West Coast Trail

End of Day - Camper Bay

This is one of my favorite photos from the West Coast Trail trek. Arriving at Camper Bay relatively late, I didn't have time to explore the campsite and find the best sites for photos. I'm not sure if this is the best location I would have picked or not but it is great. Camper Creek held still to catch reflections of the trees from the massive headlands which feature so prominently throughout the trail and the odd shaped pink clouds catching the rays of a setting sun. It was a joy to see a little bit of blue sky in the evening - the previous evenings had full cloud cover. The large grey-blue rock put itself right in the middle of the bottom third of the frame!

After a long trek through the inland trail from Walbran and up/down four sets of ladders the size of ATB Place tower in Edmonton, covering my gators and boots in mud, we arrived and enjoyed a nice campfire that was all ready for us with the other groups. 

I'm not sure if Day 5 was the most challenging yet. Maybe Day 4 was a bit harder. I think it got easier the next two days but the scenery would be less spectacular. We also started seeing groups who were just starting and telling us how difficult the beginning of the trail was - but it's difficult to know exactly whether what is ahead is more difficult that what was left behind. I'd say the most difficult part was behind us by this point.

The campsites were all very busy - it was the high season at the end of July. Most of the trekkers were from British Columbia or Alberta - but a few from eastern Canada or Europe. When I returned home, I was watching a video someone had made from their trip in June and they had the campgrounds to themselves! Pick your spot. No line ups for the two storey outhouse! Empty bear bins! Quiet on the beach! Before the trip, I thought the quota system of approximately 30 people starting per day at each trailhead was very low but after treking the trail, I can't see how you could have more visitors at any time.

BackpackingBritish ColumbiaPacific Rim National Park ReserveVancouver IslandWCTWest CoastWest Coast Trailcamper baycanadacloudsnational parkreflectionskysunset