While this post is aimed at locations where you can go on an overnight hiking trip in spring, most of these trips make great fall backpacking trips in British Columbia too.

In BC, most mountain trails are snow-covered between late October and mid-June. However, there are lots of lower elevation trails that are snow-free between March and November. There are even a few on this list that you can backpack year-round.

This list of 25 spring backpacking trips in British Columbia includes:

• Destinations near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in BC’s interior
• Trips ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert
• Hikes between 2 and 8 days long
• Trails that are usually snow-free by March, April, or May and stay snow-free until October or November
• Tips for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• Bonus: Spring backpacking suggestions for Washington State

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

Tips for Spring Backpacking in British Columbia

Backpacking in the spring has its own challenges. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Weather: In spring, the weather is colder and wetter than in summer. It’s also less predictable. Pack accordingly and be prepared to cancel your trip or switch to a different destination if the forecast looks bad. (Use these picks for the best weather apps for hiking.)

Trail Conditions: Many trails suffer blow-downs, wash-outs, and flooding over the winter. Often, parks staff and volunteers do trail maintenance in late May or June, which means trails can be in rough shape before then. (Here are my tips for how to check trail conditions.)

Mud: Wet and muddy trails are inevitable in spring. Come prepared with waterproof hiking boots and gaiters.

Creek crossings: Streams run high in the spring with a combo of snow-melt and rain. Bridges may be washed out and fords may be dangerous. Be prepared to turn back.

Bears: As they wake up from hibernation and tend to new cubs, bears are more active in spring, especially in valley-bottom and coastal locations where there are lots of things for them to eat at this time of year. Read more about bear safety for backpackers.

Seasonal closures: Some parks and trails are closed in the off-season, or may have temporary closures to due damaged infrastructure. Check park and trail websites before you go.

Trailhead access issues: In spring, logging roads that access trailheads may be muddy or washed out. If you’re heading to a trail that requires a water taxi or floatplane, fog and rough weather may delay or cancel your trip. Shuttle services between trailheads may not start operating until May.

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Spring Backpacking Trips in Southwestern British Columbia

Viewpoint Beach and Halfmoon Beach, Golden Ears Provincial Park

Heads up: Day passes are required at Golden Ears Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry permit registration, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

This easy hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park follows the banks of Gold Creek. There are trails on both the west and east sides of the creek, connected by a bridge, so loop trips are possible. You can camp at Viewpoint Beach or venture further upstream to Halfmoon Beach.

This is the closest place to Vancouver that you can take a spring backpacking trip in British Columbia and also made my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see Golden Ears Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Lindeman and Greendrop Lakes, Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park

It’s a short hike to picturesque Lindeman Lake where you can camp next to the tranquil turquoise waters. If you have more energy, carry on along the rougher trail to Greendrop Lake. Lindeman Lake is often snow-free in April, but Greendrop Lake holds snow into May.

Lindeman Lake is also one of my picks for beginner-friendly backpacking rips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees, see S⨱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Skagit River Trail, Skagit Valley Provincial Park

Note: Access to this trail was disrupted by the November 2021 storms. The river has changed course at the Sumallo Grove trailhead and the bridge is not accessible at times of high water. In late summer, it’s an easy ford. However, western trailhead on Silver-Skagit Road in Skagit Valley Provincial Park is open between mid-April and November, so you can access it from that direction.

This laid-back hike follows a historic fur-trade route along the banks of the Skagit River as it flows downstream. You can do an 8 km round trip hike from the Sumallo Grove Trailhead in Manning Provincial Park, camping at Delacy Camp. If you have two cars, you make a 14 km traverse from Sumallo Grove to Silver-Skagit Road.

The Skagit River Trail is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the E.C. Manning & Skagit Valley Provincial Parks map from Clark Geomatics.

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Tikwalus Heritage Trail, Fraser Canyon

This historical Indigenous and fur trade route leads steeply up from Highway 1 in the Fraser Canyon to several spectacular lookouts. Camp high on a bluff near several small lakes. The trail takes its name from a former Nlaka’pamux village near the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Lower Stein Valley, Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Provincial Park

Note: A large wildfire burned the lower Stein Valley trail in July and August 2023. As of early 2026, the trail is currently only open up to Earl’s Cabin camp 10.5 km from the trailhead.

The warm, dry climate in Lytton makes the Lower Stein Valley my favourite choice for spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – Over the years, I’ve been there six times in March, April, and May. The valley is a spiritual place for the local Nlaka’pamux First Nation.

The trail travels next to the Stein River passing Indigenous pictographs and culturally modified trees. Choose from five different campgrounds spaced out along the lower section of the trail. This is one fo the best places for beginner backpacking in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Stein to Joffre Trail Map by Trail Ventures BC.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

Cheakamus Lake, Garibaldi Provincial Park

Heads up: Day passes are required at Cheakamus Lake in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

As the lowest elevation trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, Cheakamus Lake is a good spring backpacking destination. The flat and easy trail leads through old-growth forest to the beautiful glacially-fed lake. Camp at the lake outlet or follow the trail along the shoreline to camp at Singing Creek.

