Date: May 08, 2022
Time: 8:45 am - 4:00 pm
Category: Hike
Trip Details
Distance 10 km
Approx. 650m of elevation gain – some route finding / bushwhacking possible
8:45 am – 3:30 / 4:00 pm
Even though it’s feeling a bit like we’ve added a new month – “Mayvember” – to the calendar, the wildflowers are still popping in the Sooke Hills. Let’s get out for the day to enjoy them!
This trip heads up one of the most flower-rich hills in our area – Mt. McDonald. After enjoying the flower cliffs on the way up and rambling through the upper western slopes we’ll head north to some of the lesser-travelled “Bumps” in the McDonald area. Then it’s on to John Peak (aka Stick Bump) with stops at Alan’s Ledge and Martin’s Boulder. Using Mary’s “favourite” gully we’ll cross over to Neil Peak and head up its broad southern flank. From the summit of Neil we’ll check out the Calypso orchids and head back to the cars via a large sweeping traverse around the lower southern end of McDonald.
This hike is approximately 10 km long with 650m elevation gain. There will be time for flower photography and exploration, so expect to be out for the day. This hike will go rain or shine, but if the weather is particularly bad we will adjust the route accordingly for a safe, comfortable, fun-filled day.
Required gear: hiking boots with good ankle support, extra layers, rain gear, water/hot drink, lunch, snacks, 10 essentials. Hiking poles are strongly recommended.
Meet at the Mt. McDonald trail head at 8:45am. If you don’t know the area, please look at this map. The first time coming to this trailhead can be confusing. One of the reasons we have to leave so early is because parking is quite limited here.
No dogs please.
Co-organized by Mary Sanseverino and Rachel Treloar
RSVP to Rachel at
(maximum 10 participants)