West Coast Trail Advisory - September 21-28, 2001

West Coast Trail Advisory - Parks Canada

September 21-28, 2001

Respect Wildlife! Review provided materials on bear and cougar safety. Report any animal encounters to park staff. Be cautious of all wild animals as they can be very dangerous. If you see a cub or kitten that appears to be alone, remember that its mother is never far away. Never approach wildlife - leave the area immediately!

Food Storage Lockers: Food storage lockers have been installed at Darling River, Michigan Creek and Tsocowis Creek. Hang your food at all other areas. Be sure to store your food and garbage properly at all campsites.

Bears: Due to the high level of bear activity between Pachena Bay (km 0) and Cheewhat (km 37), a bear warning has been issued. There have been recent sightings of a sow and cub near the Pachena Trailhead (km 4), and between Michigan Creek and the Darling River (km 12-14). There have been sightings of black bears between Tsocowis Creek and the Klanawa River (km 16-23), and in the Tsuquadra Pt. (km 29-31) and Cheewhat River (km 34-36) areas. Remember: A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear!

Cougars: Sightings this summer at Nitinat Narrows (km 33), Logan Creek (km 56), Walbran Creek (km 53), and between Thrasher Junction (km 70) and the Gordon River Trailhead (km 75).
Sea Lion Rock at Carmanah Point: While hiking on the Dare Beach shelf or visiting the light station, take advantage of the opportunity to see dozens of sea lions on the rocks off Carmanah Point (km 44).

Whales: Keep an eye out for Gray Whales and Orca pods, with recent sightings all along the Trail.

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: Expect wet and muddy conditions all along the trail, especially between the Walbran and Gordon Rivers. Even small amounts of rain can make boardwalks and bridges very slippery, and cause creeks and rivers to flood.
Bridges, Boardwalks, Ladders and other structures along the trail may be in poor condition due to aging or recent storms. Keep an eye out for structures marked with flagging tape and bypass any structure that seems unstable. Avoid overloading structures with too many people and packs.
Carmanah Light Station:(km 44) The stairs providing access to and from the north beach (Bamfield side) have been washed out by a landslide. You must use the beach access at km 43.

Cullite Creek: (km 58) The storm damaged pit toilet has been replaced with a temporary privy. Take precautions to keep 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 $25 per tent, including showers and wood.

Fires are only permitted on the beach, never in the trees, and well away from the forest or beach logs. Do not use large beach logs and never leave fires unattended. Fully extinguish your fire before leaving camp. DO NOT BURN GARBAGE 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 can be 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 (especially Darling, Michigan, Logan and Camper) can flood. Be prepared to wait if required. Rivers can rise as much as 5 to10 feet in extreme cases. Take time to establish a safe campsite, well above the high water mark.

Tides: Rough seas can make beach camping hazardous, especially in late and early summer. Ensure tents and equipment are set well above the high tide line. When in doubt, choose sites in the forest. This week high tides range between 7.2' (2.2 m) and 10.2' (3.1 m).

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. 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 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 latest regulations and restrictions regarding species, limits, and bodies of water.

Vegetation Restoration Areas: Located along Cheewhat Beach (between Dare Point and the Cheewhat River, km 36-37). Please do not step inside or camp around the roped off plots.

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

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 or partner. Likewise, do not let slower members lag too far behind. Keep your group together!

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.

24 hour emergency number: (250) 726 - 8035

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