This trail is my number one pick for easy backpacking near Vancouver.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and the Garibaldi Provincial Park Map by Clark Geomatics. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Fairview Bay/Saltery Bay Loop, Sunshine Coast Trail

Portions of the Sunshine Coast Trail are snow-covered most of the year, but you can tackle this low elevation section starting at the southern terminus in Saltery Bay. Hike along the coast to Fairview Bay hut as an out-and-back trip, or take on the full loop, camping at either Fairview Bay Hut or Rainy Day Lake Hut.

The trip to Fairview Bay is on my list of the best easy bacpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Confederation Lake and Fiddlehead Landing, Sunshine Coast Trail

Here’s another low elevation section of the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT) that is perfect for a spring backpacking trip. The trail starts at Inland Lake, then climbs steeply through thick old-growth forest to a hut on the shores of Confederation Lake. Follow the SCT downhill to Fiddlehead Landing on the shores of Powell Lake and another hut.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Sarah Point to Powell River, Sunshine Coast Trail

This northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail is an ideal spring backpacking destination. Arrange a water taxi or 4WD shuttle to the trailhead at Sarah Point or skip the first few kilometres by taking the shortcut trail to Wednesday Lake from Sarah Point Road. Finish your trip at the Shinglemill Pub in Powell River. Along the way, walk along bluffs speckled with arbutus trees, through old-growth forest, and past small lakes.

More Info: Read my trip report from my March backpacking trip on the northern section of the Sunshine Coast Trail. Part of this section is also featured in my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Spring Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Narvaez Bay, Saturna Island

This oceanfront campground is located on the southeastern side of Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. It’s an easy hike in from the trailhead and the trail is also open to bikes. FYI: There is no potable water here so you’ll have to pack in your own. It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for camping reservations.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

Juan de Fuca Trail, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park

Note: The Juan de Fuca Trail is closed in summer 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach. The full trail is expected to re-open in late May, 2026.

The rugged Juan de Fuca Trail runs along the coast from near Jordan River to Port Renfrew. It’s a little shorter than the West Coast Trail, its famous neighbour to the north, but it’s just as rugged and has more hills. This trail crosses lots of steep gullies, so it is prone to washouts in the spring, fall, and winter months.

More Info: Read my Juan de Fuca Trail guide for full details. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

West Coast Trail, Pacific Rim National Park

Note: The West Coast Trail is open from May 1 to September 30 each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from October to the end of April.

The West Coast Trail is Canada’s most famous multi-day hike. Since it opens in May, it also makes a great spring backpacking trip. The 75-kilometre-long trail follows the wild shoreline with the help of bridges, ladders, and cable cars. Each night you will camp on a wilderness beach.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on reservations, trail fees, and National Park fees, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

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Keeha Beach, Pacific Rim National Park

Note: Keeha Beach is open from May 1 to early October each year. The National Park officially closes the trail from early October to the end of April.

This sandy beach is located just north of the West Coast Trail. It’s a short hike to get there, but allow plenty of time as the trail is very rough with lots of slippery roots and tons of mud. (The mud is pretty epic – comparable to the North Coast Trail.) You can also day hike to the nearby Cape Beale Lighthouse.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For trail fees, and reservations, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Della Falls Trail

At 440-metres-tall, Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada. To get there, you first have to canoe, motor boat, or water taxi across Great Central Lake. Then hike up through a river valley to the base of the falls. Don’t miss a side trip on the Love Lake trail for incredible views of the falls.

The water taxi starts running on May 15 each year when the falls are in full flow. However, snow can linger in May and early June in the upper valley and on the Love Lake Trail, so go prepared.

More Info: Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and join the Della Falls Facebook group. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide

Wild Side Trail, Flores Island

Note: The Wild Side Trail is open from May to October each year. The Ahousaht Nation officially closes the trail from November to April.

The Wild Side Trail has one of the best effort to reward ratios of any of Vancouver Island’s coastal trails. It’s one of my favourite spring backpacking trips in British Columbia – I’ve done it twice in May! This trail is also one of my picks for the best beginner backpacking trips in BC.

It’s an easy walk along beaches and through the forest to a gorgeous campsite at Cow Bay. There are also two other campsites along the way. The hike is located in Ahousaht First Nation territory on Flores Island near Tofino, so you’ll need to arrange a water taxi.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on trail fees and camping fees, see the Wild Side Trail website.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide

Hesquiat Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a water taxi or floatplane to the remote Hesquiat Peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This informal trail follows the rugged coastline as it bucks and dips across rocky headlands, through surge channels, and along beaches. There are no facilities or formal campsites.

More info: See Hiking the West Coast of Vancouver Island by Tim Leadem, and Hesquiat Peninsula Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Nootka Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

The Nootka Trail is my favourite coastal hike in BC. It’s located on Nootka Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island, so you need to take a water taxi or floatplane to get there. What makes this trail special is that it is almost entirely on the beach. There are no formal facilities or campsites.

More info: See my Nootka Trail trip report. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on fees, see Yuqot.ca, the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation website.

READ NEXT: Sunshine on the Edge of the World: Nootka Trail Trip Report

Tatchu Peninsula Trail, West Coast Vancouver Island

The Tatchu Peninsula is a wilderness hike on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The hike traces a route down the west side of the peninsula, linking numerous beaches with short overland trails. There are no formal facilities or campsites. You can do the easier (and more scenic) northern section as an out-and-back or complete a very challenging traverse.

