Capital Regional District (Victoria, BC)

The Urban Mountains of the CRD

CRD Summits from Mt Wells

The reverse view looking south towards Mt Wells

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, Canada, is located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The city is grouped together with several other municipalities and together the whole conurbation is known by the rather grand title of the Capital Regional District - or CRD - and is home to almost 350,000 people.

The CRD is surrounded on three sides by water and on the fourth by a series of low mountain ranges up to a height of 600 metres or so. As a consequence of such convoluted terrain, there are just 3 paved roads out of the city: northeast up the Saanich Peninsula to the BC Ferry terminal at Shwartz Bay, west on highway 14 to the road end at Port Renfrew (and the famous West Coast Trail) and northwest on the Trans Canada highway over Malahat Mountain to the north Island. A happy consequence of the terrain is the limit the landscape imposes on building. The city is growing but growth has been slowed by the difficulty and expense of installing housing and services in the rugged hinterland. Given such a unique urban environment, and mindful of the mistakes made by Vancouver, local interests have lobbied hard and relatively successfully for the preservation of green space around the city.

Some lost battles are apparent, such as the dreadful golf course and sub division on Bear Mountain right opposite Mt Finlayson.

By and in large, however, both the province and the CRD have behaved with admirable civic responsibility and established a series of parks and protected space around the city that should be the envy of similar sized cities anywhere in the world. The latest development in this ongoing effort was the May 2010 establishment of the long awaited Sea to Sea Park encompassing most of two watersheds east of the Sooke River to just east of the Harbourview Road corridor and north to Crabapple Lake and beyond.

Long abused by logging and by motorised recreationists the Sooke Hills are not all pristine wilderness. In establishing the new park, however, the CRD has reaffirmed and now established in law its continuing ban on motorised access and the area should now be allowed the respite it needs to recover fully from these excesses.

Some of the parks have well developed trails right up to the summits. Others, just 30 minutes or so from the city centre are undeveloped, trackless and one would be well advised not to forget map, compass and GPS when venturing, say, into some areas of the Sooke Hills. Even the developed areas have carefully guarded routes to the summits rarely accessible to visitors without local knowledge.

The hills fall into two main areas divided by the Goldstream River watershed. To the east of Goldstream is the Gowlland range plus the lower hills on the east side of the Saanich Peninsula and to the west the Sooke Hills run up to and beyond the boundaries of the CRD. Both areas were extensively logged at the turn of the century and before but the second growth itself is now mature enough to be a worthy mantle for the lower slopes. Here and there, such as at the base of Mt Finlayson, some old growth has been preserved and is mightily impressive. Higher up the big trees generally give way to native species such as arbutus, hairy manzanita bushes, alder, fir, cedar etc with lots of dense west coast salal in the sunnier spots. Travelling off-trail, the going can be up open slopes one minute and into dense bush the next. It's part of the uniqueness and charm of the area. Rock bluffs are common and present the climber with sporty diversion if required. There are developed rock climbing areas on Mts Wells, McDonald and Sugarloaf as well as others that the local rock climbing community keeps to itself. Summits are usually broad granite platforms and almost all offer extensive views of the surrounding hills and across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains of Washington State

The mild marine influenced climate of southern Vancouver Island means that the mountains are accessible year round. This in turn means that they're a tremendous winter training ground. It's common at this time to see folks toting big packs up the local peaks as they prepare for the upcoming season.

By July the annual summer draught is regularly apparent and everything gets tinder dry. At these times the authorities are on the lookout for anything and anyone that may pose a fire hazard.

Flora

As early as mid-March the first spring flowers appear: camas, shooting stars, ladies slipper, larkspur and many many more. The shows are particularly good on Mt Wells and Mt McDonald and around Holmes Peak and usually peak in late April or early May.

Great Camas	Rusty-Haired Saxifrage	Meadow Death Camas	Menzies Larkspur
Ladies Slipper	Shooting Star	Trillium	Pink Trillium
Spring Gold	Sea blush	Woodland star	Tiger lily
Satin Flower	Monkey Flower	Blue Eyed Mary	Fawn Lily

Fauna

Tick activity can be unpleasant in the early spring - April and May - so remember to wear long sleeves and pants during these times. Fauna more welcome than ticks are also in abundance everywhere. Black footed deer, native red squirrels, bald eagles (and the occasional golden eagle), humming birds in season; all may be seen. I've even seen feral peacocks on Mt Work! The presence of local ravens, particularly on the thermals above Mt Work and Lone Tree Hill, make visits to these locales worthwhile just to watch their antics. 

Black Bear near the Charters River

There are assuredly wolves, black bear and cougars in the Sooke Hills. I've seen scat from all three species frequently although live sightings this close to the city are a rarity. Two black bear sightings is my total to date.

The compilation that follows will always be a work in progress. I will be adding more detail and new peaks as and when I cover old and new ground alike. Check back every so often, particularly in winter when I'm usually tramping the local hills. In the meantime, if business or pleasure brings you to Victoria and you'd rather be out hiking than traipsing round all the tourist kitsch in town, there should be more than enough here to keep you happy.

Five stemmed arbutus on Bluff Mountain

Getting There

Victoria can be reached directly by air from Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and many other North American cities.

Several ferry operators offer service. BC Ferries sail hourly from Tsawwassen near Vancouver. Washington State Ferries offer service from Anacortes via San Juan Island to Sidney. Black Ball Ferries run a single ship, The MV Coho, back and forth between Port Angeles and downtown Victoria up to four times daily in summer and twice per day in winter. Clipper Navigation Inc. runs a passenger-only fast catamaran service between downtown Seattle and Victoria.

Summary of Peaks by Area

Government of Canada 1:50 000 topographical maps required: 92 C/9, 92 B/11 and 92 B/12. Note that I have placed the lat/long reference in the article header on the summit of Empress Mountain as the highest point within the area covered.

All coordinates given in the table and in the following descriptions are based upon the NAD83 datum - the basis for the government maps noted above.

1. Sooke Hills area and west of Goldstream

Mountain	Height (metres)	Coordinates
Bluff Mountain	534	N 48° 25.9' W 123° 45.5'
Peden Ridge	530	N 48° 27.2' W 123° 42.7'
Empress Mountain	682	N 48° 27.9' W 123° 40.4'
Emperor Mountain	625	N 48° 28.2' W 123° 41.1'
Screen Peak	620	N48 27.726 W123 40.263
Monument Mountain	463	N 48° 26.6' W 123° 40.9'
Sooke Mountain	524	N 48° 26.6' W 123° 39.8'
Ragged Mountain South	550	N 48° 25.9' W 123° 38.7'
Ragged Mountain	578	N 48° 26.4' W 123° 38.2'
Pinnacle Peak	520	N 48° 27.3' W 123° 37.7'
Mount Manuel Quimper	546	N 48° 25.2' W 123° 39.6'
Crow's Nest	385	N48 25.271 W123 37.428
Sugarloaf Mountain	363	N 48° 24.9' W 123° 36.2'
Mount Braden	479	N 48° 26.8' W 123° 35.9'
The Amigos	245	Multiple
Mount McDonald	439	N 48° 26.5' W 123° 34.1'
Mount Wells	352	N 48° 26.3' W 123° 33.4'

