West Coast Trail
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia
- Distance
- 76 km
- Elev. gain
- 2,924 m
- Start
- West Coast Trailhead
- Finish
- West Coast Trail Information & Orientation Centre
A simplified drawing of the real route — the distance above is the published figure, not the length of this line.
Ground elevation sampled along the mapped route.
Campsites
- Michigan Creek Camp
- Thrasher Cove Camp
Recorded hazards
Danger
100+ ladders & cable cars
Climb 100+ ladders and cross cable cars; maintain 3 points of contact
Source: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Parks Canada, WCT Hiker Prep Guide)
Danger
Tide-dependent beach travel
High tides trap hikers on beach sections; follow tide charts closely
Source: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Parks Canada, WCT Hiker Prep Guide)
Caution
Unbridged river fords
Some rivers must be waded; heavy rain may force multi-day waits
Source: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Parks Canada, WCT Hiker Prep Guide)
Information
No cell service at trailheads
No cell coverage at Pachena Bay or Nitinaht; carry a satellite device
Source: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (Parks Canada, WCT Hiker Prep Guide)
These are documented hazards, not a current conditions report. Check with the land manager before you go.
Common questions
- How long is the West Coast Trail?
- The West Coast Trail is 76 km (47.2 miles).
- How much elevation gain does the West Coast Trail have?
- The West Coast Trail has about 2,924 m (9,593 ft) of total climbing, measured along Far's route for the trail.
- Where does the West Coast Trail start and finish?
- The West Coast Trail runs between West Coast Trailhead and West Coast Trail Information & Orientation Centre.
- What hazards are recorded on the West Coast Trail?
- Far records 4 sourced hazards on the West Coast Trail: 100+ ladders & cable cars, Tide-dependent beach travel, Unbridged river fords and No cell service at trailheads. Each is cited to the source that published it. Conditions change — this is not a current conditions report.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap76 km
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Reviewed by a Far curator on July 23, 2026. Trail conditions, permits, and hazards change — verify before you go.