(s)
  • Hike leaders will determine the route of the hike
  • Hike leaders may at their discretion terminate the hike for safety reasons (e.g.: inclement weather or deteriorated trail conditions)
  • You are expected to hike within the group (e.g.: branching off the hiking route on your own is not permitted)
  • If you need to leave the hike before it terminates, you must co-ordinate this with the hike leader and arrange for at least one other person to accompany you back to the trail head
  • Leave nothing on the trail except your footprints



Full time membership offers you the following benefits:

  • Emailed pre-hike description of hikes
  • Savings on hiking fees
  • Invitation to quarterly planning meetings
  • Invitation to all social events

Members are encouraged to contribute to the club by volunteering to lead or co-lead hikes, suggesting new trails, or other ideas for hikes. Help with social events which are held from time to time is also appreciated.

For more information on the Retreads Hiking Club, to register or to inquire about membership expiry dates, contact Cowichan Lake Recreation at 250.749.6742 ext 0.