2. Gowlland range and east of Goldstream

Mountain	Height (metres)	Coordinates
Mount Finlayson	419	N 48° 29.0' W 123° 32.3'
Holmes Peak	329	N 48° 31.0' W 123° 31.8'
Jocelyn Hill	434	N 48° 32.2' W 123° 31.7'
Lone Tree Hill	364	N 48° 31.2' W 123° 30.8'
Mount Work	449	N 48° 31.8' W 123° 28.8'
Partridge Hill	295	N 48° 33.3' W 123° 29.1'
Mount Douglas	213	N 48° 29.6' W 123° 20.8'
Mount Newton	305	N 48° 36.7' W 123° 26.7'
Horth Hill	136	N 48° 41.0' W 123°25.9'

 

John Hasell

Readers will notice the frequent inclusion in what follows of such comments as "locally known as" or "generally known as" or similar phrases. Almost of the names referred to derive from a single source.

John Hasell on Ragged Mountain

John Hasell Ragged Mountain Map

John Hasell on The Gem

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Youngs Lake from Bluff Mountain

Empress Mtn from Bluff Mtn

Bluff Mountain View N

Bluff Mountain Summit View S

Ragged Mountain and Mt Manuel Quimper from Bluff Mountain

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In spring 2010 a new route was cleared and flagged to the east of the swamp and travels north towards the summit much closer to the ridge edge thereby avoiding many of the gully crossings. A use trail is already beginning to appear in quite a few places along the way.

Pick up flagging just north of the end of the Scouts trail and follow it north all the way to an open area at N48 25.836 W123 45.443. The new route sometimes gets close to the old one and older flagging can occasionally be seen off to the left (west).

From the open area continue north 50 metres to a cairned high point and then NW across one last gully to arrive at the summit cairn at N48 25.960 W123 45.527 and about 520 metres elevation in 5-10 more minutes. There’s a tin can in the cairn but I don’t think it’s the summit register :-)

Little more than an hour is required from the end of the Scouts’ trail to the summit versus 1.5-2 hours for the old route.

There’s not a shred of a view from the summit but you can walk to the edge of the bluffs just to the east of there to get quite extensive views north and east from this part of the mountain. Or across quite a steep gully 100 metres to the west is an open bluff with limited views north and south.

If you feel that no trip into the Sooke Hills would be complete without a good bush thrash I have retained the old route on the tracklog/map included the "CRD Tracklogs" section at the end of this page. This is meant as a guide only and should not take the place of in situ use of the correct navigational tools.

Alternatively, eschew the Scout’s trail altogether as follows.

Walk 650 metres past the trailhead noted above – past the disk golf area and archery butts -and find another picnic area on the right. Walk across the field to the biffy on the edge of the woods and find a grassy road. The road isn’t on any maps. Walk 800-900 metres up this road to the neighbourhood of N48 25.024 W123 46.035 and head off NE into the bush. Follow your map and/or GPS directly to the open area noted above at N48 25.836 W123 45.443. This isn’t as bad as it sounds in that, although steep on occasion, there are lots of open phases to enjoy and not too many gullies to cross.

Retrace your steps from either upward choice OR make the trip a loop hike as follows.

From the view bluff 100 metres to the west of the summit make a steep descending traverse SW and find a VERY old road right in the valley bottom. The road is barely discernible in most places and absent in others. Deadfall is everywhere. Thrash your way down the “road” and in about an hour make the welcome discovery that it’s the same one you left on your way up the mountain. Walk down the remainder of it and back to your vehicle.

Peden Ridge

(current, October 2016)

Peden Ridge is a high, bluffy east/west ridge found between the valleys of the Sooke River to the west and Maryvine Creek to the east. To the north of the ridge crest is a summit known locally as “Black Bear Mountain” that may be reached across a connecting ridge and plateau.</href=>

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Peden Bluffs and Black Bear Mountain

Approach on highway 14, the west coast road, via Langford and Metchosin to Sooke. Just prior to reaching Sooke village take the marked right turn onto Sooke River Rd at the sign for Sooke Potholes Regional Park. Drive right to the top of the road and park in the last lot. There may be a parking fee from May-October.

There are many ways to reach the top of Peden Ridge and Black Bear beyond. Within the intended scope of this page, I will deal with three routes and two starts. Refer also to the collection of tracklogs at the end of this page.

Start 1 From the parking lot at the top of Sooke River Road walk north across the Galloping Goose cycle path and on to a good dirt path on the right. Follow the path north along Maryvine Creek for 600-700 metres at which point it turns northeast and meets the old flowline after a further 200-300 metres. A well travelled left branch in this path just below the flowline leads to a lovely waterfall.

Start 2 At the point you entered the parking lot is an old hut on the Galloping Goose. In days gone by, this had to do with the rail line whose disused road bed is now the basis of the Goose. Across the cycle path from the “waiting room” is a flagged route leading up through the trees. Take this to arrive in less than 10 minutes at the flowline. Turn left and walk ~ 10 minutes along the pipeline itself to the neigbourhood of N48 26.764 W123 42.940 where the route along lower Maryvine Creek described above comes in from the left.</href=>

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Lower Maryvine Falls

Peden from Maryvine Creek

Open going up Peden

Peden Ridge route junction

Route 1 From either of the start options find a well flagged and very well used trail leading off the flowline northeast. This follows upper Maryvine Creek all the way up to Peden Lake, a distance of about 1.5 km.

Cross Maryvine Creek at its outlet from Peden Lake and follow continuing well made trail first north and then west to the top of the ridge. The point is marked by a substantial cairn atop a large boulder.

Route 2 Continue along the pipeline from the Route 1 start point roughly 150 metres to a wooden platform built below the pipeline. Go just past this point – 20-25 metres – and look for another set of flags going up to the right.

Follow good flagging and sometimes trail on mostly open slopes to a well cairned route junction at N48 27.058 W123 42.912. Beyond this point the easier option lies to the left and follows a forested gully NNW to meet the ridge crest in the neighbourhood of N48 27.425 W123 42.913, roughly 500 metres to the northwest of the cairned high point. Turn right and follow flagging along the ridge to the cairn. This route is known to some as the “tin can route” in that you will see red tin can lids nailed to trees as markers.

