–originally published on John’s blog.
The trail’s east end is about 75 kilometres from Victoria and extends from Jordan River to Botanical Beach, near Port Renfrew.
Our Itinerary
- March 20 – China Creek to Bear Beach — 9 k, 6 hours
- March 21 – Bear to Chin Beach – 11 k, almost 8 hours
- Marh 22 – Chin to Sombrio Beach – 9 k, 6 hours
- March 23 – Sombrio to Payzant Beach – 10 k., 7 hours
- March 24 – Payzant to Botanical Beach Parking Lot – 7 k, 5 hours
We certainly didn’t break any speed records hiking this trail, covering the 47 kilometers in five days, and a total of about 32 hours, including breaks. The mud, downed trees, and bushwhacking slowed us down.
The Trail Infrastructure
Wow! Countless aluminum bridges, bear caches, three suspension bridges, newly constructed boardwalk and stairs out of yellow cedar, great outhouses, and tent platforms at most of the 10 campsites.
Bridges
See the former bridge underneath the new one?
Recently constructed boardwalk and stairs
And look at this system of ladders descending to Bear Creek!
Around camp
The Forest
Although the majority of the trees are second growth, and many of them not large at all, there are some impressive old growth Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar.
More Challenging Sections
Yes, there was some!!! mud, some trees to clamber over, and some bush to whack through, but I’m sure that trail maintenance here is an ongoing project!
Dean getting in his early morning Yoga practice!
I managed to find a muddy patch!
“Thanks” to Christine for the above photo!
Oh! Feeling a little dejected at this point!
Although the vast majority of the trail is not along the shore, we did have some marvellous ocean views!
Aah. Sombrio Beach. What a gem!
And some exciting creek crossings!
And some fun scrambling
Beautiiful water features, too, especially with the recent rain
One happy group near the end of the hike!
Thanks to Mathew Lettington for a great job organizing and leading the hike, and to everyone else for keeping positive under sometimes challenging conditions.