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). 

 

Keep the “wild” in wildlife

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
  • 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 Good. 05-06-2025: Respect all posted notices and signs; Bear warning in effect; Trail details
Moderate Combers Beach Trail Caution. 08-04-2025: Respect all posted notices and signs; No beach access due to erosion; Closed to dogs form April 1 to October 1; Trail details
Moderate Halfmoon Bay Trail Good. 31-12-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; Trail details
Moderate Nuu-chah-nulth Trail Construction is occurring in the area. Please respect all posted notices and signs. 23-04-2025: Caution; Construction work in progress; Trail details
Moderate Radar Hill Trail Good. 08-04-2025: Trail is in good condition; Trail details
Moderate South Beach Trail Good. 10-10-2024: Respect all posted notices and signs; Trail details
Moderate Rainforest Trail A Open. 17-06-2025: Respect all posted notices and signs; Maintenance work in progress; Stay on trail; Trail details
Moderate Rainforest Trail B Good. 01-05-2025: 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 Open. 01-05-2025: 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 Open. 28-05-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Bear warning in effect; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 10 - 14 km - Pachena Light to Darling River Open. 28-05-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Bear warning in effect; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 14 - 25 km - Darling River to Tsusiat Falls Open. 01-05-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 25 - 33.5 km Tsusiat Falls to Nitinaht Narrows Bear Warning. 02-06-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Bear warning in effect; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 33.5 - 42 km - Nitinaht Narrows to Cribs Creek Open. 01-05-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 42 - 53 km - Cribs Creek to Walbran Creek Open. 01-05-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 53 - 62 km - Walbran Creek to Camper Creek Caution. 12-06-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 62 - 70 km - Camper Creek to Thrasher Cove Caution. 01-05-2025: Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; 62 km South of Camper Creek – landslide, re-route in place; 69 km - bridge closed in area, re-route is in place.; Trail details
Difficult West Coast Trail: 70 - 75 km - Thrasher Cove to Gordon River Caution. 01-05-2025: 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 Caution. 01-05-2025: Respect all posted notices and signs; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Unmaintained trail; Trail details
Route Keeha Beach Trail Caution. 01-05-2025: Respect all posted notices and signs; Carry bear spray and know how to use it.; Unmaintained trail; Trail details

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