West Coast Trail

Trekkers on the beach just south of the Carmenah Lighthouse.

The West Coast Trail is a 75 km- (47 mile) long backpacking trail following the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada). It is open from May 1 until September 30. The trail is part of the Pacific Rim National Park.

History

One of many ladder series on the trail.

The region now covered by the West Coast Trail passes through the traditional territory of the Pacheenaht, Ditidaht and Huu-ay-aht people, members of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation, who have inhabited the area for over 4000 years.[1] Native trails, used for trade and travel, existed in the area prior to European contact, and the current trail passes through numerous Indian Reserves.

European use of the trail area was originally for the construction and maintenance of a telegraph line between Victoria and Cape Beale. Because of the high number of shipwrecks along this stretch of coast in the late 1800s (see Graveyard of the Pacific), the Pachena Point Lighthouse and the "Dominion Life Saving Trail" were constructed. 2007 marks the 100th anniversary of the trail.

The trail allowed shipwreck survivors and rescuers to travel the forest making use of the telegraph line and cabins. In 1973, the trail became part of Pacific Rim National Park and has been continuously upgraded

Description

Hikers can choose to begin the trail in Port Renfrew and travel north, or in Bamfield and travel south. The southern parts of the trail are far more challenging than the flatter kilometers in the north. An overnight permit must be purchased by the hiker who wishes to complete the trail from beginning to end; however, individuals are permitted to visit during the day at no expense.

The trail itself winds through forests, bogs and beaches. It passes old growth trees, waterfalls, streams and thick patches of mud. Along the coast, the trail includes surge channels and impassable headlands, where cliffs descend straight into the sea even at low tide. Designated campgrounds along the way feature "Bear Boxes" for safe storage of food, an outhouse and usually a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. Often, there are two choices, the inland route or the beach route. The beach sections can be made impassable by high tides; tide tables are issued with maps by Parks Canada staff to all hikers prior to starting the trek.

The trail is still extremely rugged and requires a high level of fitness, knowledge and skill to complete. To cross some rivers and streams, hikers must ride cable car suspensions, others are bridged only by fallen logs. There are two waterways that require a boat to cross: the Gordon River, at the southern trailhead, and the Nitinat Narrows, near the midpoint of the trail. A ferry service is operated by the local First Nation and the cost is included in the trail permit. The trail includes some three dozen ladders, some of them 30 feet high, that hikers must ascend or descend. Hikers usually take 5 to 7 days to complete the trip, though it has been run in a single day.

There are two locations on the trail where food can be bought; the ferry operator at Nitinat Narrows has fresh seafood, and Chez Monique's, on the beach just south of the Carmenah Lighthouse, sells burgers. Both locations also sell beer and snacks; prices are somewhat above prices in the outside world.

Wildlife

A view of the rough Pacific coast from the West Coast Trail.

Wildlife that can be encountered include cougars, bears, wolves, gray and killer whales, seals, sea lions, and eagles. There are also abundant tidal pools on the beach portions, where hikers can see a variety of molluscs, sea anemones, and fish. Hikers are told how to react to possible encounters with dangerous animals (cougars, bears, wolves) at the mandatory orientation session prior to starting the trail.

During certain times of year, there is the possibility of encountering seal pups on the beach; the pups should not be approached, as the mother may then abandon the pup. All wildlife on the trail should only be viewed from a safe distance.

Winter 2006/2007 damage

In January 2007, it was revealed that intense storms during the previous weeks had severely damaged the trail. The full extent of the damage was not initially known, but an estimated 3,000 trees had been downed, a bridge and cable car were destroyed, and a serious landslide at kilometre 12 was discovered. In March, $500,000 in extra funding from the federal government was announced to assist with the cleanup. Park staff were initially optimistic that the trail would open on May 1 as normal, but delays in rebuilding work pushed the opening to May 15. Parks Canada planned to hold a grand reopening ceremony for the trail in July.

See also

• Juan de Fuca Trail
• Graveyard of the Pacific
• History of the west coast of North America

References

• "Parks Canada - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada - Visitor Information - The West Coast Trail - Facilities and Services". Government of Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Government of Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada. 2003-12-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

• The West Coast Trail & Nitinat Lakes. Victoria, Canada: Sierra Club.
• Foster, David. Blisters & Bliss. ISBN 1-894384-65-2. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Obee, Bruce. Pacific Rim Explorer. Whitecap Books.
• Gill, Ian. Hiking on the Edge: West Coast Trail - Juan De Fuca Trail. ISBN 1-55192-505-2. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Leadem, Tim. Hiking The West Coast Of Vancouver Island. ISBN 1-55365-024-7.
• Kelley, Mark (Reporter) (March 28). The National: Seven, Episode 5 (West Coast Trail) (rm) (Documentary). Toronto, Canada: CBC News. Retrieved 2007-03-30. {{cite AV media}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)

External links

• West Coast Trail of Canada