Coastal Hiking Maps

Coastal Hiking

Stepping out from the tranquil beauty of the lush, primeval rainforest, your eyes are suddenly overpowered by the dazzling sunlight. The crash of surf rolling onto the beach brings you quickly to your senses and you gaze out across the open Pacific Ocean as it stretches off into the horizon before you. The rich colours of the water, sky, forest and shoreline are a visual feast, and the abundant wildlife and remoteness of the setting all combine to create an experience like no other. Such is the adventure of hiking amongst the marine environs of North America’s west coast and a large part of the attraction in tackling a challenging coastal hike.

Islands are by nature blessed with more than their fair share of coastline, and the islands of coastal British Columbia and the neighbouring mainland and Washington State are home to some of the most rugged and remote shores in the world. Weaving along the dramatic cliffs and endless sand beaches of this coast are classic hiking trails and routes that entice and surprise hikers from around the world.

Many, if not all of these hikes are on the traditional territory of indigenous First Nations. Their culture and history with the land is intertwined, enhancing the timeless feel of the wild west coast.

Hikers are often naturally attracted to mountain trails but there are many advantages to choosing a coastal route. Fishing and foraging (where appropriate & permitted) open nature’s larder, a bounty unseen above treeline. Children and moderate hikers thrive on a hike at sea level, while the scenic values of the coast bring rewards on par with the alpine. Then there is the flora and fauna.

Although often suitable for hikers of a wide range of abilities and ambition, hiking on the coast is not without its challenges. Logistically, undertaking any of these hikes requires careful advance planning and attention to detail. While some of these hikes see only a handful of visitors each year, others are very popular especially during the peak hiking season from July to September.

Transportation logistics need to be considered, planned for and booked where reservations for ferries, flights and water taxis are needed. These coastal hikes are literally on the frontier and the rugged geography of the west coast is one of the main attractions. But it also presents challenges in getting to and from the trailheads.

Because of the inherently linear nature of any section of coast, almost all of these hikes start and finish at different places. There are no circuits or horseshoes where you can start and end at the same trailhead parking lot. Only Cape Scott offers an out and back overnight hike (although a circuit is possible via Lowrie Bay too). To overcome this, a variety of transportation modes to and/or from the trailheads are employed. Arranging and booking this transport well ahead of departure for the dates of any required reservations or permits is essential.

To come and go from the more remote hikes, like the Nootka Trail, flying by floatplane is by far and away the best way to travel. Water taxis have their place and for some hikes are preferred over flying, but overall the cost of flying is often on a par with a water taxi. Flying is faster and in certain respects (such as being able to land in adjacent lakes or lagoons) floatplanes are more versatile.

So, depending on the destination, transportation arrangements need to be finalized as part of determining the hiking dates, along with any required reservations, or immediately thereafter. With permission and transport taken care of, planning should then focus on your party, equipment and menus. The size of your party may be determined in part by any quotas in place and also by the transportation, e.g. the number of seats available in the floatplane. Regardless, keeping group sizes to a happy minimum has many advantages, including minimizing impact on both the environment and the experience of other hikers.

Experienced hikers will have developed a working suite of equipment and everyone has their own opinion about which gear is essential and which is superfluous. A waterproof jacket, campstove and fuel, pot set, tent space for each person, sleeping bag and mattress are of course essential, although the hardy may chose to forego a tent for more basic shelter at their own discretion. A few additional items to consider are: a tarpaulin for quick shelter, covering tents, communal meal preparation and eating; gaiters to keep mud and small pebbles out of boots; a staff or pair of trekking (ski) poles and a short length of sturdy rope.

With all the planning and preparation taken completed sooner or later the big day arrives and it’s time to make tracks for the trailhead. Make sure you leave a detailed trip plan including a map and your itinerary with a reliable person at home. Bring some cash for any expenses that may occur en route and do not leave any valuables in your car while out on your hike. Every one of these coastal hikes offers the potential for an experience of a lifetime. Each has a distinct character over a range of difficulties from easy day hiking to week long overnight expeditions. Whatever weather and challenges may come your way on the trail, you can be assured of compelling scenery, solitude, wildlife and the rich sounds and sensations of the temperate Pacific coast.