More info: See my Tatchu Trail guide, Rugged Point Provincial Park. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Raft Cove, Raft Cove Provincial Park

Raft Cove is a remote beach on the north end of Vancouver Island, reached by a maze of logging roads from the tiny town of Holberg. It’s a short walk into the beach, but the rough and muddy trail makes it seem longer. Camp on the sandy beach and watch surfers work the waves just offshore.

This is one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Raft Cove Provincial Park for info and camping fees.

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San Josef Bay, Cape Scott Provincial Park

This is the easiest trail in Cape Scott Provincial Park, but it still has spectacular scenery. The trail winds through the coastal forest and ends at a beautiful beach. At low tide, you can explore incredible sea stacks. There are two beaches to camp on separated by a headland that is impassable at high tide.

The flat trail makes it one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More info: For more info, see my Cape Scott guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Cape Scott Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

While the north end of Vancouver Island gets a lot of rain, the Cape Scott Trail can be a great spring backpacking destination if you get a window of good weather. It’s a long hike through bog and coastal forest on old settler trails to the campsite at Nel’s Bight. From there, you can day hike to Cape Scott, the northernmost point on Vancouver Island.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide, the North Coast Trail Map by John Baldwin, and the North Coast Trail Waterproof Map by Wild Coast. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

North Coast Trail, Cape Scott Provincial Park

The tough North Coast Trail traverses the northern end of Vancouver Island. It starts with a water taxi drop-off in Shushartie Bay and ends when it intersects the Cape Scott Trail at Nissen Bight. In between, there is lots of muddy and rough trail through coastal bog and old-growth forest, and a few gorgeous beaches.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide. Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: North Coast Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

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Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia’s Interior

Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park

This large park between Kelowna and Naramata has several different spring backpacking options. You can hike to Divide Lake and Baker Lake near the summit of Okanagan Mountain. You can also follow the Wild Horse Canyon Trail to campsites on the shores of Okanagan Lake. A connecter trail links the two, so you can make a big loop. Spring and fall are the best time to visit this park, as it is too hot in the summer.

More info: See Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations

Okanagan High Rim Trail

This trail follows an elevated route above the Okanagan Valley between Vernon and Kelowna. In most years, it is snow-free by early to mid May. This trail is only a few years old and crisscrosses lots of forestry roads in between great viewpoints and small lakes.

More Info: Get the details from the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Deer Point Trail, Gladstone Provincial Park

The low elevation Deer Point Trail along Christina Lake in Gladstone Provincial Park near Grand Forks make a good spring backpacking destination. You can camp at Trapper Creek partway along the trail or at Troy Creek at the north end of the lake. Both campsites are open to boaters as well.

More Info: Get info on the trail and camping fees from Gladstone Provincial Park.

Flatiron Trails, Wells Gray Provincial Park

Note: In 2023, a few key bridges washed out and with high water, it is currently not possible to cross the creeks and reach any of the campsites.

Even though it is near the entrance to the park, Flatiron area of Wells Gray Provincial Park is a bit under-the-radar. A network of trails follows creeks to the banks of the Clearwater River and there are three backcountry campgrounds. You can access the area from three different trailheads, making loop trips or a traverse possible.

More Info: Get info on the trails from Exploring Wells Gray Park by Roland Neave. For camping fees see Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

Spring Backpacking Trips in Washington

Since it is a short trip across the border, it’s worth mentioning a few spring backpacking locations in Washington State.

Olympic Coast: The wilderness coast in Olympic National Park is accessible year-round. With several access points, lots of different trips are possible. As a bonus, it’s easier to get permits in the spring. For trip ideas, see my guides to Shi Shi Beach, Ozette Loop, and Toleak Point.

Enchanted Valley: Follow the East Fork Quinault River Trail into the Enchanted Valley in the rainforest of Olympic National Park.

East Bank Trail, Ross Lake: This trail in North Cascades National Park follows the shoreline of Ross Lake. See my East Bank Trail trip report.

Chelan Lakeshore Trail: This 17-mile-long trail in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest begins and ends with a ferry on Lake Chelan. The trail finishes at the boat-access-only village of Stehekin in North Cascades National Park.

So that gives you 25 different spring backpacking trips in British Columbia to choose from!  Which one would you choose?  I’ve hiked most of these trails (some of them several times) so feel free to ask me more about them in the comments.

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READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Most of the route is on the coast, with a few rough inland sections. The highlights are sandy beaches, fascinating geology and plentiful wildlife, including endangered sea otters. I thought it had some of the most beautiful scenery of any of the coastal trails in BC that I’ve hiked (and I hiked a ton of them to research my book Backpacking on Vancouver Island).

Completing the entire trail from Rugged Point to Port Eliza (32 km) is tough and best left for experienced hikers who can contend with scrambles, heights, and bush-whacking. Most hikers will prefer an out-and-back route from Rugged Point (28 km).

Keep in mind that this is a remote and challenging hike. It shouldn’t be your first coastal backpacking trip. Tackle tough trails like the West Coast Trail, North Coast Trail, or Nookta Trail first.

I hiked the Tatchu Trail in June 2022 so I’ve put together a full guide for you. It includes:

• Quick facts about the Tatchu Trail
• Tatchu Trail itineraries including distances and difficulty
• How to get to the Tatchu Trail by float plane or water taxi from four different towns
• Key distances on the Tatchu Trail in an easy-to-read chart
• Tatchu Trail description, broken up into sections
• Tatchu Trail FAQ including questions about distance, difficulty, bears, water, weather, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Tatchu Trail Quick Facts

Location: The west coast of Vancouver Island north of Gold River and Nootka Island. The Google Map (above) gives you a good idea about where it is.