Route 3 This route takes a right turn from the junction at N48 27.058 W123 42.912 and heads almost directly to the summit cairn. Follow flagging and mostly open hillside due north up to the foot of the bluffs. Scramble through the bluffs bypassing difficulties by traversing first left and then back right and onto the ridge crest at about N48 27.256 W123 42.752. Turn right and make the brief walk up the remainder of the ridge to the summit cairn. Note that there is a little exposure in one or two spots on this route.</href=>

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The foot of Peden Bluffs

Climbing through Peden Bluffs

Descending through Peden Bluffs

Descending below Peden Bluffs

A route is possible from the top of the bluffs to the summit of a ~570 metres high point known locally at “Black Bear Mountain” at N48 27.990 W123 42.867

Go a few metres east of the large boulder on the summit adorned with lots of cairns and pick up a flagged route heading northeast. After ~50 metres the flagging assumes a generally north heading and crosses several gullies and two intermediate high points to a lightly forested plateau. Continue north across the plateau to a swampy pond at the foot of a short steep step to the top of Black Bear. About 100 metres before reaching the pond, look for flagging in the trees off to your right. This indicates a well worn use trail on a fairly gentle gradient that leads to an open view bluff at N48 27.910 W123 42.793. The summit lies 200 metres to the NNW of this but is in the middle of a large patch of blown down trees and offers no views.</href=>

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Panorama taken from just east of Peden Ridge. Compare with the reverse panorma from Ragged Mountain South. Click for details.

Empress Mountain

(Current, October 2016)

Empress Mountain now has its own separate and detailed page on SummitPost. The following provides a detailed description of what, for many, is the most direct and least complicated way to reach the summit as well as an overview of the other options. For these click on the preceding link.</href=>

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Empress Mountain from Peden Ridge

Approach as for Peden Ridge and set your odometer to zero as you turn off Highway 14 onto Sooke River Road. At 4.70 km, just before entering Sooke Potholes Regional Park, look for a gated old logging road leading off to the right. It’s marked with a redundant sign “No Motorized Vehicles” but there’s no indication that this is the way to Empress. Park here by the side of the road. Starting altitude is about 50 metres.

Go up the old road and in 5 minutes cross the Galloping Goose cycle path. The route now slowly gains 500 metres in altitude over the next 2.5 hours as you negotiate what remains of the road. Side trails lead off to the left and right but the main through route is largely unmistakable.

For the first 30 minutes the road follows Todd Creek and offers easy going. At 40-45 minutes note the wreck of an old red car on the left above the river and shortly thereafter cross Todd Creek. After heavy rain this might have to be waded. </href=>

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Empress route start

Empress Mountain. Critical trail fork

Final leg to the top

Empress Mountain S slopes

Proceeding north from the creek crossing, two trails lead off to the left – to the south and north ends of Peden Lake respectively, before at about 90 minutes from the car and at 355 metres, a well-flagged trail leads off to the right. This is the so-called "Tent Pole Trail" that goes SE to the north end of Grassie Lake. Your route lies straight ahead.

At about 120 minutes and 415 metres the route reaches a fork at N48 27.893 W123 40.907. This is the only place where you might go wrong. Look carefully and there is an arrow indicating the correct right fork carved in an alder at the junction.

Walk up the road until, at about 150 minutes from the start and at 585 metres, just before the road reaches its high point and begins to descend to the east, you can see the open, mossy slabs of Empress’ south slopes on the left. Go through the break in the trees here and out onto open hillside. Follow the well worn path north to the summit in about 15 minutes.</href=>

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Empress from the SE

The summit of Empress is unfortunately crowned with a communications tower but it’s easy to ignore. There is also a F.C Swannell's 1937 BC Control Survey bolt right on the summit.

The flat rock summit area is quite large, mostly open and offers superb views over the Sooke Hills in all directions, particularly east to downtown Victoria and south across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains of Washington State.</href=>

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Empress Mountain panorama north.

Empress Mountain panorama south.

Return to the car by reversing the above.

Empress may also be approached via a long walk up Harbourview Road, round the north end of Crabapple Lake and down to join the road described above at its east end. Walk up from there west to the same high point and the start of the same 15 minute walk to the summit.

It’s also possible to approach from the southeast along the ridges north of Grassie and Sheilds Lakes and thereby avoid any walking on crumbly old roads. This approach, however, requires patience and navigational skills and is outside the intended scope of this page.

Screen Peak

(Current, October 2016)

Screen Peak lies almost due south of Empress Mountain and less than 400 metres away. From most angles, the hill is lost in the bulk of Empress – hence the name. From the west, in particular the ridges above and to the west of Peden Lake, Screen can be appreciated as a separate and prominent summit. It makes a fine objective in its own right but can also be taken in as part of a longer trip to Empress.</href=>

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Screen Peak

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Any approach that works for Empress, works for Screen. At the base of the final approach to Empress ie in the neighborhood of N48 27.803 W123 40.313, turn south instead of north and you’re on your way up Screen. The most satisfying approach, however, is by way of the Charters River and Bert Lake, the smallest named lake in the Sooke Hills. This is described in detail as follows. Needless to say, this can be used as a route to Empress Mountain too.

Start from the Charters River pumphouse as described for Sooke Mountain or Monument Mountain. Hike up to Grassie Lake and continue beyond towards “Puzzle Pass” on the trail to Sheilds Lake. Just before Puzzle Pass, the high point between Grassie and Sheilds, at N48 26.992 W123 40.628, look for a junction with a large cairn on the rhs of the trail. This marks the start of the Bert Lake Trail. Turn left (north) here.

Hike north for about 700 metres to another junction – marked #3 on the map in the collection at the end of this page – at N48 27.324 W123 40.530. The most direct route to Screen goes right here. Take this or head left towards Bert Lake if you want to do a loop. Assuming the latter, continue up to tiny Bert Lake and beyond to a well flagged junction at N48 27.611 W123 40.733 – marked #1 on the map. Your turn for Screen lies to the right. Going left takes you to the spur road that leads to the foot of Empress. For Screen, continue up and east for 300 metres to a less well marked junction at N48 27.608 W123 40.539 – marked #2 on the map. Turn northeast here, following good flagging, and arrive at a salal filled gully between the east and west summits of Screen. Follow good trail to either. The east summit is the higher and has a cairn whereas the descent route down the bottom of Empress goes off the west summit.

Enjoy the views from either, then head on towards Empress or return to junction #2, turn left and complete the loop south to junction #3 and out to your vehicle from there.

Even without Empress, this a good day-long hike of 6-7 hours. Add at least an hour to tack on Empress.

Emperor Mountain

(Current, October 2016)

Approximately 1 km to the northwest of Empress Mountain as the crow flies is a twin summited hill that is only a few metres lower than the queen of the Sooke Hills herself. Curiously the hill has no official name but being close to Empress and quite impressive in its own right, it’s generally known as “Emperor Mountain”.</href=>

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Emperor from Empress

Emperor can be approached via Todd Creek as described above for Empress Mountain by keeping left at the junction at N48 27.893 W123 40.907 where the arrow is carved in the alder. Walk 200 metres up the old road to N48 27.977 W123 40.849 and find a well flagged and booted-in route heading up northwest through the trees. The route soon breaks out onto open hillside and continues northwest and then north to the cairned summit in 20-25 minutes from Todd Creek.

