Introduction
Before I hiked the West Coast Trail, I thought, “75 kilometers? That’s not too bad—I’ve done similar distances.” Then I set foot on that famous trail and realized the length might be 75 km on paper, but it felt like double that in real life. I still remember day two, battling sections of knee-deep mud and cursing every step. My friend joked, “They should measure this trail in ‘mud kilometers’—it’d be at least 150.” We laughed, but deep down, I knew I had underestimated the complexity of the rugged coastline.
The official distance of the WCT is around 75 kilometers (or 47 miles), stretching between Bamfield and Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island. But each kilometer is packed with ladders, muddy sections, and tide-affected beaches. In this article, we’ll dig into why that 75 km might feel longer, how to strategize your daily segments, and how not to get discouraged if progress seems slow. After all, conquering the West Coast Trail isn’t about speed; it’s about endurance, stamina, respect for Mother Nature, and most importantly, becoming one and enjoying the this incredible place on our planet.
If you ever need logistical help or a morale boost, Coastal Bliss Adventures can provide expert guidance, ensuring you tackle those 75 km with proper planning and a dash of confidence.
This is the fourth article in our How To Hike The West Coast Trail series. You can access the third article in the series at West Coast Trail Booking Made Easy.
Breaking Down the 75 Kilometers
When planning your WCT experience, it helps to think of the trail in segments rather than as one unbroken path:
- Northern Section (Bamfield to Michigan Creek-12 km): This part is often considered easier terrain, though still challenging enough. You’ll likely cover about 12-15 km per day if conditions are favorable.
- Mid-Trail (Michigan Creek to Nitinaht Narrows-20 km): Here, you’ll encounter more muddy pathways, some rocky beaches, and the famed Nitinaht Narrows crossing. The daily distance might shrink to around 10 km due to unpredictable conditions, but it is usually fairly easy travel.
- Southern Section (Nitinaht Narrows to Gordon River-32 km): Many hikers consider this the toughest stretch. You’ll face multiple ladders, slip-prone boardwalks, and a generally rugged environment. Covering 8-10 km per day here might be plenty. The stretch from Walbran Creek (km 53) to the Gordon River trailhead (km 75) is by far the toughest stretch of the trail. Taking three days to do this 20 km is a good plan, no matter how fast you think you can hike. Slow and steady is safe.
It’s not unusual to feel like you’ve walked 10 km when you’ve really only covered six. Between stopping to check tidal charts, negotiating uneven ground, and taking breaks to catch your breath, the going can be slow—but it’s also unbelievably rewarding when you look back at how far you’ve come.
Pacing and Timing
One of the biggest mistakes I made on my first WCT adventure was ignoring how the terrain drastically affects pacing. On a typical forest trail, you might manage 4-5 km/hour. On the WCT, you might be lucky to maintain 1.5 km/hour in certain sections, and even 1 km/hour in some.
- Recommended Daily Mileage: Most hikers aim for around 10 km per day, taking anywhere from 5 to 7 days total to complete the trail. Others push for fewer days, but that’s a serious physical grind.
- Rest Days: If you can swing it, a rest day or two can be a game-changer. Use them to soak in scenic viewpoints, nurse any blisters, or just sleep in without feeling rushed.
- Tide Schedules: Occasionally, you might wait for low tide to safely traverse a beach segment. This waiting cuts into your progress but is critical for safety. Factor that into your daily schedule.
(Side note: The day I pushed the tide schedule to sleep in and relax a bit, I ended up waiting for three hours to cross a section of beach that was cut off (rather than wade waist-deep in water, backpack hoisted over my head. Wading would have been dangerous with the crashing waves.) Don’t be me—respect the sea’s timetable!
Length vs. Difficulty
There’s a saying on the WCT: “It’s not the distance; it’s the journey.” This trail is notorious for tricky features that turn modest distances into stamina-sapping treks:
- Ladders and Cable Cars: These might sound fun at first (like a playground for adults), but after several climbs, your calves and shoulders will be screaming. The cable cars take a lot of work. They are an energy sapper. Make sure you have great boots and gaiters, and cross lower creeks on rocks, or change into water shoes. It is actually often faster to stop, change shoes, cross, stop and change back to boots than take the cable car.
- Muddy Boardwalks: Slipping on a slimy plank can send you sprawling. You’ll move slowly, testing each step for traction. Learning how to pack so that you change your normal center of gravity as little as possible helps you stay on your feet on these slippery beasts. Mind you, I have “turtled” numerous times just shifting my head while standing on wet wood on the trail. Boardwalks can be treacherous.
- Rocky Beaches: Loose stones can make each footfall uncertain, and it’s easy to twist an ankle if you get careless. This is particularly problematic on the beach boulder sections.
Even though the official length is 75 km, treat it with the same respect you’d give a much longer hike. Pace yourself, stay aware of your surroundings, and be ready for the mental challenges that come when every kilometer can feel like three.
(Pro-tip: Chat with guides from Coastal Bliss Adventures if you need more detail on how each segment’s difficulty might affect your daily itinerary.)
Planning Around Your Time Constraints
Let’s face it: not everyone can take two weeks off to dawdle along the coast, as dreamy as that might be. Whether you have 5 days or 7, you can still enjoy the WCT with the right plan in place:
- 5-Day Itinerary: This is for more experienced hikers or those ready for a faster pace. You’ll often set out early each morning, aiming for longer daily distances. But if you don’t regularly hike long distance with a backpack, I would not even try it. Still, you need to think very cautiously about this before you try. I have seen many experienced backpackers admit to way over-estimating their pace and end up a day or more behind.
- 6- or 7-Day Itinerary: The sweet spot for many, offering time to explore side attractions like scenic waterfalls or tidepools. It also provides wiggle room if the weather misbehaves.
- Slack Tidal Windows: Sometimes you can “cheat” a bit by planning your day around low tide, allowing you to walk the beach rather than the forest route. This can save time and energy, but you have to remain flexible.
One bullet list (our first of two) for “time constraint tips”:
- Map out daily distances in advance
- Account for potential slow sections
- Watch weather forecasts
- Don’t plan to skip the safety orientation (it’s mandatory and helpful)
- Build in a buffer day for unexpected delays
If you find yourself running short on time mid-hike, consider pushing a bit harder on easier terrain or skipping certain side trips. The WCT demands adaptability—resisting the realities of tide or weather can lead to exhaustion or risky shortcuts.
Conclusion
Yes, the West Coast Trail length is 75 km, but it’s no ordinary 75 km. Every step challenges you, not just physically but mentally. It’s a test of endurance, determination, and respect for nature’s unpredictability. That’s the allure—knowing you’ll earn your bragging rights with each muddy stride and each ladder climbed.
Plan your itinerary with realistic expectations about your pace, check those all-important tide schedules, and give yourself the space to enjoy the journey. If at any point you’re unsure about how to handle the daily distances, or if you just crave extra support, know that Coastal Bliss Adventures offers expert guidance to keep you on track.
When you finish all 75 kilometers—whether it takes you 5 days or 7—you’ll stand at the final trailhead feeling like you conquered something far bigger than a mere distance on a map. It’s an achievement that stays with you long after you’ve swapped out your muddy boots for a pair of comfy sandals. So go forth, embrace each kilometer (or “mud kilometer”), and revel in the epic story you’ll have to tell when it’s all said and done.