Distance: 20-40 km

Difficulty: Moderate to Very Challenging

Time: 4-5 days

Cost: No trail fees, but water taxis or float planes will cost you a few hundred dollars per person for a group of four. (Prices depend on how many people are in your group and where you leave from. See Getting There, below.)

Best time to go: Late June to early September

Indigenous context: The Tatchu Trail is in the traditional territory of the Ehattesaht and Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k:tles7et’h Nations, two of the 14 nations in the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. The word Tatchu comes from a Nuu-chah-nulth word meaning “to chew”, likely after a beach near Tatchu Point that was used as a feasting and fishing location by the Ehattesaht Nation.

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Tatchu Trail Itineraries

There are several different ways to complete the Tatchu Trail. The itinerary you choose depends on a few things: 1) budget – water taxis are cheaper than float planes; 2) skill level and comfort with heights – the middle section of the trail includes some very challenging terrain with cliffs; 3) the amount of time you want to spend both on the trail and travelling to the trail.

While there are several different float plane and taxi companies, they each will only pick up and drop off at certain locations due to their vessel types and ocean conditions. See the Getting There section below for more info.

In general, the northern part of the trail is the most scenic and the least challenging. The middle includes the most challenging terrain. The southern end is an overgrown road walk with a challenging scramble. I’ve outlined the itinerary options below.

Rugged Point to Tatchu Creek (Return)

Distance: 28 km

Time: 2-5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

This out-and-back hike is the best option for most parties as it includes the best scenery and skips the challenging scramble and road walk. I recommend doing a day hike from Tatchu Creek to Sandstone Point (5 km each way) to explore the rock formations and tidepools at Sandstone Point.

There are two transportation options for this itinerary: Water taxi from Fair Harbour or floatplane from Gold River.

Rugged Point to Yellow Bluff Bay (Return)

Distance: 40 km

Time: 3-6 days

Difficulty: Very Challenging

This is the option that I used. It lets you complete most of the trail (including the challenging scramble and cliff), but skip the road-walk section. You can start from either Rugged Point or Yellow Bluff Bay.

It also has the cheapest and easiest transportation logistics as you just need to get a water taxi from Tahsis or Fair Harbour. We chose Tahsis since it was a shorter drive from Nanaimo than Fair Harbour.

Rugged Point to Yellow Bluff Bay (One-way)

Distance: 20 km

Time: 2-3 days

Difficulty: Very Challenging

You can complete this one-way hike in either direction. While this itinerary is shorter than completing the same trip as an out-and-back, the transportation logistics are much more complicated.

To do this as a one-way hike, you will need a water taxi from Tahsis to Yellow Bluff. On the other end, you can get a float plane from Rugged Point to Gold River or a water taxi from Rugged Point to Fair Harbour.

Then you will need to arrange a car shuttle between either Fair Harbour and Tahsis (6 hours drive one-way) or Gold River and Tahsis (1.5 hours one-way).

Rugged Point to Port Eliza (One-Way)

Distance: 32 km

Time: 3-5 days

Difficulty: Very challenging

This option is for completionists who will only be content after hiking the entire Tatchu Peninsula. The southern 12 km of the hike is on an overgrown road with a bad wash-out, so I opted to skip this section after talking to people who had hiked it.

Transportation for this option is easiest if you take a float plane from Gold River to Port Eliza, then have the float plane pick you up at Rugged Point. That way you don’t have to do a car shuttle.

If you want to save some money, you can take a water taxi from Zeballos to Port Eliza. At the other end, book a water taxi from Rugged Point to Fair Harbour. Then arrange a car shuttle between the Zeballos and Fair Harbour (1 hour drive one-way).

You can also cut down on costs and logistics by doing an out-and-back trip (64 km) from either Rugged Point or Port Eliza.

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How to get to the Tatchu Trail

As mentioned in the itinerary section, you can get to the Tatchu Trail from Gold River, Tahsis, Zeballos and Fair Harbour. Details on how to get to each place and water taxi/float plane providers are below.

Many of these options involve forest road driving. A GPS with a backroad map layer (I recommend Gaia GPS) or the Vancouver Island BC Backroad Mapbook is helpful.

From Gold River to Rugged Point or Port Eliza

Head north on Highway 19 from Nanaimo to Campbell River. Take Highway 28 west through Strathcona Park past the town of Gold River to its end at the Muchalaht Marina. It’s a 3-hour drive from Nanaimo.

Air Nootka offers charter flights to Rugged Point and Port Eliza on their Cessna (max 3 passengers) or Beaver (max 6 passengers). Prices are per flight. Check their website for the latest prices. You can save some money by taking their scheduled flights to Port Eliza which run a few days a week.

At Port Eliza, they land at an old logging dock. At Rugged Point, they drop-off in shallow water or on the rocks (tidally dependent) so plan to get wet on landing. They can’t land anywhere else along the trail as the waters are too rough.

Plan to stay overnight in Gold River before your flight. The Gold River Chalet gets good reviews. You can also camp at the first-come, first-served Gold River Municipal Campground just west of town.

