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The route is marked on a 1:50,000 scale topographic map and includes information on distances, campsites, tide cut-offs, sources of drinking water, and other interesting features. John Baldwin’s Nootka Island paper map is the best for navigation. John Baldwin created an excellent topographic map of Nootka Island highlighting the Nootka Trail. Instead, it highlights special points of interest and offers tips to make your hike more enjoyable. This general interest map is not suited to navigation. Map The FMCBC Nootka Trail map is a good resource for an overview of the trip.įederation of Mountain Clubs of BC (FMCBC) created, published, and distributed the Nootka Trail map, and promoted the conservation of West Nootka Island. Emergency help: There is no cell phone service on Nootka Island (we carry satellite messengers and a satellite phone).Hazards: Slippery roots, deep mud, steep slopes, washouts, blowdowns, fallen logs, tide problems, deep sand, pebbles, boulders, tidal shelves, rocky shorelines, impassible headlands, creek crossings, tidal creeks, tidal lagoons, tsunamis, rogue waves, floods, landslides.Weather: Heavy rain, cool temperatures, high winds, damp fog, sun.Wildlife: Gray whales, humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, black bears, wolves, cougars, eagles, ravens, sea birds, river otters, slugs, intertidal animals.Geologic features: Rock shelves, sea stacks, sandstone cliffs, headlands, water erosion.Major shipwrecks: Greek freighter Treis Lerarchi.Camping: 5 – 7 sites (water sources, no food caches).Shuttles: Air Nootka floatplane, Shorebird Expeditions water taxi, or MV Uchuck III ferry.Trailheads: Starfish Lagoon, Tongue Point, Yuquot (Friendly Cove).Maximum group size: Air Nootka = 6 in largest floatplane MV Shorebird = 10 in water taxi.Reservations: Recommended for floatplanes, water taxis, and MV Uchuck III.Permits: Trail passes payable to Mowachaht/Muchalaht.Difficulty: Complex coastal and rainforest terrain (someone in group should be experienced).
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Location: West Coast of Nootka Island, British Columbia, Canada.Usually our best coastal wildlife sightings happened when resting…eyes on the ocean looking for whales, or towards the sky following the ravens. He insisted on frequent shade breaks and long drinks of water. Overview Mike did an excellent job of finding the best driftwood logs along the Nootka Trail. The intertidal obstacles and shifting pebbles are challenging to hike on, but the rewards are endless for the eyes. More beach hiking means fantastic views, exciting terrain, fresh air, and better chances to see wildlife. Black bears, wolves, river otters, eagles, ravens, and sea birds are familiar friends along the way. Because fewer humans hike this trail, wildlife can be seen in their natural environment more often. One might travel the entire route and not see another human until Yuquot. The remote location of Nootka Island and the logistics of getting to the trailhead (seaplane or water taxi) means that fewer people hike this trail. Evening sunsets are colourful and serene. Calvin Falls is a highlight with its refreshing falls and tidal swimming creek. The main primitive campsites are located on gorgeous sandy beaches or clean pea gravel mounds. Making an effort to learn about their history encourages a respectful awareness and a richer hiking experience.
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The Nootka Trail passes through the traditional lands of the Mowachaht/Muchalat First Nations. It’s a tough place to leave, especially if you have it all to yourself as we did. It was fun to watch the creek flood with the tide, then eventually drain away again. Highlights Calvin Falls is one of the nicest highlights of the Nootka Trail! After a long, hot day of hiking along the tidal shelves, the pool beneath the falls is a welcome place to cool off and cleanse. Starfish Lagoon to Yuquot – June 25-29, 2016.Starfish Lagoon to Yuquot – August 22-26, 2017.Starfish Lagoon to Yuquot – July 7-11, 2018.Starfish Lagoon to Yuquot – August 4-8, 2018.Starfish Lagoon to Yuquot – September 4-8, 2018.Tongue Point to Yuquot – June 26-30, 2021.Tongue Point to Yuquot – June 13-17, 2022.
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