Another beautiful day for a hike! The Elk Falls trail system was our destination. Group 1 was to do the loop to the falls in the clockwise direction and started off on our adventure with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before we discovered that much of the trail was closed for maintenance. Undaunted we searched our phone apps for alternate routes and after heading off in the wrong direction once, found the well hidden trail that we were looking for. Lots of climbing with some very steep sections led us to our destination. The falls and suspension bridge did not disappoint and we had a lovely lunch stop there. Not wanting to try the same perilous steep descent on our return we found another way down and eventually returned to our cars with ankles, knees and wrists intact. It was truly an exploratory adventure, one that was enjoyed by all!
Bill J. provided the photos below; do click on the link to view the rest of them
Bill J. provided the photos below; do click on the link to view the rest of them
Group 2 started off on the same Canyon View trail, but in the opposite direction...and met up with the same closure sign...and just as blithely ignored it! Since Group 1's side of the Campbell River was shorter, they reached the problem area on the Millennium Trail before us and a flurry of texting occurred. Our group decided to complete the Canyon View loop and to then explore the trails (Quinsam Nature Trail and Beaverpond Trail) on the other side of the Quinsam Provincial campground, which was across the highway from where we had parked. Good move for us, as we were able to get a bit of a workout with some basic ascents/descents on the deteriorating trails while enjoying the unexpected change in routing and our picnic lunch at the Quinsam River Hatchery.
Photos below by Dawn
Photos below by Dawn