Now that you have booked your trip, it’s time to start getting your equipment together. (For information or booking the trip, getting to and from the WCT, and other general information, please see my previous blog post dated 7 January 2019.
What to expect on the WCT:
Weather:
As explained in the weather section of the previous blog post (Hiking the West Coast Trail – Part 1), you need to be prepared for various types of weather – from warm sunny days, to rainy days, and foggy days. For suggestions on what to bring for clothing, please see the Suggestions and Recommendations section below.
Terrain:
You will encounter all kinds of terrain on the WCT, including:
- mud (and giant mud swamps)
- logs (to cross and duck under)
- boardwalks (some new and in great shape, others falling apart)
- many ladders
- beach (sand, rocks, shale)
- dirt trail
- Note: The most difficult terrain (lots of mud, logs, obstacles, etc is on the south end of the trail – basically day 1 and 2 if starting at Gordon River. The terrain gets a little easier after that – BUT that does not mean that you will not encounter swamps and logs – just less of them as you head north. As well, the amount of mud will be dependent on the weather and the amount or rain received.
Outhouses:
The outhouses on the WCT are composting toilets in pretty good shape. They contain wood chips which you throw in the toilet after you go – keeps the smell away. Be sure to bring your own toilet paper with you. I always pack a roll in a Ziplock bag. Be careful not to forget your toilet paper in an outhouse, as somebody may claim it. A friend of mine likes to bring the little Kleenex packets.
Bear bins:
All campsites have metal bins for storage of food overnight. You are required to put your food in these bins to keep various critters away from the tents. That said, one camping area had a broken or missing bear bin last time I hiked the trail and there wasn’t enough space for everyone. We had to hang our food up in a tree. I recommend bringing a dry bag and some rope in case you need to hang your food.
Campsites:
All camping areas are located on beaches, which is quite lovely. Important point: Make sure you set up your tent above the high tide line (this obvious as it is the line made by driftwood). If you go below that point you may find yourself quite wet in the morning. At some of the campsites you have to climb a lot of ladders to get to and from the trail.
Campfires:
You can make campfires using the driftwood (though it is sometimes rather wet if it has been raining). I recommend bringing a few fire starters (or cotton balls smothered in Vaseline) as those will help get those fires going if the wood is too damp. Make sure you bring lots of matches as well (preferably water proof).
Communications and cell phone reception:
Do not count on any cell phone reception while on the West Coast Trail. Some people are able to get some reception in certain places, but it’s rare. When you do your orientation, the Parks Canada Conservation Officer gives a small form to fill out if you get injured and need help to get off the trail. They tell you to fill it out, give it to another hiker, and have them deliver it to the next lighthouse or trailhead. Having a satellite communication device such as the Garmin Inreach might give you peace of mind.
Wildlife:
There is a lot of wildlife to see while hiking the WCT from sea stars and anemones to sea lions, blue birds, black bears and more. You will be briefed on any recent bear or cougar sightings during your orientation. Of the 3 times I have hiked the west coast trail, I saw a bear on the trail twice. The last time, he kind of hung out but was exactly where we needed to go, so we hung back and made noise (talking, singing) and the bear eventually wandered away. A Parks Canada Conservation Officer told us of a person who left their backpack unattended while she set up her tent – and turned around to see a bear rummaging through her pack. He found her trail mix and took off with it. I also once had trail mix stolen by a blue bird, when I left it sitting on a log. So bottom line – be aware of your surroundings, make sure your food goes in the bin when you’re not eating, and carry bear spray.
Read moreHiking the West Coast Trail Part 2 (What to pack and what to expect)