From Tahsis to Yellow Bluff

Follow the driving directions above to the village of Gold River, then turn right onto Gold River Road. Continue for 3 km, then turn left onto a bridge.

After the bridge, follow the sign for Tahsis, going left onto Head Bay Road. Stay on this gravel road for another 62 km into Tahsis. The road is bumpy but fine for 2WD vehicles.

In Tahsis, cross the bridge over the river, then follow South Maquinna Drive to Westview Marina, where there is pay parking. It is a 4.5-hour drive from Nanaimo.

Shorebird Expeditions water taxis leave from the marina for pickups and drop-offs at Yellow Bluff Bay west. They don’t drop-off at Port Eliza and other locations along the trail are too far away from their base in Tahsis.

Their water taxi seats up to 10 and is a landing craft, which means it can pull right up to the beach – you won’t get wet when you land. Contact them for pricing, which is per trip.

Water taxis go out early in the morning to take advantage of calmer water. Plan to stay overnight in Tahsis before your trip.

The Westview Marina (where the water taxi leaves from) has hotel rooms and vacation home rentals. If you want to camp, stay at the Leiner River Rec Site between Gold River and Tahsis.

From Zeballos to Port Eliza

Go north from Nanaimo past Campbell River. A few minutes north of Woss, just after a bridge over Steel Creek, turn left onto Zeballos Forest Service Road. Watch for signs for Fair Harbour and Zeballos.

The next 42 km are on 2WD-accessible gravel roads. Follow signs for Zeballos at all major junctions. It is a 4-hour drive from Nanaimo.

Zeballos Expeditions offers water taxi service from the Zeballos marina to the old dock at Port Eliza. They don’t have a landing craft so they won’t drop off at Yellow Bluff and other locations along the trail are too far away for them to go. Their boat seats up to 12 passengers. Contact them for pricing, which is per trip.

Water taxis go out early in the morning to take advantage of calmer water. Plan to stay in Zeballos before your trip. The main hotel is the Cedars Inn, which is run by the same people as the water taxi. You can also camp at Cevallos Campsite in town.

From Fair Harbour to Rugged Point

Use the directions above to get to Zeballos. Continue past the town on Zeballos Main, which becomes Fair Harbour Main. Follow signs for Fair Harbour for another 34 km. It’s a 5-hour drive from Nanaimo.

Fair Harbour is a private resort with cabins, a campground, and a marina. Plan to stay there before your trip.

Both Voyageur Water Taxi and Siiqaa Water Taxi operate out of the nearby boat-in Indigenous community of Kyuquot. They ferry passengers between Fair Harbour and Rugged Point. Contact them for pricing, which is per trip.

At Rugged Point they drop-off on the rocks or in shallow water (depending on the tide) so be prepared to get wet.

READ NEXT: Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking

Key Distances on the Tatchu Trail

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Tatchu Trail Description

As I said in the Tatchu Trail Itineraries section (above) there are several ways to hike the trail starting at Rugged Point, Yellow Bluff, and Port Eliza. As well, you can do the trail as a point-to-point or as an out-and-back.

The most scenic part of the trail is at the northern end. It’s the easiest too. For that reason, I’ve chosen to begin this description in the north at Rugged Point.

Rugged Point Camp

Your water taxi from Fair Harbour or float plane from Gold River will drop you off at Rugged Point Marine Provincial Park.

Located, right at the trailhead, this is the only designated campground on the Tatchu Peninsula and the only one with facilities. It has a beautiful sandy beach and can be busy with kayakers and pleasure boaters.

It has an open-sided cooking shelter with a picnic table. There are three wooden tent platforms and one clearing beside the cooking shelter. In an emergency, there are some marginal tent sites on the sand above the high-tide line.

There is a metal food locker behind the cooking shelter. Follow the trail for a few minutes to a composting toilet.

There is no water at this campground. Plan to bring your own on the water taxi or float plane. The closest reliable water source is at Sandpiper Creek 3 km away. You may be able to find seasonal streams on the beach between Rugged Point and Gross Point, but they will likely be dry in summer.

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Rugged Point to Sandpiper Creek

Distance: 3 km

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate

To start your hike, look for the trail just to the left of the cooking shelter. This is the only maintained path on the entire Tatchu Trail. In the first few minutes, it passes the side trail to the outhouse.

Follow the trail through an old-growth forest with several large Douglas fir trees. There are boardwalks across boggy sections.

Emerge back onto the beach about 0.4 km from Rugged Point. This is the first of several gorgeous white sand beaches in small coves. 

From here, your next move is determined by the tide. If it is below 2 m (6.6 ft) go left on the beach around the first rocky headland. If the tide is up, go left a few minutes down the beach to a trail entrance.

This trail, like other overland trails on the Tatchu Peninsula, may be marked with a fishing buoy hanging in a tree. However, unlike other more popular coastal trails like the Juan de Fuca Trail, West Coast Trail, and North Coast Trail which feature well-marked overland trails, on the Tatchu Trail the buoys may be missing or hard to spot.

The two routes come together in a tiny, steep-sided cove. At the northeast corner of the cove, follow a rugged trail uphill with the help of a fixed rope and a wooden ladder. At the top, use another set of ropes to descend to a sandy cove.

