West Coast Trail Coastal Adventure
CATEGORY
Out-and-Back
SEASON
Summer
LOCATION
Gordon River Campground, Vancouver Island, BC
DATE
Aug 11, 2023
EXPEDITION ITINERARY: WEST COAST TRAIL TRAVERSE
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: end-to-end traverse
TRIP DURATION: 6 days
TOTAL ESTIMATED MILEAGE: ~47 miles
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: advanced
TERRAIN TYPE: coastal locked
- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~3000 ft
- Start and end trailhead: Pachena Bay Trailhead, BC to Gordon River Trailhead, BC
- GPS coordinates: 48.7278, -125.0011 to 48.5548, -124.4222
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PERMITS & ENTRY
- Requirement: Yes
- Issuing agency/jurisdiction: Parks Canada
- How to apply: Parks Canada Reservations
- Application window & deadline: Opens in January
- Processing time & approval odds: Immediate upon booking; high demand
- Cost & payment: Approximately CAD 10.50 reservation fee + CAD 127.50 per person
- Required documents/ID: Government-issued ID
- Alternate options if permit unavailable: Consider alternate dates or shoulder season
Verify with Parks Canada backcountry/permits page or office.
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SHUTTLE / TRANSPORTATION
- Nearest major access point: SEA, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
- Pre-hike basecamp: Accommodation in Port Renfrew, BC
- Trail access type: point-to-point
- Parking: Available at Gordon River Trailhead; check for overnight rules
- Shuttle/local transport: West Coast Trail Express; book in advance, typical cost CAD 25-50
- Recommended direction: North to South
- Post-hike basecamp: Accommodation in Port Renfrew, BC
- Backup transport: Local taxi or rideshare options
- Fuel & restricted items: Purchase fuel in Victoria, BC; airline restrictions apply
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DAY 1: PACHENA BAY TO DARLING RIVER
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 7 miles, +200 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Coast Trail
- Terrain description: Coastal forest, sandy beaches
- Notable features or side quests: Pachena Lighthouse
- Key water sources: Streams along the trail
- Campsite location: Darling River
- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for slippery boardwalks
- Trail tip: Start early to enjoy the lighthouse views
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DAY 2: DARLING RIVER TO TSUSIAT FALLS
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 6 miles, +300 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Coast Trail
- Terrain description: Rocky shores, forested paths
- Notable features or side quests: Tsusiat Falls
- Key water sources: Tsusiat Falls
- Campsite location: Tsusiat Falls
- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear activity; use food storage lockers
- Trail tip: Swim at the base of the falls
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DAY 3: TSUSIAT FALLS TO CRIBS CREEK
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 10 miles, +400 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Coast Trail
- Terrain description: Beach walking, ladders
- Notable features or side quests: Nitinat Narrows ferry crossing
- Key water sources: Streams near Cribs Creek
- Campsite location: Cribs Creek
- Wildlife or safety notes: Tidal considerations for beach sections
- Trail tip: Plan lunch at Nitinat Narrows
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DAY 4: CRIBS CREEK TO CULLITE COVE
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 8 miles, +500 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Coast Trail
- Terrain description: Forested sections, cable cars
- Notable features or side quests: Carmanah Lighthouse
- Key water sources: Streams along the trail
- Campsite location: Cullite Cove
- Wildlife or safety notes: Steep ladders; use caution
- Trail tip: Enjoy the lighthouse views
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DAY 5: CULLITE COVE TO THRASHER COVE
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 9 miles, +600 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Coast Trail
- Terrain description: Rugged coastline, forest
- Notable features or side quests: Owen Point
- Key water sources: Streams near Thrasher Cove
- Campsite location: Thrasher Cove
- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for high tides
- Trail tip: Explore Owen Point tide pools
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DAY 6: THRASHER COVE TO GORDON RIVER
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: 7 miles, +1000 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: West Coast Trail
- Terrain description: Steep climbs, forest
- Notable features or side quests: Final ladders
- Key water sources: Streams along the trail
- Campsite location: End at Gordon River Trailhead
- Wildlife or safety notes: Steep descents; use caution
- Trail tip: Celebrate with a meal in Port Renfrew
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CAMPSITE INTEL
- Camp names and elevation: Darling River, Tsusiat Falls, Cribs Creek, Cullite Cove, Thrasher Cove
- Fire restrictions: Fires allowed in designated areas
- Bear safety and food storage: Use provided lockers
- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Tsusiat Falls, Cribs Creek
- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate; popular trail
- Nearest water source: Streams at each campsite
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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES
- Typical temps: 50-70°F (10-21°C)
- Sun exposure: Variable; forested and open beach sections
- Acclimatization tips: Not applicable; low altitude
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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)
List tailored to terrain and season
- Navigation tools (map, compass)
- Water filtration system
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Fire starter and matches
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Shelter system (tent, tarp)
- Insulating layers
- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)
Pro tips: Use tide tables to plan beach sections; pack extra socks for wet conditions
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OPTIONAL UPGRADES
- Scenic side trips: Explore tide pools at Owen Point
- Photo-worthy moments: Tsusiat Falls, Carmanah Lighthouse
- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Enjoy fresh seafood in Port Renfrew
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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY
- Trail hours per day: 6-8 hours
- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise, early camp setup
- Estimated calories burned per day: 3000 calories
- Water needed per person: 3-4 liters
- Recommended pack weight range: 30-35 lbs
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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.
Your expedition awaits, Christopher Nicholas Arace.
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Missions: Field Debriefs
Every mission here has been completed, but the terrain still speaks. Proceed with respect.