Most people regard this as the main summit of Emperor and it does offer nice views east across the valley to its higher consort over there. However, better views to the north and south are available from the north summit which my two altimeters measured at the same elevation as the south summit. The flagged and occasionally booted-in trail from this point takes about 10-15 minutes, is very reasonable and the diversion well worthwhile. Just head north off the south summit and then swing round to the northwest after crossing a 20 metres deep gully. The north summit sees far fewer visitors but also has a cairn and, as mentioned, lovely views particularly north to Sooke Lake and Survey Mountain. </href=>

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Emperor Mountain South Route TH

Empress from Emperor

Emperor Mtn N summit

Emperor Mtn view NW

For more fun and challenge approach Emperor via Peden Lake and climb the trackless ridges north of the lake direct to the north summit. This route is infrequently travelled so make sure your navigational skills are well honed for this one!

Approach via the Maryvine Creek trail as if heading for Peden Bluffs on “Start1/Route 1” described above. At the lake outlet keep right and walk along the east shore of the lake on the old road and around to its north side. At N48 27.426 W123 41.979, or thereabouts, flagging at a small 1-2 metre rock step, about 1 km from the point you left the Maryvine Creek trail, indicates the start of the route.

Take an initial course due north for about 800 metres. The ridge is quite well defined and, once beyond the first bushy phase, quite open. After 800 metres on this initial course, swing round to the northeast and cross a bushy flat-ish area. Beyond this area is a very old road. Turn right on this for 50 metres to where you can leave it on the left and cross a small stream. Climb northeast from this point and scramble out onto a lovely open ridge with the summit ridge now in view. From here it’s just a matter of continuing another 800 metres northeast keeping to open ground wherever you can find it. This course puts you on the summit ridge 250 metres west of the north summit. Turn right and stroll up the last bit in less than 5 minutes.</href=>

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Emperor from Black Bear Mountain

A nice loop is possible by continuing across to the south summit, down to Todd Creek and then carrying on south past the “arrow-in-the-alder” junction. At a junction at N48 27.196 W123 41.757 turn right, walk down to Peden Lake in 5 minutes and rejoin your up-track there. Allow about 4-5 hours for the complete circular route and and a further 1-2 hours from the parking lot at the top of Sooke River Road to reach and return from the route start.

Mt Manuel Quimper

(Current, December 2016)

Manuel Quimper is, perhaps, the easiest hill to access in the Sea to Sea Regional Park Reserve and is now officially open to hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. CRD has installed maps and trail signs at all major junctions such that the information I wrote originally for this mountain is pretty much redundant. There is a heavy emphasis on mountain biking in the park with several trails being shared between biking and hiking but most designated as biking only. Hikers use these at your own risk. Bikers will be coming down them at speed and may not be able to stop or avoid you!! Also noteworthy is that CRD has designated the park as a dog-on-leash area. Please cooperate with this policy. Not everyone likes dogs and there is a reporting system in place with fines for abuse of the byelaw.

Approach on Highway 1 and take the Veterans Memorial Parkway exit through Langford to the junction with Sooke Road. Turn right towards Sooke. Exactly 4.2 km after "17 Mile" pub, watch for Harbour View Road on the right. Turn here and drive ~1 km to the parking lot. There is an information sign and trail maps at the parking area as well as toilets and a mountain bike washing station. Starting altitude is about 60 m. 
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Briefly Lived Manuel Quimper Trail Map

Mt Manuel Quimper Summit Firetower

Mt Manuel Quimper Summit View S

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Ragged South/Thunderbird

The mountain can also be approached from the west after a long hike up Harbour View Road. Readers should be aware, however, that once off the gravel road, the route is quite convoluted with many "sucker" options to both left and right of the correct route. What follows is as accurate as I can make it but I would strongly advise anyone trying this for the first time to go with a knowledgeable local.</href=>

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Camp Thunderbird Trail Sign.

Scrambling the South Bluffs

Threatening Weather Over Mt Manuel Quimper

Thunderbird view south. Photo by dreardon

 

Starting from the Y-Camp, the nicest route to Thunderbird is the "High Bluff" trail. From the parking lot head north along the lake shore on wide trail. Follow the trail around the top of the lake, left at the first junction and across a bridge to a junction at 10 U 452862 5363318. Stay left here and hike up the hill for 200 metres to a well flagged route on the right and signposted for the High Bluff Trail. Continue on this trail north and then west and out onto a lovely open ridge. Walk along the ridge until the trail turns right and drops down into the forest and arrives at a 4-way junction with a wooden signpost erected by the YMCA. Follow the direction for Ragged Mountain/Sheilds Lake for 2 minutes to another signpost and stay left. Continue for another 2 minutes to the next signpost. Turn right and head up steeply. 

You're soon right under the high bluffs on Ragged South's south side. Good trail weaves a nice line through them to the summit in 20-30 minutes. 

There's quite a bit of bush right on the summit but a few seconds to left or right brings you to the top of the bluffs and uninterrupted views in all directions except due north. The views of Manuel Quimper, Sooke Basin and the hills to the west of Harbour View Road, particularly Empress Mountain, are very fine indeed.</href=>

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Panorama from the summit of Ragged Mountain South. Compare with the reverse panorama from Peden Ridge. Click at left for details.

Retrace your route back to your vehicle. Round trip time 5-6 hours from Harbourview; 3-4 hours from the Y-Camp including breaks. </href=>

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Manuel Quimper and Thunderbird from Ragged

Sheilds Lake from Ragged

Mountain for sale!

The main summit of Ragged can also be reached from Veitch Creek area as follows.

Park at the mailboxes on Sooke Road and proceed as for Mt Braden. Go past the flagged point at which the Mt Braden route heads off the old road, carry on up Veitch Creek for another 10-15 minutes and cross the river. Carry on northwest for 10 minutes to a T-junction with another old road. Turn left. Follow this old road for just over a kilometer SE up to the swampy high ground between the Veitch and Ayum Creek drainages and then NE down to the latter and a sign post at N48 26.706 W123 37.371. Turn left and walk down the track for 1.2 km crossing Ayum Creek on a slippery log bridge in the process. Find the very well flagged trailhead for Ragged Mountain at N48 26.105 W123 37.622.

Follow the well marked trail NW through a short section of blow-down and out onto open hillside. The track ascends steeply NW before turning SW up to a subsidiary high point. It then carries on NW up less steep ground and over a couple more high points before swinging south and up to the broad summit.

Reverse the above to return to your vehicle (~16 km, 5-6 hours).</href=>

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Mt Finlayson from Ragged

Winter view towards Mt Finlayson

Ragged Mountain summit group.

Ragged Mountain winter summit?

Another excellent option if you can arrange a car shuttle is to leave a vehicle at Harbourview Road, take another to the mailboxes on Sooke Road and follow the above directions to the summit of Ragged Main. Thereafter, traverse Ragged South and down to the Y-Camp 4 way signpost. From there pick up further Y-Camp signs for Mt Manuel Quimper, follow these to the top and then back to Harbourview as described in the Manuel Quimper section above. About 16 km, 6-7 hours.</href=>

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View N to E from Ragged Mountain. Click at left for details. Essentially a continuation to the N and E of that above taken from Ragged S.