Stay on the beach and walk left around the next headland at tides below 2 m (6.6 ft). At higher tides, use the trail in the northeast corner of the cove. It heads back from the beach and around a large outcropping.

Arrive on a beautiful sandy beach that stretches for over 1 km southeast to Gross Point. In the center of the beach, look for a trickle of a stream. However, it is not reliable and runs dry by early summer.

Continue along the beach as it curves behind the rocks of Gross Point and dips into a smaller cove. From there, a short, rough trail leads through the salal over the headland. Find it on the far side of the cove just before the cliffs begin. 

On the other side of the headland, the trail comes out of the forest next to a large tree atop a rock. You have arrived at Sandpiper Creek. At lower tides, you can hop across the creek, but at higher tides, you’ll need to remove your boots and wade.

Sandpiper Creek Camp

This is a beautiful campsite set at the back of the long white sand beach on the south side of Sandpiper Creek. It is the first reliable water source if you are hiking from Rugged Point. However, it is close to the development at Kapoose Point, a small portion of which is visible from camp.

There are lots of flat campsites amongst the driftwood at the back of the beach. You can also camp a few minutes away near Gross Point.

Collect drinking water from Sandpiper Creek. At high tide, follow a rough trail upstream on the south bank to avoid saltwater contamination.

There is no toilet here. Dig a cat hole in the forest in the centre of the beach, avoiding Sandpiper Creek to the north and Kapoose Creek to the south.

There is also no food cache. Bring a rope to hang your food in a tree. The best hanging options are on the north side of the creek.

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Backpackers

Sandpiper Creek to Porritt Creek

Distance: 5 km

Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

From Sandpiper Creek, walk south along the fine-sand beach for nearly 1 km to Kapoose Creek. At low tide, Kapoose Creek is another good water source but it can get contaminated with salt water.

At low tide, wade across the creek. However, it is worth detouring to the edge of the forest to cross on a sturdy floating bridge, part of the Kapoose Creek development.

There is lots of development happening on private property near Kapoose Creek. From talking to people who live and work there, it seems to be mostly an off-grid housing development and a medicinal mushroom research facility. The construction takes away from the wilderness feel, but thankfully, you will pass through the area quickly. 

Past the bridge, follow the grassy shoreline behind the rocks and back towards the ocean. Look for a short trail through the brush to cross a headland. Walk across a brief stretch of sandy beach, then clamber around a rocky point.

There is a rock jetty in the small cove here. It is the main supply point for the Kapoose Creek development. Cross the jetty and follow the beach as it transitions to a volcanic rock outcropping at Kapoose Point. Look for a triangular sea stack just offshore.

Descend off the rocks and walk across a sandy beach for a few minutes. To your left, you might be able to see clearings in the forest that lead to roads and construction at the Kapoose Creek development.

There is actually a huge abandoned logging road system on the peninsula. One branch of it parallels the coast from Kapoose Point to Tatchu Creek. On my trip, we met a group who had hiked some of the roads to avoid walking along slippery coastal cliffs in the rain.

They reported that the roads were very overgrown with berry bushes and they spotted a lot of bears. The roads aren’t marked on any maps, but you can see them easily with a satellite photo overlay on a GPS app like Gaia GPS.

I haven’t walked the roads, but they sound less pleasant than the coast due to lots of vegetation and lack of views. However, if you don’t want to walk on the coast through the easy scramble sections around Brecciated Point and Mushroom Point, you could try the road option.

Continue hiking along the coast to Brecciated Point, which is made up of more interesting volcanic rocks broken up by small pockets of sandy beach.

Breccia is a type of rock made of up pieces of other rocks cemented together. This is volcanic breccia composed of blocks of lava that have solidified, broken apart, been reincorporated into the liquid magma, then solidified again. 

Walk across a few fine gravel beaches to arrive at Mushroom Point, which kind of looks like a mushroom from the air. Look for a vague trail through the bushes to a grassy area with wildflowers behind the point.

Head south along the tops of the red and black jagged volcanic rocks. This section can be a bit scrambly and is sometimes high above the ocean. Take your time to find the path of least resistance and you will never be in any danger.

On the other side of the point, follow the trail into a small gravelly cove, then traverse another rocky shelf. Keep an eye out for a rough trail through thick salal to get around a rocky headland.

The trail spits you out on a steep gravel beach in a bay. A brief lessening of slope angle a few minutes along provides a good camping area. Porritt Creek empties into the other side of the bay.

Porritt Creek Camp

Many groups choose to camp at Porritt Creek thanks to the reliable water source. You may have to head slightly upstream to collect water at high tide.

A pool in the creek at the site of a former road bridge is a good place to swim. Look for a brief band of alder and a set of weathered logs in the streambed to find it.

The camping area is on the gravel terrace at the northwest corner of the bay. It has room for a few tents. There is no food storage here so you will need to bring a rope to create a bear hang.

There is no toilet so use Leave No Trace best practices and dig a cat hole. Go into the forest on the west side of the bay or use the beach below the high-tide line.

READ NEXT: How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)

Porritt Creek to Tatchu Creek

Distance: 6 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Follow the steep gravel bank of Porritt Creek upstream for a few minutes to wade across. You may need to wait for tides below 3 m (9.8 ft) to avoid getting too wet.

