Outdoor Project

The Ancient Cedars Trail is a 5-kilometer hike through one of the oldest and most spectacular stands of forest in the Whistler area. This is a place where perfect growing conditions have allowed some of the oldest trees to endure for over 1,000 years, spared from fire and disease against all odds, and then just barely avoiding destruction by logging before being designated as a protected area by the provincial government.

Over the 19 miles of scenic hiking to Eileen Lake and The Husband Lake you will gain nearly 2,000 feet of elevation. A majority of the work is done from the start, rising from the trailhead up into the volcanic lava flows above.

A backpacking trip from the Obsidian Trailhead to The Husband and Chambers Lakes in the Three Sisters Wilderness is a beautiful hiking option that will make for a great adventure with both the less-experienced and well-traveled backpacker. The trip offers a there-and-back or loop route that crosses or at times shares the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

The 20-mile hike into the Three Sisters Wilderness to Chambers Lakes from the Obsidian Trailhead is worth the effort. Set in the saddle between South Sister and Middle Sister, Chambers Lakes are the highest accessible lakes in the Cascades. With an average elevation around 7,000 feet, the lakes stay cold year round. Don’t bother packing in your swimsuit.

If you are spending time around Moab, Kane Creek is one of the most convenient places to camp. Located on BLM land, the canyon is just outside of town and close to many of the area's top destinations. Get here by taking Kane Creek Road from Moab. The way is paved for about 5 miles along the Colorado River in a huge gorge. After it turns to gravel, the road climbs into the dramatic scenery of Kane Creek Canyon. Red rock walls grow and close in as you drive. A set of steep switchbacks takes you to the bottom of the deep canyon, and this is where most of the camping is located.

This beautiful hike leads through Negro Bill Canyon on the Grandstaff Trail, which is named for 19th-century settler William Grandstaff, the first African-American cattleman in the Moab region. He corralled his herd within this canyon along the Colorado River and lived as a member of the Moab community. Today, the canyon bears his nickname as known to other locals during that time, and the trail his actual surname. Granstaff Campground, a good camping option right across the highway, is named after him as well.

Fins N Things is a popular jeep trail within Sand Flats Recreation Area, named for the variety of sandstone rock fins that make up the route. A nearby slot canyon shares the name and makes for a great human-powered day trip for canyoneers.

Ephedra's Grotto, also called Medieval Chamber, is one of the most-traveled slot canyons in the Moab area because of its popularity with commercial guides. It is a relatively short canyon with two spectacular rappels, one of which drops through a natural rock arch reminiscent of those in Arches National Park. Any number of outfitters in Moab offer this as a half-day trip, but you can do it on your own if you have the technical expertise and equipment for 100-foot rappels.

If you are visiting the area or staying at the South Mineral Campground, you will not regret spending a few hours exploring South Fork Mineral Creek. The water is a deep turquoise as a result of the rock powder suspended in it that comes from glacier erosion over thousands of years. The blue water contrasts over the red riverbed rock, and in fall, the yellow willows and shrubs add to the palette and provide plenty of photo opportunities.

Mount Seymour sits at the west end of Vancouver's North Shore Mountains between Lynn Valley and the Indian Arm, and it is Vancouver's gateway to backcountry hiking. Now a ski resort, Mount Seymour remained un-climbed until 1908 when it was summited by the B.C. Mountaineering club. The potential for winter and summer activities on the mountain was soon recognized, but the Great Depression put a quick halt to that. The resort was established years later in 1984, and the park was created for all to enjoy.