I recently stopped here primarily to spend most of a day hiking along the West Coast of Vancouver. I hiked from Chin Beach to Kuitshe Cove and believe this section of the trail offered great variety. I saw otters, seals, deer, frogs, eagles, plenty of birds and even a snake sunning on a rock. I walked over rocky, boulder-strewn beaches, through dark, damp rainforests, muddy areas, over suspension bridges, through small streams and even ducked my head in one of several waterfalls to cool off. The trail had sections that were definitely up and down so I also got a good workout. There were a couple of small coves with great rock outcroppings to just sit and soak up the environment and watch the ocean wildlife. It definitely helped that the weather was ideal: partly sunny with a smooth, consistent breeze.
I felt the trail was reasonably marked and signed although I did get briefly confused once.
Btw, I hiked for over 4 hours without seeing another human being, which was awesome.
This is the only section of the trail I’ve hiked so I can’t comment how it compares to the rest. But I would highly recommend the trail in general and this section specifically to experience west coast hiking at its finest.
Camped at China Beach provincial campground and did day hikes. Some days hiking (14 km/day) were quite challenging(difficult footing, lots of climbing) but definitely rewarding trail though the rain forest. Great views to the Juan deFuca sound and onto Washington State. Hiking boots, rain gear and hiking poles were a must. The highlight of the trip were the variety of birds from humingbirds to bald headed eagles. Lots of varied thrushes too. Great memories.
Extremely fun hike about 1 hour through trails, streams, mud and trees to get to Mystic Beach. About 1.5-2 hours out from Victoria proper and worth every minute. Lovely breeze
You have to do this road to realize what a feat it was to engineer it and build it. WOW. If you are tough enough to drive this, you can do anything
My ex Girlfriend and I walked this trail in the pouring rain alone and LOVED IT!! Not a soul around. This is all second growth so don't expect ant huge trees because logging has taken almost every one. Fun for beach and forest lovers alike. Rushing streams and even the occasional pensive glimpse of wildlife. Not The west coast trail but worth it none the less. Camping allowed but bring your raingear. We always went in the late winter or early spring. No crowds. Be aware that on Vancouver Island at high season you will not be alone. We travelled all over Vancouver Island and The Queen Charlotte Islands. This is a great start if you want to see what remains of the wilderness in BC. You will see nature and be very safe.