Head south from the creek to round a rocky outcropping. Step carefully across the slippery seaweed-covered rocks. At tides above 2.5 m (8.2 ft), this area may be impassable. Once around the rocks, hike along a series of gravel beaches.

Around 10 km (6.2 mi) from Rugged Point arrive at a surge channel. At tides below 2.5 m (8.2 ft), hike through the surge channel, picking your way across the rocks. At higher tides, use a rough bear trail over the headland. 

There are more gravel beaches past the surge channel and a section of sandstone shelf that is easy to walk on at low tide.

Approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) from the northern trailhead, arrive at an unnamed creek. Head inland along the creek for a few minutes. Wade across at a wide and shallow spot.

On the other side, scramble up the steep and undercut bank to an opening in the trees. From there, hike a rough trail for a few meters. It follows the top of the bank and emerges on the beach.

Continue hiking south from the creek to Gregoire Point. There is strenuous walking from here to Tatchu Creek, as the gravel here sinks with every step.

Arrive at Tatchu Creek and the campsite on top of the flat gravel spit about 14 km from Rugged Point.

Tatchu Creek Camp

This campsite has one of the best views on the Tatchu Peninsula: there are lots of offshore rocks and the sun sets over the Brooks Peninsula to the northwest. However, since it is set out on the spit, it can get windy.

There is room for several tents amongst huge stumps at the end of the gravel spit. There is also a forest clearing that will fit one tent.

Collect water from Tatchu Creek. Be sure to go upstream at high-tide to avoid saltwater contamination.

There is no food storage here. Bring a rope to hang it in a tree. The large alders alongside the creek are your best bet for a good hang.

There is also no toilet here. Dig a cat hole in the forest behind the beach, being careful to stay away from the creek. You can also go on the beach well below the high-tide line.

Tatchu Creek to Sandstone Point

Distance: 2.5 km

Time: 30-45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Cross Tatchu Creek where the gravel spit meets the forest. On the other side, follow vague paths through the hip-high grass back to the beach.

Watch your step navigating around the slippery rocks of Jurassic Point. It is impassible at tides above 2.8 m (9.2 ft) and may require a bit of scrambling. There are fossils and petrified wood in the sandstone rocks here. They are from the Jurassic period, between 145 and 160 million years ago.

On the south side of the point there is a sea stack topped with windblown trees. We actually camped in the driftwood here on one night as the only other group we met was camping at nearby Tatchu Creek and there wasn’t room for us.

Continue down the gravel beach for a few minutes. In the middle of the beach, there is an opening in the forest that leads to a small waterfall, a good water source.

There is another small stream on the south end of the beach, but it is less reliable. If you want to camp, there are a few small campsites at the southeast end of the bay amongst the driftwood. However, it is so close to Tatchu Creek camp that most parties stay there instead.

At the end of the beach, head around the corner into a small cove. If you arrive at low tide, take time to explore the tide pools.

The rocks of Sandstone Point rise ahead of you. If you are uncomfortable with scrambling or do not like heights, this is your turn-around point.

Backpackers who have camped at Tatchu Creek and are day hiking to Sandstone Point can explore a bit further to get a taste of the terrain without a fully loaded pack.

Sandstone Point to Yellow Bluff Bay

Distance: 3.5 km

Time: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Very Challenging

If you choose to carry on, clamber up onto the scoured sandstone rocks, following the path of least resistance to the crest. Watch for unique scoured pockets in the rock as well as embedded fossils. Scramble across the rocks, keeping close to the edge of the trees.

Eventually, a faint path appears behind the rocks at the edge of the forest. Follow it as it crosses a slippery section above a waterfall that cascades down towards the ocean. If you are day hiking, this is a good place to turn around.

The trail turns inland and runs through thick salal directly along the cliff edge. Use extreme caution here as the cliffs are sheer and the trail is precipitously close to it.

In places, the cliff edge is crumbling beneath the footbed. I’ve heard stories of it disintegrating underneath hikers’ boots, leaving them clinging to the salal. Fortunately, there haven’t been any accidents here yet.

The rough and overgrown trail passes above a dangerous surge channel that can be crossed by experienced parties with ropes and climbing skills at tides below 2.5 m (8.2 ft). Crossing the surge channel involves negotiating a drop of about 3 m (9.8 ft).

While the cliff-top trail is dangerous, I felt that it was far safer than crossing the surge channel. 

Past the surge channel, the trail dips slightly. Openings in the brush may tempt you to descend the steep slope to the rock shelf below.

This route leads you onto the sandstone shelf and then down around a rocky point underneath a tube-shaped overhang. It is passable at tides below 2 m (6.6 ft).

But a safer option is to stay on the overgrown trail as it ascends to a high point away from the cliff, then drops through thick salal to the beach.

The next section features a wonderful flat sandstone shelf that is exposed at low tide, making for fast travel. You will pass through the Tatchu Indian Reserve in this area, so please be respectful and do not camp here.

About 19 km (11.8 ft) from Rugged Point, arrive at a rocky outcrop with a small islet just offshore. Watch for a faint trail heading into the trees just before the cliff. Just inside the forest, the trail forks. Take the wider right fork to arrive at the top of the cliff.

(The left fork is a very overgrown bear trail that peters out atop the cliffs. Perhaps with some serious trail maintenance, this route will become usable, but as of summer 2022, it is impassable. I tried my best to make it through, even going down on my hands and knees, but without a machete, I became tangled in the thick salal, which stripped off my hat, sunglasses, and ponytail holder.)

