Please
stay on designated trails, avoid shortcuts and respect the
delicate vegetation and natural and cultural features. Please
note:
due to
wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears and cougars, it is
recommended that pets be left at home.
The
Juan de Fuca Marine Trail is designed as a wilderness hiking
trail. Hiking conditions are always changing and hikers should
obtain up-to-date information before proceeding on a hike
by checking the trailhead information shelters. There will
be ongoing constructions
and upgrading of the trail for a number of years.
There
are four trailheads to the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail at Juan
de Fuca East (China
Beach), Sombrio
Beach, Parkinson
Creek and Botanical
Beach. Day and multi-day hiking trips can begin
at any
of these trailheads, which also offer many day-use opportunities.
Hikers
are advised to leave a plan of their trip, including which
trail they are hiking, and arrival and departure times
with a friend
or relative.
Bear-proof
food caches are available at the Little Kuitsche Creek and
Payzant Creek campsites. At other locations it
may be necessary
for visitors to rig their own food cache. Cache food
out of reach of animals. Plan to pack out what you pack in.
Do not put garbage
in pit toilets – it attracts bears.
Some
sections of the trail are impassable at high tide. Check
maps posted at each trailhead for location. Tide tables are
posted at trailheads and available at local bookstores.
Use
Canadian Tide Tables "Port Renfrew" section.
Remember to use the PDT (Pacific Daylight Saviings
Time) for tidal times during May to October as
Daylight Savings Time is in effect. Visitors should
reference
the Fisheries and
Oceans tide table for Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island,
British Columbia.
Beach
Cut-Offs: Watch for orange balls as you hike, they mark an
exit from the beach to the trail. Beaches may be cut off from
the
trail during high tides and storms.
Weather:
Trail conditions may change quickly depending on the weather.
Be prepared for muddy and wet sections. Creeks may be difficult
to cross after heavy rains.
Proper
Equipment: Be prepared with appropriate outerwear and footwear
for wet weather, foggy and slippery conditions.
Carry adequate
supplies to allow for an emergency on day or multi-day
hikes.
A
small cabin located at Kilometer 20.5 is available for emergency
use only.