Pinnacle Peak

(Current, October 2016)

Continuing almost due north from Ragged Mountain, along the ridges on the west side of the Ayum Creek valley is, by the standards of the Sooke Hills at least, a steep sided and mostly forested hill known locally as Pinnacle Peak.</href=>

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Pinnacle Peak

Pinnacle is not visited very often and consequently there’s not much more than a flagged route to the summit, although use-path is beginning to appear in a few places. The initial climb up from Ayum Creek is not too steep, there are a few open spots and the route lies through several bush and dead-fall choked areas. The final phase to the summit is the steepest part of the climb and is mostly through salal where there is recent (Oct 2016) evidence of a cleared path. 

Approach from the mailboxes on Sooke Road as described above for Ragged Mountain and walk over the drainage divide between the Veitch and Ayum Creek valleys to the signpost at N48 26.706 W123 37.371. Or approach this point more easily from the Y Camp. Having arrived at this point, a loop hike can made to the summit and return as follows.

Turn right (north) at the signpost and walk 250 metres up the remains of the old road to about N48 26.790 W123 37.428 - waypoint 001 on the loop map below. This is the beginning of the "Connector Trail" to Harbourview Road and on to Sheilds Lake. Go a few metres up this trail and look to your right for the first flag on the far side of the bush choked creek. Thrash across there and thereafter pick up the well flagged route first northwest and then north to the summit platform. About half way to the summit on an open bluff at N48 26.790 W123 37.428 look to your left through the trees and spot two cairns on another open bluff about 100 metres away - waypoint 002 on the map. This will be your return route.</href=>

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Pinnacle Peak from Mt Braden

Mt Braden from Pinnacle Peak

Pinnacle Peak Tracklog

Pinnacle Peak Loop

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Peden Ridge from Sooke Mountain.

Manuel Quimper from East Clapper

Ragged Mountain South

Follow what is left of the old road for 5 or 6 minutes first southwest and then northwest until you come across flagging heading off the right side of the road. An empty "stubby" marks the spot if it hasn't been taken for a souvenir by now. Follow the flags northwest over a flat-topped subsidiary hill known as “East Clapper”, down and around a swampy area and finally up to the indistinct (but cairned) summit of Sooke Mountain. It’s about a 45 minute hike from the turn off Harbourview Road. The flags continue for a further 200 metres to the north to a second high point with a cairn. The true summit is the first you come to.</href=>

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Settlers Remains

Monument Mountain Memorial

Monument Mountain View East

Monument Mountain S Ridge

Returning to the trail junction noted above, turn right and then right again. This trail has been built by mountain bikers and so climbs gently about 40 vertical metres to a prominent cairn. This is the true summit of Monument Mountain and is known locally as "455" for its height. There's almost no view. The time was when the onward route from here was a full-on bushwhack. Not any more. The mountain bikers have seen to that. Excellent and impossible-to-miss trail winds about 1.5 km south down the forested ridge before emerging at the top of the long, open slope back down to the Charters River. About half way along the shorter loop option referred to above comes in from the left at a high point. Just before reaching the final south slope you will pass right by a memorial plaque lying by the trail which, obviously, gives the hill its local name.

It's a stunning walk down the ridge and back into the big trees. Go right to the bottom of the trail to an old road and turn left. Go a few metres further along here and take a right branch to arrive almost immediately at your up track along the Charters River. Return to your vehicle from this point.

Note that just east (left) of the spot at which you re-join your out route, a trail heads off downhill. This goes down to and across the river and allows access to Harbourview Road and the possibility of starting and/or ending the hike there. This route is shown on the map. In winter or early season the Charters River may be in spate and the crossing may prove dangerous. If this turns out to be the case take the safe option starting at Sooke River Road.
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Panorama from the top of the open south ridge on Monument Mountain. Click at left for details.

Mt Braden

(Current, October 2016)

Note: Mt Braden now has its own page on SummitPost describing the standard route that follows as well as many more hikes on this very popular mountain.</href=>

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Mt Braden from ~500 metres on the standard approach from the SW

Walk back along the highway for 6 hydro poles (about 300 metres). Immediately past the 6th pole - at the point where the power lines cross the highway - you should find a path leading into the woods. Take it. If you've got it right, you'll come across an old blue wrecked car almost immediately. Go ahead for 5 or 6 minutes and cross Veitch Creek.
   
Go up the far bank of the creek to an old logging road and turn right. Walk along the nicely brushed out and pleasant road until, about 35-40 minutes from the car, it re-crosses the creek on an overgrown bridge. Just beyond the crossing - about 200 metres - Veitch Creek Road takes a left turn off what appears to be the main route as it continues to follow the creek. Proceed up the turn off for 2 minutes and look for a worn and sometimes flagged path leading up and right. Altitude at this point is about 200 metres.

The route heads generally a few points east of north. A boot path guides you most of the way and there are enough flags and a few cairns at critical places to make route finding not too much of a problem. You're mostly out of the trees in 5 minutes anyway and thereafter the way is open and obvious enough. Although the summit comes into view quite quickly, the route frequently seems to divert from the intuitive direction as it crosses 3 gullies on the way to the summit ridge. </href=>

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Mt Braden Summit

Approaching Braden's summit

Summit View S in Winter

Summit View NW in Winter

The final leg to the summit cairn is up a rocky ridge that is open on all sides and has the feel of being in the alpine rather than at less than 500 metres.

Braden occupies a central location in the Sooke Hills and offers views over many neighbours both greater (eg Empress) and smaller (eg Sugarloaf).

Reverse the foregoing to return to your car

Sugarloaf Mountain

(Current, October 2016)

Sugarloaf Mountain is located approximately 2km SW of Mt Braden. Access is as described above for Mt Braden.

I can only assume that Sugarloaf was named for its shape when viewed from the northeast - see the photographs in the Mt Braden section above. Like Braden, Sugarloaf enjoys a central position in Sooke Hills Regional Park Reserve and offers great views of the whole area. Being closer to the coast it also enables the climber to look into the east end of the Sooke Basin.

In addition to a hiking route to the summit, Sugarloaf has a developed rock climbing area on the impressive 50 metres high bluffs on the south west side of the mountain. Both trad and sport enthusiasts are catered too.

Like many trips to the Sooke Hills, a walk up Sugarloaf can be made into a circle hike. Allow about 3-4 hours for the following including breaks.

Approach as described for Mt Braden. Approximately 30-35 minutes from the car along the old road by Veitch Creek, just after the road meets the creek and then climbs up a small hill, look for a spur road off to the left at N48 25.736 W123 35.874. Take this spur into the valley between Sugarloaf and a lower knoll to its northeast known locally as "The Gem". The route is well flagged and is usually brushed out. Follow the trail for approximately 25 minutes almost to the end of the valley where it makes a sharp turn left (roughly south) and heads up. Coloured tapes around several prominent trees usually indicate this point. </href=>

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Sugarloaf Mountain Summit

Summit View NE to Braden

Trad Climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain

Sport Climbing on Sugarloaf Mountain

Follow the flagging up to the summit from here in about 15-20 minutes of steep going. As you arrive in the summit area, the top of the rock climbing bluffs is to your right and the actual summit to your left. The summit is marked by a cairn and a couple of metres away is a BCS survey marker.

