West Coast Trail Advisory - Parks Canada

July 28 - August 4, 2000

Review the provided materials on bear and cougar safety. You will see bear and cougar tracks on the Trail, and possibly the animals themselves. Report any animal encounters to park staff; we are always interested in hearing your adventures!

Respect Wildlife! Be cautious of all wildlife as they can be very dangerous. If you see a cub or kitten that appears to be alone, remember that it’s mother is never far away. Never approach wildlife and leave the area immediately. Be sure to store your food and garbage properly at all campsites.

Bears There have been many recent sightings of black bears at Darling and Michigan Creeks. Animal-proof food storage lockers have been installed at Darling River and Michigan Creek. Use them. This is for your safety, the safety of your fellow hikers, and the safety of the animals. Remember: A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear!

Cougars Last reported sighting was at Camper Creek two weeks ago.

Sea Lion Rock at Carmanah Point (Km 44) While hiking on the Dare Beach shelf, or visiting the Light Station, take advantage of the viewing opportunity of the dozens of sea lions out on the rocks off Carmanah Point.

Elephant Seal There is a juvenile Elephant Seal on Carmanah Beach. These animals come ashore at this time of year to molt. They may appear sick or injured, but this is a part of their natural molting process. Show respect by keeping a distance. Take care not to disturb any marine mammals.

Whales Keep an eye out for both Gray Whales and Orcas, with recent sightings all along the Trail.

Beached Gray Whale At first glance, it looks like any other beach log, but take a closer look! A whale carcass beached between Bonilla Point and Carmanah Creek in early May, and it’s still there. Follow your nose!

The West Coast Trail is as dynamic as its’ surroundings and can change by the hour. If you encounter a section of the trail or a structure that seems impassable, please report the location to park staff.

Trail Conditions The Trail is in good condition. However, things can change quickly out here. Expect wet and muddy areas all along the Trail, and especially between the Walbran and Gordon Rivers. Even a small amount of rain can make boardwalks and bridges very slippery.

Bridges, Boardwalks, Ladders and other structures along the trail may be in poor condition due to ageing or recent storms. Bypass any structure that seems unstable, and keep an eye out for structures marked with flagging tape. Use extra caution while hiking the southern section of the Trail (Walbran to Gordon River). Avoid overloading structures with excess weight (i.e. Too many people and packs).

Logan Suspension Bridge (Km 56) One person at a time across the bridge and on the north side ladders and platform.

Carmanah Light Station (Km 44) The stairs providing access to and from the north beach have been washed out by a landslide. You must use the beach access at Km 43.

Food Lockers: Michigan and Darling Creek campsites now have metal food storage lockers. Tsusiat Falls campsite will have one installed soon. Make use of them to protect your food, yourself and bears. In areas without food lockers, hang your food well away from your tent. DO NOT LEAVE ANY FOOD OR GARBAGE IN THE LOCKER WHEN YOU LEAVE.
Cullite Creek (Km 58) Campsite suffered a beating from this year’s winter storms. As a result, the pit toilet was destroyed. It has been temporarily replaced with another privy. Take precautions to keep campsites and fresh water sources uncontaminated and practice no trace camping.

No camping at Pachena Beach (Km 0) Privately operated campsites are available at Pachena Bay Campground for $18 per tent, including showers and wood.

Fires are only permitted on the beach, NOT in the trees, and well away from any trees or beach logs. Do not use large beach logs and never leave fires unattended. Fully extinguish your fire before leaving camp. Do not burn trash in the fire rings: pack it out.


Refer to the five day weather forecast for a general outlook of the weather during your hike. Unfortunately, local weather and sea conditions are equally unpredictable. Sea swells, tides, currents, rivers, wind, rain, and temperatures can all act independently of each other - respect each of them.

Flooding: All creeks and rivers (and especially Darling, Michigan and Camper) can flood. Be prepared to wait if required. Rivers can rise as much as 5 to 10 feet in extreme cases. Take time to establish a safe campsite, well above the high water mark.

Tides: Combined with a large swell and rough seas, beach camping can be hazardous. This week, evening high tides will range between 10.2 - 11.8 feet (3.1 - 3.6 meters). Ensure tents and equipment are set well above the high tide line. When in doubt, choose sites in the forest.

Garbage: PACK IN - PACK OUT. Please do not leave your garbage in the park, in the outhouses, in fire rings, or with the ferry operators to deal with. Garbage kills wildlife!

Composting Toilets: (Michigan Creek, Tsusiat Falls, Camper Creek, and Thrasher Cove) Putting garbage into these toilets interferes with the biological processes involved in composting. This includes sanitary napkins (please pack them out). These toilets have been installed at considerable expense, and we require your cooperation in order to ensure that they can serve their purpose.

Private Property and Reservation Land: The Trail passes through reservation land and next to private land at various locations. Certain sites of cultural and historic significance are not indicated on your trail map due to their spiritual and / or sensitive nature. Please obey signs and respect these culturally sensitive areas.

Fishing: If you intend to fish along the Trail, please ensure that you have the appropriate license(s) (tidal or non-tidal), and that you are familiar with the regulations and restrictions regarding species, limits, and bodies of water.

Your safety is as important to us as it is to you! Make your hike safer by considering the following points:

Take your time: The key to enjoying a safe hike on the WCT is to slow down, do shorter days, and to make camp earlier rather than later. Looking at the scenery beats looking at your boots!

Be prepared: Rain, mud, stumps, downfall, roots, rocks, boulders, ladders, bridges, water, surge channels, impassable headlands, tides, ... you get the picture.

Be informed: Read the “You are in Bear Country” and “Safety in Cougar Country” pamphlets. Carry a map and tide table.

Watch your step: Be especially wary of older ladders, bridges and boardwalks. If a board looks rotten, or worn, it probably is! Wood (including roots, stumps, etc...) is very slippery when wet.


Stick Together: Do not hike ahead of your group/partners, likewise, do not let slower members lag too far behind.

If you or one of your hiking partners get injured:

Consult your Hiker Safety Sheet: It will let you know where and how to get help, and the best locations to be evacuated from (it is in the plastic pouch with your permit).

Send word: If possible, have someone stay with the injured hiker, while someone else goes to get help. Do not be afraid to ask other hikers for help.

Be patient: Rescue depends on having the right sea / weather conditions. Most often, evacuations can be performed on the same day. Under poorer conditions, it may take upwards of 24 hours before Park Wardens can come to your assistance. While waiting, try to keep warm and dry.

If you are at Nitinat Narrows: Have the ferry operator contact the Park Wardens and they will arrange for assistance and evacuation.

If you are near a Light Station (Carmanah or Pachena): If you require any kind of assistance, Light Station staff have resources and direct communications with Park Wardens in order to assist you.