West Coast Trail

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A view of the beach on the West Coast Trail.
A view of the beach on the West Coast Trail.

The West Coast Trail is a 75 km-long backpacking trail following the southwestern edge of Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada). It is open from May 1st until September 30th. 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.

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. 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. 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.

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. Designated campgrounds along the way feature "Bear Boxes" for safe storage of food, an outhouse and usually a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean.

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

Wildlife that can be encountered include cougars, bears, wolves, gray whales, and eagles.

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.[1] In March, $500,000 in extra funding from the federal government was announced to assist with the cleanup. Park staff are optimistic that the trail will be open before May 1, in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the trail. [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "West Coast Trail littered with trees", CBC News, 2007-01-16. Retrieved on 2007-01-17.
  2. ^ "Extra money for Pacific Rim National Park cleanup", CBC News, 2007-03-05. Retrieved on 2007-03-15.

[edit] See also


Flag of Canada Hiking Trails in Canada edit
Bruce Trail | Canol Heritage Trail | Chilkoot Trail | Confederation Trail | East Coast Trail | Galloping Goose Regional Trail | International Appalachian Trail | Iron Horse Trail | Mantario Trail | North Coast Trail |Oak Ridges Trail | Rideau Trail | Trans Canada Trail | Waterfront Trail | West Coast Trail | Wildside


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