Complete the circle by going off the summit to the south between two rock walls. The entrance to these "gates" is mid way between the top of the bluffs and the summit and is pretty obvious. A spindly lone arbutus marks the spot if it isn't flagged. Descend steeply on the left (climber's right) of the climbing bluffs and right to their base to intersect the climbers' path. The right fork goes to the bluffs and the left leads out to the road. Follow the trail to the left down to the Veitch Creek road in about 35-40 minutes and turn left. Join your outward route where you crossed Veitch Creek about 10 minutes later. When choices appear the wrong turn is "blocked" by branches or rocks.</href=>

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Summit view W to Manuel Quimper & Ragged

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An alternate trail off Veitch Creek via "Townsend Ridge" offers a variation in the loop described, either as an outward or return route. </href=>

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View North East from Crow's Nest

Crow's Nest from the NE

Crow's Nest East Aspect

Go off this point west down ledges to a salal filled gully. There is a single flag round a tree at the base of the descent. Continue west out of this trough and up to the next high point. There is boot path to follow at this point. Descend once more to the west to a flatter area. Flagging from this point is plentiful and accurate. Continue north west and then west, following the flags across some minor ups and downs to arrive at a trail junction at N48 25.665 W123 37.351. Turn left (south) here and hike 700-800 metres to arrive at the wide open trail coming up from the Y-Camp. Turn left and continue up to the summit in 10 minutes.

Start your return route by leaving the summit on the right as you approached it. Almost immediately swing round to the left and pick up grass ledges heading east and down to the floor of the valley. The route is not overly clear but enough use-path and flagging is in evidence to get you down without too much trouble. If in doubt, aim for N48 25.210 W123 37.213 which is the point at which the route emerges onto another hydro service road.

Once on the road, look to your left to find the continuation of the AP trail that you left earlier - green on the route map in the collection at the end of the page. Proceed along here to close the loop at the point at which you went up the gully and proceed along the AP trail, Secret Trail and Veitch Creek trail to the mailboxes. Allow 5-6 hours with breaks.

The Amigos

(Current, December 2016)

 

Situated between Sooke Road, Veitch Creek and the “Bumps” between Mts McDonald and Braden is a range of low hills collectively known locally as “The Amigos”. Originally there were 3 – hence the name. Unsurprisingly, when a fourth was added, it became known as “The 4th Amigo”. A trip around all 4 hills makes for a nice 5-6 hour jaunt. There are many ways to do this but the following is my favourite.</href=>

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Three Amigos

Start from the mailboxes as for Mt Braden. Go up the hill on the way to Veitch Creek but just past the high point before the descent to the creek, watch for a well worn trail on the right. Go up here.</href=>

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Amigos Start Point

Alan's Alp Dead Tree Marker

Alan's Alp from Tony's Triumph

The  "Cenotaph"

Take the well marked trail due south and back to the continuation of the AT Trail and turn right. Go down the old road and through a brief swampy phase at the bottom. Immediately after the swamp find a trail on the right heading up into the trees. Note a trail coming down the opposite hillside on the left. This is the steep descent route from Alan referred to above. </href=>

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Three Amigos

The Fourth Amigo

Fourth Amigo Erratic

Sugarloaf from the Fourth Amigo

4th Amigo Hydro Road

To complete the hike, head north east down the new (July 2016) service spur road down the hydro corridor. Either go all the way to the red gate at the head of the Aggressive Road, or find a well marked, wide path at the back of the second pull out off the hydro road. This leads directly down to the main hydro road directly opposite the start of the southwest and south direct routes up Mt Braden. From either option turn left and hike the main hydro road/Veitch Creek Trail back to the mailboxes. OR</href=>

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Mt McDonald from Mt Wells

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From your parking spot watch for a path leading off to the west of the road and marked by a "no public access" sign. I have also included the photo below to help you find the right spot. Mt McDonald (and most other places in the Sooke Hills) is not officially open to the public, so the "trailhead" is not marked other than by this sign. After a minute of flat going through the big trees the route heads west and up steeply. There are several Class 2-3 sections to negotiate up rocky gullies and bluffs. Two fixed handlines are in place to assist on the descent. The route is well booted-in and hard to miss. The hardest part of the route finding is locating the right trailhead. On occasion you may notice flagging heading away from the obvious line of ascent. This marks various alternate routes that locals have put up over the years. Take these if you're comfortable travelling off-trail. All involve some Class 2-3 scrambling but nothing more difficult than the main route.

The summit is mostly clear of bush and offers lovely views across to Mt Wells and south to the Olympics. Although this is the highest spot on McDonald, most maps show the summit (wrongly I believe) 600 metres away to the north west. Don't be confused by this.</href=>

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Mt McDonald Trailhead from Humpback Road

Steep gully with handline

Open bluffs

The Olympics from McDonald

Ragged & Manuel Quimper from McDonald

A well flagged route leaves the summit in a westerly direction and leads down open mossy slopes to the defunct service road for the transmitter station on McDonald. Don't go this far. Once at the bottom of the last open slope and just before entering the trees, look for flagging and a path off to the left (south). Follow the path south, east and then north as it circles around the mountain above through a mix of arbutus and evergreen forest and finally down open slopes. During the southerly phase you will see the debuilt remains of the old transmitter road below. The route finally rejoins the out route just a couple of hundred metres west of Humpback Road and your vehicle there. Refer to the route map in the collection at the end of the page.</href=>

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Mt Wells from Mt McDonald

Mt Wells climbing area

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<href= http:="" www.victoria.cascadia.scouts.ca="" index.php?module="pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=12&MMN_position=21:21">Descend the way you came up or make your way off the summit following a path to the southwest before looping back north down bluffs, ledges and gullies to regain the big trees under the rock-climbing area. This is not a maintained route and the faint path soon gets even fainter as it disappears into deadfall etc. First timers many need some patience and the willingness to backtrack a few times before they get this one nailed. Once under the climbing cliffs follow the climbers' trails out to the road to emerge 100m south of where the route up Mt McDonald takes off to the west.

McDonald to Braden Traverse

(Current, October 2016)

Mts McDonald and Braden can be connected as part of a 6-8 hours traverse. There are a number of ways to do this, only some of which are described below. Refer to the separate Mt Braden page and see if you can't design your own variation. Most but not all routes are flagged right across from the summit of McDonald and all involve over 1,000 metres of total ascent as well as a bit of bushwhacking on occasion.
    
Leave a vehicle at the mailboxes as described in the Mt Braden section above and drive back down Sooke Road to Humpback Road and turn left. Park as near as you can to the Mt McDonald "trailhead".

