Run Run Away

Question:

Do a quick day-trip on the Bear Beach-to-Chin (not China) Beach section of the Juan de Fuca.  You’ll encounter plenty of mud.  It will give you an idea of what you’ll be facing on WCT.  "Giant Cedars, White Sands" will give you instructions to gain access.

Last summer near Sombrio Beach (JFT) we passed, or rather were passed by a real west coast pro – barefoot, shorts, external frame pack and poncho. Paul

Response:

I have heard that the natives make you walk around nitnat now.  They used to provide a "ferry" boat for a fee, and sell beer.  I am surprised they would give up the income.

This cannot be the case, such a detour would take close to a week and there is no trail in place. — Michael Motek Senior Programmer/Analyst, University of Victoria

Response:

I am hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island in mid-September this year. I have read many reports of the various types of terrain and obstacles that must be surmounted to complete this hike. I am wondering if it might be best to use a lighter boot instead of my sturdy medium/heavyweight mountain boots. Much of the hiking is on the beach, in marshy bogs, and across long narrow logs and boardwalks. There are also ropes and long ladders to negotiate, as well as many stream crossings. I don’t visualize steep rocky trails that would necesitate sturdier hiking boots. Has anybody hiked this trail and feels able to advise me on this matter?  Thanks, Paul Before you buy.

Response:

Paul, I have not hiked the West Coast Trail, but have spent time in similar areas on the Olympic coast in WA and between Port Renfrew south to Sooke on Vancouver Island.  My shoe(s) of choice were Vasque Sundowners (the old ones) and Tevas.  Anything bigger and clunkier on the log bridges, ropes and ladders and pebble beaches would have definitely been bigger and clunkier for my trips. hope that helps – chris

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island in mid-September this year. I have read many reports of the various types of terrain and obstacles that must be surmounted to complete this hike. I am wondering if it might be best to use a lighter boot instead of my sturdy medium/heavyweight mountain boots. Much of the hiking is on the beach, in marshy bogs, and across long narrow logs and boardwalks. There are also ropes and long ladders to negotiate, as well as many stream crossings. I don’t visualize steep rocky trails that would necesitate sturdier hiking boots. Has anybody hiked this trail and feels able to advise me on this matter?  Thanks, Paul Before you buy.

Response:

We hiked the trail three years ago.  I found my medium leather hiking boots did the job nicely.  You need to be prepared for rain, which produces knee deep mud and slippery board walks.  Some of the board walks were at a slant. I would expect they will be slippery when wet.  Knee high gaters would be a necessity.  You will be camping on the beach and therefore eating a little sand with your meals. I have heard that the natives make you walk around nitnat now.  They used to provide a "ferry" boat for a fee, and sell beer.  I am surprised they would give up the income. The scenery is unsurpassed, we enjoyed the trip immensly.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island in mid-September this year. I have read many reports of the various types of terrain and obstacles that must be surmounted to complete this hike. I am wondering if it might be best to use a lighter boot instead of my sturdy medium/heavyweight mountain boots. Much of the hiking is on the beach, in marshy bogs, and across long narrow logs and boardwalks. There are also ropes and long ladders to negotiate, as well as many stream crossings. I don’t visualize steep rocky trails that would necesitate sturdier hiking boots. Has anybody hiked this trail and feels able to advise me on this matter?  Thanks, Paul Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am hiking the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island in mid-September this year. I have read many reports of the various types of terrain and obstacles that must be surmounted to complete this hike. I am wondering if it might be best to use a lighter boot instead of my sturdy medium/heavyweight mountain boots. Much of the hiking is on the beach, in marshy bogs, and across long narrow logs and boardwalks. There are also ropes and long ladders to negotiate, as well as many stream crossings. I don’t visualize steep rocky trails that would necesitate sturdier hiking boots. Has anybody hiked this trail and feels able to advise me on this matter?  Thanks, Paul

I did the trail last year (end of Sept, beginning of Oct I think).  I wore fairly heavy duty boots and they worked fine. Since then, I’ve really reduced my pack weight and now hike in running shoes.  I would not probably choose running shoes for the  WCT.  Too much mud and sand.  Lightweight boots that fit well and are broken in would be my current choice.  Gators are a very nice thing to have on this trail. The trail is absolutely awesome.  I’d like to get the chance to go back… Brad Baker Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response: