The West Coast Trail
Vancouver Island
The West Coast Trail is a 77 km. (47 mi.) trail on the west coast
of Vancouver Island, with Port Renfrew at the southern end and
Bamfield to the north. Due to the popularity of the trail, in 1992
Parks Canada instituted a quota & reservation system between May
1 and September 30. Only 26 people are allowed on the trail at each
end per day. The usual transit time for the trail is 6 to 10 days.
There are 36 sets of ladders, used to cross various gorges & creeks,
with some of them having over 200 rungs; the equivalent of climbing a 25 to
30 story building. This is only half the trip of course, because you have to
ascend/descend on the other side!
There is no food, no rescue for injuries less than broken bones (around 70
medical evacuations per year), and all water must be filtered. It is completely
isolated, natural and is absolutely fantastic.
Overview Map
Trail Detail Map
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Towards the middle of the trail, at Carmanah Creek |
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The cable car ride over the Klanawa River. |
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One of the many board walks over marshy areas.
It was nice and dry this day. |
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Tsusiat Falls, one of the nicest spots on the trail. |
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The LONG, NARROW suspension bridge at Logan Creek.
This is where Debbie met Mr. Bear
during her sponge bathing in the creek. |
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Huge numbers of seagulls. Walking through the flock was like being
in a white cloud. |
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Hitchcock? |
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One of the 36 sets of ladders that, with my 60 lb. pack, were
a total joy.
"Oh, good. Another set of ladders." |
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Sea lions, killer whales & grey whales breaching, bears,
eagles, cougars (!), etc. |
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Tsusiat Falls at dawn, the morning mist almost dissipated. |
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Near Pachena Point, at the north end of the Trail. |
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One of the marshes, thankfully dry in early August. |
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The last morning on the trail at Michigan Creek. This was
the only rain we saw, and it
got sunny by noon. |
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The Indian hotdog and beer stand at Tsuquadra Point. A nice break from freeze-dried
food. |
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Walking through the old growth forest. It's more beautiful
than the picture can show. |
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After dinner, listening to my muscles whine. |
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On the road again... |
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Pumping water through micro filter pumps, for drinking
and cooking. |