Go up McDonald and then find the flagged route described in the Mt McDonald section above that heads west. Continue down beyond where the McDonald loop trail described above takes off to the south, into the forest and right to the old transmitter station road. The road has not been de-built in this area. Go straight across the road and continue 300 metres west to a new road. Go across this and find the continuation of the flagging west and up to the highest of "The Bumps" known locally as "Stickbump". For years this had a weathered stick in the summit cairn that gave it it's name. Everyone knew and respected this and left it alone. Sometime in summer 2016 it has disappeared. Whoever took it - you're a jerk! However, tradition has triumphed and in October 2016 a new, suitably weathered stick - "Son of Stick" - has appeared on the summit. Good on whoever did this!

The bluffy east aspect of Mt Braden comes into view at this point. Descend west off the top of Stickbump, into a deep salal filled gully and up the other side to the top of the last Bump. Here you're confronted by an obvious drop off down into a deep valley to the east with Mt Braden beyond. There are two options from this point.

 

 

Mt Braden from the "Bumps"

Mt Braden from the last "Bump"

Mt Braden East Side

 

Option 1. Braden East Face.</href=>

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The south aspect of the traverse route from Mt McDonald to Mt Braden from the high ground between Veitch Creek and Sooke Road.

 

Mt Finlayson

(Current, April 2016)

A favourite local hiking destination of Victorians for generations. People also come from miles around to watch the annual salmon spawning run in the Goldstream River from October into November.</href=>

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Mt Finlayson from Mt Wells

Leave Victoria on the Trans Canada Highway 1 and drive ~20 km to Goldstream Provincial Park. Being a provincial park, there is $3/day parking fee. Many people object to this and park on the highway where there is certainly lots of room. Make your choice then walk out of the lot, over the Goldstream River and find the well-signed trailhead 200 metres down Finlayson Arm Road on the right.

SPer CharlesD has written up this description of the standard route on Finlayson. There are, however, other ways to go up and down.

1. Alternate descent route

Walk off the summit north east and into the trees following the continuation of the orange plates that mark the way up and find the "back side" descent route. The path goes down old fire roads to arrive at a trailhead on upper Finlayson Arm Rd in about 3 km. Walk back 5 km on the road to Goldstream. Boring but at least this offers a circular route. It's also possible to go up this way of course, including driving to the upper trailhead.

2. Alternate ascent route - the West Face

A steep and uncompromising scramble with exposure and loose rock. NOT for the beginner or faint of heart. I've known people carry a rope on this one.

Walk along Finlayson Arm Rd past the standard trailhead 300 metres to a paved U-shaped pull-out/parking lot on the right. The park boundary sign is 50 metres past this spot, so if you reach this you've gone too far. Pick up a faint path leading out of the back of this area and straight up a steep scree-filled gully. Thereafter, make your way up as best you can following a boot path in places, by the path of least resistance in others and recently yellow flagging. The steepness never relents until you step off the last mossy ledges onto a rock bluff at the top of the route.</href=>

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West face; first obstacle

The vegetated dihedral

Last step off the west face

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There are three or four particularly notable points on the climb depending on which finish you choose. An exposed 4 metres high bluff with a crack which goes at Class 3 about 20 minutes from the start and halfway up. A rocky Class 2 groove 5 minutes above that and finally the (locally) famous 25 metres "vegetated dihedral" (see photo) quite close to the top. This is the crux of the route. Steep, exposed and Class 4. If you're alone I don't recommend this. Go round the obstacle on climber's right; there is a path, which shows how many folk choose the easier option.

After reaching the top of the dihedral by either choice, trend upwards and left on mossy slabs to reach a corner where you make a high step onto a last ramp to the top. Look down directly on the roof of the visitor centre 400 metres below you.

An alternate finish to the West Face route involves more Class 3 or 4 climbing.

At the top of the mossy slabs and a minute before reaching the finish above look for a ~ 30 metres high corner system and examine the right wall closely. If you've found the right place, you'll notice a weakness heading up and to the right with obvious signs of travel - but no marking. Take this at Class 3 or 4 up to the top of the bluffs. There is some exposure and, again, this isn't a route I would take alone. If in doubt go all the way left up the mossy slabs described above and exit that way. The advantage to the alternate finish, besides being enjoyable, is that it puts you on a well trodden path and within 5 minutes of the summit of Finlayson without the need for the bush bash described below.</href=>

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View E from Finlayson W face

West Face alternate finish

Victoria from Finlayson

To descend from the West Face route after the standard (mossy slabs) finish proceed as follows. From the exit point contour east through the woods, around the crown of the mountain and intersect the alternate descent route described under 1. above. There is no path and I don't believe I've ever trodden the same ground twice when going this way. Go down directly down the back side or up to the summit and down the standard route with the crowds.

The last choice, of course, is to descend the West Face route the way you came up. I don't recommend this and have never done it.

Holmes Peak and Jocelyn Hill

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These two summits are high points on the ridgeline of the Gowlland Range which runs north from Finlayson Arm Rd and down the east side of Finlayson Arm itself. Spectacular views down the Arm to the outlet of Goldstream River and to the Olympics beyond.

Start from the trailhead at Caleb Pike. Approach from Victoria on Highway 1 and exit at Millstream Rd. At the junction with Millstream Lake Rd keep left and drive 1km further to Caleb Pike Rd. Turn left and drive into the parking lot at the end of the road. Walk the easy and well-marked trail to arrive at Holmes Peak in 20 minutes and Jocelyn in a little over an hour. Return the way you came with some minor variations possible as outlined on this map</href=>

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Lone Tree Hill summit

The "lone tree"

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The hill is named for the 200 year old bonsai-like Douglas fir that used the grace the summit. The remains of this local icon can still be seen.

Mt Work

(Current, April 2016)

The subject of much wordplay amongst locals. As in "I like going to Work", "Work was fun today", "Work before play" etc. The mountain, in fact, is named after a John Wark. Everyone has always called it "Work" however, and at some point the incorrect appellation stuck.</href=>

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Mt Work from Lone Tree Hill

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The mountain is the focal point of Mt Work Regional Park and a VERY popular destination for locals.</href=>

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Mt Work view south

Mt Work in winter

Mt Work view NW

From either trailhead follow the occasionally steep but well built trails to the summit. For the odd occasions when the trail in under snow or otherwise obscured by windfall etc, the way is also marked by yellow metal plaques. This is the local ravens other favourite spot and I've also seen golden eagles from here. A bluff 3 minutes north of the summit plaque gives the best views north offered by any of the CRD summits, whilst a similar one 3 minutes south enables one to peer into (with binoculars) the Navy's yard in Esquimalt. It's an easy hour up from the north and an equally leisurely 50 minutes from the south. The north route has a 10 minute flat section after the first 20 minutes or so that makes a nice breath catcher.

Partridge Hill

(Current, April 2016)

Partridge Hill is the high point of a compact range of hills found due north of Mt Work directly above Durrance Lake between Willis Point Road to the south and Tod Inlet to the north. The usual access along the north shore of Durrance Lake lies within Mt Work Regional Park, while the bulk of the area is formally part of Gowlland Tod Provincial Park..

