Hike to Flatty Hill

DISCLAIMER: Everyone who attends our hikes MUST read and follow the expectations for our group, found at the bottom of this post. Please scroll down and READ.

Our final hike of the year is an out and back route up to the top of Flatty Hill in the eastern section of Mount Wells Regional Park, just a short distance from the Jordie Lund Bike Park and the West Shore Parkway.

This hike has some easy sections, some moderate sections, and one difficult section that we will likely have to help each other, and our dogs, navigate.

Overall, I would rate it as a 6.5 out of 10, with the difficult section rated as 8.5 out of 10.

We'll meet at the trailhead located at 1342 Ravens View Drive. In the Photos section of this event, I've posted two maps of how to get there - a wide perspective, and a detailed view. You can also use your phone and punch in 1342 Ravens View Drive.

The trail starts with a fairly steep downhill section for about 100m. We cross a little stream and then walk along a flat section for about 200m. The trail then starts going uphill, through a lovely fern grotto, and along the east flank of Mt. Wells.

As we continue upwards, we'll cross rock outcroppings, dry streams, and hike along mossy and hard packed mountain trails. As we near the final push to the top of Flatty Hill, this is where it gets difficult. The trail for the last 200m has grades of up to 30% and there's one section where you'll have to climb up and over a boulder-strewn chasm. It's only about 25m long, but we'll likely have to help each other navigate this section.

But the effort is worth it, as the top of Flatty Hill (which is so named because it's a big wide flat plateau) features 360 degree views of Mount Wells, and the entire Greater Victoria area all the way out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. We'll rest up here for a while and soak it all in before we retrace our steps back to our starting point.

I'll post this now, so members can start getting signed up. I may add further details and/or photos later in the week.

HIKING GROUP EXPECTIONS (PLEASE READ IN ITS ENTIRETY)

These safety procedures are in place for your own protection.

· No one hikes alone. Everyone hikes with at least one other person throughout the entire hike.
· When hiking, be sure you can see someone from our group ahead on the trail. If you lose sight of them, shout out.
· Everyone must carry a cell phone, fully charged, and must provide me with their number. I will provide everyone who attends with my number.
· Everyone must have read the full description of the hike and be fully aware of what it entails. Do not just read the title and the first couple of lines.
· Please do not sign up for the hike if...

1. You are not capable of doing moderate+ hikes of up to 2 hours often involving elevation climbs.
2. You are not capable of maintaining a 3 to 4 kmh pace over moderate+ terrain.
3. Your general state of health is lacking. (IE: You have cardiac issues, joint issues, your breathing is impaired (ie: flu, bronchitis, COPD, asthma)

· Please ensure you're wearing proper footwear (trail shoes, light hikers, or some type of supportive footwear with good grips.)
· Be sure you have enough water for you and your dog. A small bottle of water is often not enough.
· Tell someone if you are feeling dizzy or light headed or just don't feel right. If you've started a hike, and then for any reason you wish to turn back, tell someone and we will make arrangements for you to be escorted back along the trail. Don't just turn back alone.
· I reserve the right to exclude anyone that may show up for a hike due to that person or persons, in my opinion, being unable to complete the hike safely, or for any other safety-related reason.