Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member of the Kludahk Outdoors Club?

Find out how HERE.

Please understand that the membership process is slowed down during the winter months due to the fact that work parties only take place between June and October, when we are not hampered by snow. We work hard all summer and play in the snow in the winter.

How can I get a set of maps for the Kludahk Trail?

Maps can be purchased by emailing one of the addresses below (remove the spaces)

president @ kludahk.com

info @ kludahk.com

kocdirector @ kludahk.com

or Contact Us and make arrangements to pick up a set of maps.  The cost is $20.00 per set and includes the trail, plus access roads.  We don’t mail them out because of the expense.

Please keep in mind that we are a volunteer organization and while we try to respond quickly, you may not receive an immediate reply.

How can I make a donation to support the Club?

You can make a donation by PayPal. You will receive a receipt for your donation from PayPal. We appreciate your support.
*Please Note: This button can only be used for donations!

Can anyone hike the Kludahk Trail?

Yes, the Kludahk Trail is a public trail and is sanctioned by the Provincial  Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

How can I book a cabin for an overnight stay?

The cabins on the Kludahk Trail are the property of the Kludahk Outdoors Club and only members of the Club, who have contributed to the upkeep of the trail and the cabins, can book them for overnight accommodation.  The cabins are never locked and are available to all for a refuge from the weather or to make a cup of tea.   There are donation boxes in each of the cabins and persons using the cabins to warm up or to make a meal, are requested to make a donation to help defray expenses for propane, wood and other supplies. Members with reservations can arrive at any time day or night.

Each cabin is maintained by a cabin steward and their contact information is available in each cabin. If you see something that has to be replaced or fixed or any other problem with the cabins or trail near the cabins, please contact the cabin steward directly. Cabin stewards also appreciate being contacted if you are heading up, just in case something has to be taken up. Remember that EVERYTHING (including the propane bottles) that is in the cabins has gone up on the back of a cabin steward or other volunteer. And, remember that EVERYTHING that is left behind by a well-meaning hiker (e.g. perishable food or garbage) will be taken out on the back of a cabin steward or other volunteer. Each year the cabin stewards hike out many pounds of garbage left behind!

Do I need a 4 x 4 vehicle to reach the Kludahk?

Don’t try to navigate the access roads with your rear-wheel drive trans-am.  Generally speaking you need a vehicle with a bit of clearance and good tires, preferably “all-terrain”.  The rock and shale on the roads will destroy normal highway tires.  All Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive is preferable on most of the access roads and a must for some.  Make sure you have a good spare, that is full of air and the tools to make a change.  Flat tires are inevitable if you are a regular in the area. Cell service may be spotty. Remember, you are accessing active logging roads and logging trucks have the right-of-way.

It is suggested that you read the Government of British Columbia’s Guide for Safe Travel on Forest Roads.

How long does it take to hike the entire trail?

During the summer, when the snow has gone, it is possible for fit individuals to hike the 40 kms of the Kludahk in three days.  Four is better if you want to see more than your toes.  Four nights and five days make for a nice leisurely trek with time to enjoy the surroundings.

In the winter, one must take into consideration the snow and weather conditions but generally speaking most people on Ski’s or Snow Shoes plan for at least five days.  You must pay particular attention to the weather as it can change very quickly.  Snowfalls of two or three feet in a day are not unusual.  Weather sites at Port Renfrew and Washington State can be helpful. Keep in mind that often you will have an 8 hour hike (sometimes more, depending on snow conditions) uphill to reach a cabin.

In winter the trail is not visible and the snow is often above the flagging, so it becomes necessary to navigate with map and compass.  A GPS device is helpful, but don’t forget your map and compass and basic backcountry navigational and route-finding skills. There can be hidden hazards beneath the snow.

The trail seems to be in good condition, who maintains it?

The Kludahk Outdoors Club has a contract with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations to maintain the trail.  All maintenance, brushing, hauling in treadplate, clearing blowdowns and maintaining the cabins is done by volunteer members of the Kludahk Outdoors Club and persons seeking membership.  Our reason for existence is to maintain the trail and keep the cabins maintained and supplied.  As such we need members who are prepared to do some work.

Safety on the trail

There is no reliable cell service on the trail. You should carry a device like SPOT or inReach just in case you run into any difficulties. Let your family or friends know your plans. Unexpected things are known to have happened on the trail. Hike responsibly.

I hear stories about the Kludahk being a “secret society”.  Is this a fact?

No.  Anyone can find us by googling “Kludahk” or by contacting outdoor adventure groups in Sooke. Sooke been the base for the club since day one.  We have a membership process like any organization.  Kludahk Maps are available for a fee to anyone who requests them.

The Kludahk Trail is backcountry wilderness and is located in an environmentally sensitive, semi-alpine locale.  Environmental protection and conservation is a major objective of the Provincial Government and the Kludahk Outdoors Club.

The five or six access roads to the trail can vary in condition from year to year due to active logging, washouts, and blowdowns and thus are not signed as well as some would like.  Most outdoor enthusiasts have no trouble finding the trail by using the set of Kludahk Maps, Back Road Map Books or Logging Road Maps.  Kludahk Directors and members will often provide hand-drawn sketches.  New members and participants in work parties will get an orientation with respect to access roads.

Due to the very sensitive nature of the trail, it is for use only by hikers.  ATV’s, motorcycles and any other motorized vehicles as well as hooved animals are banned from trail as a ministry directive.

All of our trail users, and there are hundreds of them, hope that the Kludahk Trail remains unspoiled wilderness for perpetuity.  That is our goal.

Geocaching Policy

In line with the KOC philosophy of shared natural resources, this policy is intended to limit potential activities that could damage a sensitive area, while not hindering anyone’s ability to enjoy the area. KOC’s policy applies to all trails and managed areas with the exception of ecological reserves where geocaching is prohibited. Click here to read the full KOC Geocaching Policy.

Safety – Useful Links

How to Kill Yourself Snowshoeing

Planning a hut-to-hut hike? File your plan here.