The range has unfortunately been badly abused by illegal ATV use in the lower areas and by mountain bikers higher up. However, since the hills are now legally open to mountain biking, we must expect this unfortunate trend to continue. MB trails have made a veritable maze of the area and a few visits are normally required to learn all the various permutations and interconnections.

The summit of Partridge Hill itself is located in a picturesque but viewless arbutus and Garry Oak grove but unexpectedly lovely views to the south and north can be had on a circular walk around the range taking in the high points.

A secondary high point within the range, Cole Hill, is situated on Department of National Defense property and may not be approached legally. Warning notices indicate the limits of the area and sentries, I’m told, will warn you off, particularly when the firing range is in use.

Approach as for Mt Work as described above. Just before the left turn onto Ross Durrance Road and Mt Work north parking, turn right instead following the sign for Durrance Lake. Park here.

The following describes a 3-4 hour tour of the range that takes in all the best views whilst trying to avoid the worst of the ATV and MTB abuse. I emphasise, however, that many more possibilities exist within the area.

From the parking area at the northwest corner of Durrance Lake walk 550 metres southeast along the lakeshore and find the well used trail heading up into the hills on the left. Head up the wide trail 500 metres to a prominent junction at N48 33.122 W123 28.564 and turn left onto what is generally known as the “south trail”.

Follow the trail right around the southern periphery of the hills 1.4 km to a junction at N48 33.332 W123 29.333 and keep right. Proceed 200 metres to a second, much less prominent junction at N48 33.392 W123 29.231 and turn right again onto trail, as opposed to the ATV/MTB tracks you’ve been walking to this point. Climb the hillside generally south and after only a few minutes, you’ll break out into lovely open meadows. Make your way to N48 33.282 W123 29.221 and a superb view south across to Mt Work and the Gowlland Range.</href=>

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Jocelyn Hill & Finlayson Arm

Cowichan Hills

N Cascades & Brentwood Bay

Proceed east for 250 metres from the viewpoint to the true summit of Partridge Hill (marked by a cairn) and then generally north via one of any number of possibilities to N48 33.439 W123 29.002 and turn left.

Descend back into coniferous forest aiming for N48 33.479 W123 28.893 and turn left. Head 400 metres northwest from this point to the “Eagle Lookout” at N48 33.573 W123 29.070. From here you get the best views in the Partridge Hills. An expansive north to east arc from the Cowichan Valley to Mt Tuam on Saltspring Island, down to Tod Inlet and the village of Brentwood Bay and beyond to the distant Tantalus Range and the northern Cascades on the mainland.</href=>

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Mt Tuam

MTB damage on Partridge Hill

Complete the loop by following your best choice of routes southeast and then south back to the junction at N48 33.122 W123 28.564 where you turned left on the way out. Retrace your steps to your vehicle from here.

In the "CRD tracklogs" section below, I have included GPS tracks covering the above description to help you navigate this route. Contact me for the actual field data if you need it.

Finlayson to Work Enchainment

(Current, October 2016)</href=>

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Jocelyn Hill and Holmes Peak

View N from Holmes Peak

North Finlayson Arm

East Side of the Saanich Peninsula

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Of the three notable high points in this heavily populated area, you can drive almost to the top of two. An early Victoria mayor, Bert Todd, had the foresight to see the tourist potential of the views from Mt Douglas and was instrumental is getting a road built up it. You can also walk up of course. Visit the Mt Doug website for more information.</href=>

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View south from Horth Hill

Mt Baker from Mt Douglas

Mt Newton is in John Dean Provincial Park right on the edge of a large subdivision. There are many options to get to the historic survey point near the radar dome on top. Refer to the trail map.

Horth Hill is the last high point on the Saanich Peninsula before the tidewater of Satellite Channel and the only hill in this area that you have to walk up. Drive up Highway 17 towards the BC Ferry terminal at Schwartz Bay and take the second last exit before the ferries signed for McDonald Park and Wain Road. Take Wain 500m to Tatlow Rd and turn right. The park entrance is 1km down Tatlow on the right. Take any of the signed options for the "summit loop". The summit is actually in the trees but there is a viewpoint on the south edge of the round top that is worth visiting. Refer to the park brochure for a map and the history of the area. It is also worth noting that this is a mixed-use park, so watch out.
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CRD Tracklogs

(last edited October 2016)

The compilation below illustrates what most people would regard as the standard and most direct route to the summits of the CRD mountains described in the foregoing. The maps therein should be used as guides only and used on your hike only in conjunction with in situ navigational tools – GPS and compass.

If you would like the actual accurate and field proven tracklogs used to produce the illustrations below, feel free to send me an email or PM.

Bluff Mountain Routes	Peden Ridge	Mt Manuel Quimper	Ragged Mountain Routes
Sooke Mountain Tracks	Monument Mountain	Empress Mtn standard route	Emperor Mtn loop
Mt McDonald Loop	Sugarloaf Mountain Routes	Partridge Hills loop track	Caleb Pike to Mt Work
Mt Braden with McDonald Traverse Routes	Crow's Nest Loop	Amigos Routes	Screen Peak

CRD Benchmarks and Survey Monuments

(As of October 2016)

Long before geocachers began hiding little treasures in the hills for folks to find, surveyors have been out there leaving monuments on the spots from which they conducted their measurements.

Most peoples’ first thought on reading this might be “nerd alert” and, once upon a time, I would have been in the vanguard of such reasoning. What could be less interesting than a metal disk? Look into the provenance of the artifacts, however, and you’ll uncover a wealth of history about the area in which the monuments are installed and about the surveyors themselves.

Usually metal disks bolted to the rock or cemented in place but sometimes nothing more elaborate than a spike driven into the ground, the evidence of surveyors work can be found in most places in the world and the CRD is no exception. Many of the hills above were used as triangulation points and have monuments on their summits but marks can also be found on benches and along old roadways too if you know where to look.

Click on the images in the following collection to learn a little more about the monuments I’ve found in the hills of the CRD. What is the history of that old, old mark on Empress Mountain? Why is the Jocelyn Hill mark missing? See what you can find out there yourself and attach your own benchmark images and their story and I’ll include them here.

Empress Mtn BCCS	Ragged Mtn South BCCS	Sugarloaf BCCS
Mt Wells CGS	Mt McDonald BCCS	Mt Braden S slopes BC Legal
Mt Braden S slopes CRD Water	Lone Tree Hill BCCS	Jocelyn Hill BCCS remnant

Weather

Nearest points current conditions and forecast.

Useful Links

CRD’s Sea to Sea Regional Park Reserve.

The Alpine Club of Canada, Vancouver Island Section organizes regular trips into the Sooke Hills.
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<href= http:="" www.victoria.cascadia.scouts.ca="" index.php?module="pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=12&MMN_position=21:21">MASCOT, (MAnagement of Survey Control Operations and Tasks), the searchable data base of provincial geodetic control monuments maintained by Crown Registry and Geographic Base of the Integrated Land Management Bureau of BC.

Page Visitor Statistics

Mostly for my interest. But feel free to have a look at who's reading this page.

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