Route guide · Vancouver Island, British Columbia
A 47 km coastal route between China Beach and Botanical Beach that trades the West Coast Trail's quota for rougher, muddier tread and road-accessible sections. Beach camps at Bear Beach, Chin Beach and Sombrio are spaced for a comfortable three-night trip, and a couple of headlands are tide-dependent.
no permit lottery · self-register at the trailhead · the whole crew on one page
No permit quota — No quota — backcountry camping fee self-registered at the trailhead (BC Parks). Official info
Tidal route — Sections of this route are only passable at lower tides — the profile above marks them at their real mile. Heights come from the official tide tables, never from us; a Trailmix plan pulls the NOAA windows into each day automatically.
No quota permit. No quota — backcountry camping fee self-registered at the trailhead (BC Parks).
Most groups take 3–4 days. The reference itinerary here plans 3 nights, camp to camp.
May – October. Outside that window expect snow, storm damage or closures to change the plan.
Yes — sections of this route are only passable at lower tides, so the daily plan needs real tide windows, not just distances. Check the official tide tables for the crossings before you commit to a beach section; Trailmix plans each day around them automatically.
Dates, camps, tide windows, gear split, meals and the crew — planned together on one page instead of forty threads.
Start a trip — it’s freeChina Beach → Botanical Beach
12 campsites · 2 tide gates
Expand map ↓China Beach · updated daily
Route profile · camps + tidal sections
Each dashed line marks a headland the route can only get around when the tide is low enough — plan those days around the official tide tables, not just the miles.
Day by day
Camps below are mapped campsites spaced to balance the daily miles — the same planner that builds a Trailmix trip. Your dates, pace and direction reshape it live.
Trailhead → Bear Beach
From the trailhead to Bear Beach, the trail passes Mystic Beach before becoming a muddy and challenging route with many roots, gullies, and steep sections.
muddy and technical
passes Mystic Beach Campsite (2.2 mi)
Bear Beach → Chin Emergency Shelter
This leg from Bear Beach to Chin Emergency Shelter is widely considered the most challenging day, involving many steep, muddy scrambles up and down gullies.
the trail's crux
passes unnamed site (6.2 mi) · unnamed site (6.3 mi) · unnamed site (6.5 mi)
Chin Emergency Shelter → Little Kuitshe Creek
The route from Chin Emergency Shelter to Little Kuitshe Creek camp includes the rugged section to Sombrio, then a moderately difficult trail north.
less mud than other sections
passes Chin Beach Campsite (11.9 mi) · East Sombrio Beach Campsite (15.3 mi) · West Sombrio Beach Campsite (15.7 mi) · West - West Sombrio Beach Campsite (16.0 mi)
Little Kuitshe Creek → Exit trailhead
From Little Kuitshe Creek to the exit, this leg follows the generally easier and better-maintained northern section of the trail toward Botanical Beach.
passes Payzant Creek (21.4 mi)
EXTREME MUD — The trail is infamous for deep, unavoidable mud, especially in the southern half between Bear Beach and Sombrio Beach; waterproof boots and gaiters are essential.
No, reservations are not required. All backcountry campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though you must pay the nightly camping fee.
The 12-kilometer section between Bear Beach and Chin Beach is widely considered the most strenuous part of the trail due to its relentless and steep elevation changes.
Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash. However, BC Parks does not recommend bringing them into the backcountry due to difficult terrain and potential conflicts with wildlife.
vancouverislandbucketlist.com · rlcparks.ca · britishcolumbia.com · hikebiketravel.com
The trail fully reopened July 1, 2026, after extensive repairs from storm damage. Minor repair work may continue, and visitors could encounter temporary delays. BC Parks · current season
All advisories →Best months
share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead
TRAILHEADS
The route can be accessed for point-to-point or section hiking from four trailheads: China Beach, Sombrio Beach, Parkinson Creek, and Botanical Beach.
BC Parks
CAMPING FEE
A backcountry camping fee of $10 per person per night is required and can be paid online in advance or via self-registration envelopes at the trailheads.
BC Parks
WATER
Creeks and water sources are found every few kilometers at most designated campsites, but all water should be filtered, treated, or boiled before drinking.
BC Parks
TIDES
Several sections of the trail are impassable at high tide; carry a current Port Renfrew tide table and use it to plan your hiking day.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
GETTING BACK
A seasonal shuttle bus service connects the main trailheads at China Beach, Sombrio Beach, and Port Renfrew with Victoria and Nanaimo.
West Coast Trail Express
WILDLIFE
The park is a prime habitat for black bears, cougars, and wolves; use food caches, make noise while hiking, and carry bear spray.
BC Parks
SAT 08·22
66° / 58°
cloud · 14%
SUN 08·23
64° / 54°
cloud · 24%
MON 08·24
71° / 51°
cloud · 2%
TUE 08·25
78° / 62°
cloud · 2%
WED 08·26
69° / 57°
cloud · 20%