Trail Conditions
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Whether you're planning a leisurely walk, or a longer adventure, weather and unforeseen events can change your plans suddenly. Remember to “know before you go.” Get up-to-date information on trail conditions, be well prepared and have a Plan B, just in case.
Road conditions
Getting to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve most often involves driving. Whether you are going to the West Coast Trail, Broken Group Islands or driving to the Long Beach Unit located in between Tofino and Ucluelet, it is always good to check the BC Ministry of Transport road report for any delays, road closures, and/or construction.
Please refer to www.DriveBC.ca for the most up-to-date information.
Wildlife and you
When you see wildlife, give them space for your safety and their survival. If you’re out on the trails:
- travel in groups
- stay alert
- make noise
- and carry bear spray (and know how to use it).
Trail ratings – what do they mean?
Easy
Easy
- Distance: 0 to 5 km
- No experience needed
- Equipment optional
- Hard-packed surface, no obstacles, minimal stairs
- For more detailed information on stairs, see obstacles in the Trails Detail section
- Estimated time: no longer than 2 hours
- Little or no change in elevation
- Signage may include: trailhead information, trail markers, maps
- Facilities may include: parking, washroom, bridges, benches
Moderate
Moderate
- Distance: 0 to 15 km
- Some basic trail experience needed
- Visitors should have proper equipment and water
- Mostly stable surface with infrequent obstacles, there may be stairs
- Estimated time: no longer than 5 hours
- Moderate changes in elevation, some short steep sections
- Signage may include: basic trailhead information, trail markers, maps
- Facilities may include: parking, outhouse or pit toilet, bridges
Difficult
Difficult
- Distance: 0 to over 15 km
- Trail experience needed
- Visitors should have proper equipment and water
- Different surface types, including some that are not maintained
- Estimated time may be longer than 5 hours
- Major change in elevation with long steep sections
- Signage may include: basic trailhead information, minimal trail markers. Some trails may have no signs.
- Facilities may include bridges. Water crossing may require fording.
Route
Route
- Exceptional trail and navigational experience needed
- Visitors should have proper equipment, food, and water
- Suggested trail route only - trail is not maintained
- Estimated time: 1 - 10 days, or longer
- A variety of terrain: wet areas, loose rocks, exposure, thick forest
Long Beach Unit
Dogs are permitted in the Long Beach Unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, with the exception of Combers Beach from April 1 to October 1. In areas where dogs are permitted, they must be on a leash and under physical control at all times. This includes beaches, trails, parking lots and in the water.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Moderate |
ʔapsčiik t̓ašii | Wet. | 01-10-2024: In the winter the area experiences regular rain, wind, and some snow events. As the pathway is not maintained during the winter, debris, including fallen trees, leaves and sometimes snow and ice may be present, and travel is not recommended.; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Combers Beach Trail | Good. | 04-09-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Halfmoon Bay Trail | Good. | 04-09-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Nuu-chah-nulth Trail | Closed for maintenance. | 02-04-2024: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Radar Hill Trail | Good. | 04-09-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
South Beach Trail | Good. | 10-10-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Rainforest Trail A | Good. | 04-09-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; Stay on trail; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Rainforest Trail B | Good. | 04-09-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; Stay on trail; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Schooner Cove Trail | Closed. | 04-09-2024: Closed until further notice; | Trail details |
 Easy |
Shorepine Bog Trail | Caution. | 25-09-2024: Boardwalk in disrepair; | Trail details |
| Moderate |
Willowbrae Trail | Good. | 04-09-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; | Trail details |
Broken Group Islands
Camping is only permitted at seven designated camping areas and an Overnight Camping Permit is required. Camping can be booked on-line at reservation.pc.gc.ca
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Route |
Various trails | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Adhere to all posted warnings and closures along trails; | Trail details |
West Coast Trail
Although Parks Canada updates conditions regularly, this is a remote trail, so it can take time for new information to be received. Hikers should expect missing or rotten boardwalks, missing planks, missing ladders or ladder rungs, malfunctioning cable cars, downed trees, and unpassable creeks and rivers that are not indicated in the conditions below.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 0 - 10 km - Pachena Bay to Pachena Light | Caution. | 31-10-2024: Bear with cub(s) frequenting the area; Cougar in area ; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 10 - 14 km - Pachena Light to Darling River | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Bear with cub(s) frequenting the area; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 14 - 25 km - Darling River to Tsusiat Falls | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Recommended for experienced hikers only; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 25 - 33.5 km Tsusiat Falls to Nitinaht Narrows | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Recommended for experienced hikers only; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 33.5 - 42 km - Nitinaht Narrows to Cribs Creek | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Rockslide over trail (39 km) - trail re-routed; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 42 - 53 km - Cribs Creek to Walbran Creek | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Recommended for experienced hikers only; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 53 - 62 km - Walbran Creek to Camper Creek | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Recommended for experienced hikers only; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 62 - 70 km - Camper Creek to Thrasher Cove | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Recommended for experienced hikers only; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
| Difficult |
West Coast Trail: 70 - 75 km - Thrasher Cover to Gordon River | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Recommended for experienced hikers only; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; | Trail details |
Cape Beale Headlands
An Overnight Camping Permit is required. It can be booked on-line at reservation.pc.gc.ca. Please register at the West Coast Trail Pacheena Trailhead Office.
| Rating | Trail | Condition | Comment | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route |
Cape Beale Lighthouse Trail | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Cougar warning in effect ; Cougar in area ; | Trail details |
| Route |
Keeha Beach Trail | Closed for the season. | 01-10-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Cougar in area ; Cougar warning in effect ; | Trail details |
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