From the top of the cliff, scramble down to a wide series of ledges that trend northeast above the water. At tides below 1 m (3.3 ft), you may be able to scramble down seaweed-covered ledges to reach the beach.

At tides between 1 and 2 m (3.3 to 6.6 ft), you must traverse across the face to a narrow ledge using careful toe holds. From there, lower yourself down a 1.8 m (6 ft) drop to the beach. In summer 2022, a weathered fixed rope was in place above the traverse to act as a handline.

A second handline above the 1.8 m drop may also be helpful – if you go, bring one to tie off to one of the trees at the top of the cliff. At tides above 2 m (6.6 ft), the beach is underwater and you will not be able to descend from the cliff.

Use extreme caution in this section. If possible, have your strongest climber go first to scout the route, coach others, and act as a spotter. Climb with your packs off and hand them down the cliff or lower them on a rope. 

Just past the cliff, peer inside two small sea caves, clogged with driftwood. Navigate a section of beach covered in basketball-sized rocks, then round the point into a bay with a gravel beach. The rocks of Yellow Bluff are directly opposite you to the east.

Two streams flow into the bay at the northwest corner at the eastern boundary of the Indian Reserve. Collect water here if you plan to camp nearby. The best camping is in the centre of the bay. The trail to the logging road and beyond to Port Eliza also leaves from the middle of the bay. 

If you used the water taxi from Tahsis, continue to the far east side of the bay and into a small gravel-dammed lagoon. Early in the season or after heavy rain the lagoon may be full of water, perhaps up to your thighs.

Wade through the lagoon and pick up trail through the salal to Yellow Bluff Beach. There is a good campsite a few meters north along this gorgeous sandy beach. 

Road Junction Camp and Yellow Bluff Bay West Camp

There are two campsites a few minutes apart here. One where the trail leaves the beach to start the road walk and one across a small headland on the west shore of Yellow Bluff Bay.

Road Junction Camp is on a steep gravel beach. It makes a logical campsite before or after the road walk to Port Eliza. There is space for a few tents amongst the driftwood above the high-tide line.

There is no toilet here. Follow the trail into the forest to dig a cat hole or go on the beach well below the high-tide line. There is also no food storage. The best options for hanging are along the forest trail.

Collect drinking water from the streams on the west side of the bay.

Yellow Bluff Bay Camp is just a few minutes from Road Junction camp and is much nicer with a beautiful view of the bay. On my trip, we watched sea otters playing in the water all evening. This is also the pickup location for the Tahsis water taxi, which arrives early in the morning.

There is space for a few tents amongst the driftwood on the west side of the bay. Go to the bathroom below the high-tide line or head into the forest behind the beach since there is no toilet here. There is also no food storage, so plan to build a bear hang.

The main disadvantage of this campsite is that it has no water source. Haul water in from the streams just before road junction camp. It’s a 15-minute walk.

Yellow Bluff Bay to Port Eliza

Distance: 12 km

Time: 5-7 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

Disclaimer: I haven’t hiked this section. We opted to do an out-and-back from Yellow Bluff Bay as the road walk didn’t sound that appealing.

But I did a ton of research and talked to other hikers about the route between Yellow Bluff and Port Eliza before my trip since we were considering it. The description below is the best overview I can write of this section.

I’ve heard that the road between Yellow Bluff and Port Eliza is very overgrown since there is no more active logging in the area. Some groups use a machete throughout this section.

If you are continuing to Port Eliza, take the trail from the centre of the beach, which soon meets up with an overgrown logging road.

Go left on the road as it heads north and ascends gently. A little over 1 km later, reach a junction and turn right on a much wider logging road.

Stay on the road as it trends southeast and heads back towards the coast. The road runs across the top of a cliff at the back of Yellow Bluff Bay about 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from the junction. There are great views from here.

A short distance later, the road descends towards the beach. The road is badly washed out here at a creek crossing. Previous hikers have hacked a short but difficult detour through thick vegetation down to the beach, then back up the other side. Watch your step here as it is very steep, rough, and unmarked.

The beach near the washout makes a good campsite since you can get water from the creek. Back on the road, you will pass an abandoned building and several clearings, part of an old logging camp. 

Stay on the main road, ignoring overgrown sideroads as it heads east and climbs slightly to curl around the north side of Leading Hill. The road crosses a few creeks through this stretch if you need to fill up on water.

The road turns to the north, then drops down to the old dock and former log dump at Port Eliza where you can meet your float plane to Gold River or water taxi to Zeballos.

Port Eliza is named for Francisco de Eliza y Reventa, a Spanish sailor who explored the coast of what is now British Columbia and Alaska in the 1790s, attempting to claim Nootka Sound for the Spanish.

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Tatchu Trail FAQ

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

That’s everything you need to know to hike the Tatchu Trail. If you have questions about backpacking on the Tatchu Peninsula, ask in the comments. I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• Coastal Hiking Tips: Advice for Beach Backpacking
• Coastal Backpacking Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight
• Guide to the West Coast Trail
• North Coast Trail: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• Nootka Trail Trip Report
• Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island
• Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

The post Tatchu Trail Guide: Vancouver Island Coastal Backpacking appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.