What’s New for 2025
Storm damage from winter storms has created some significant challenges on the West Coast Trail for 2025. The south end of the trail has significant damage, and will be that much more difficult to naviagate. I am going to go over the significant sections that have been told to us by Parks, as they get in and try to remediate the problems. The underlying message is that there is just a lot of blowdown everywhere, so be prepared for a lot of walking around and climbing over obstacles.
From South to North
The most difficult-and most damaged-section of the trail is along the south end. Parks is giving lots of options to hikers, offering refunds if you decide it is now too difficult for you in its current condition. Hiker safety is paramount, so you need to really evaluate whether you are actually in shape for the trail.
km 75 to Thrasher
Km 69 bridge, just south of the junction from the main trail to Thrasher Cove, is out. It is an engineered bridge. Parks is putting in ropes to guide you down into the gulch. (Bridge 111A)
Thrasher to Camper
There is a washout along km 62. There is a walk around that will likely be very muddy
Camper to Cullite
No reported significant damage, although Parks representatives do say there is a significant amount of blowdown all along the south end. Travel will inevitably be slower this year.
Cullite to Walbran
The Cullite ladder structures have had some washouts. The trail will be more difficult here and steep.
Parks is installing ropes to give a third point of contact assist on this section where needed. This is just before km 58. The ladders going into the gorge where Sandstone Creek runs have also been significantly impacted.
Walbran Creek to Vancouver Point
Leaving Walbran and heading north now has no cable car, and the trail section from the cable car through the forest to Vancouver Point is closed. Generally, crossing Walbran Creek is fordable, but after significant rain events, it can be too high and fast to cross.
Since there is currently no way to cross the cable car and take the forest route, if the creek is not fordable, it will be necessary to just sit and wait for the water to recede. The streams and rivers along the trail rise fast and recede fast, but it can take a day to go down after the rain stops as the water runs off the land. Be prepared with extra meals to stay over a night or two. Parks is working on a solution, but they are having to work on a number of significant damaged sections right now.
If you are travelling south, you may want to ask hikers you pass as you leave Nitinaht and Cribs Creek to see what the water level of Walbran Creek is like. If it is high, or if you are not passing anyone as you get near Bonilla Point, you may want to just stop at Bonilla to camp, or if you left early, to wait for anyone to pass to get some information on getting across Walbran Creek to the campsite. There is really nowhere to camp between Bonilla and Walbran if you get stuck. It would be a very uncomfortable stay at the beach access at Vancouver Point in the forest. Make sure you plan ahead on this part!
North of Vancouver Point
Nothing significant has been reported north of Vancouver Point at Km 51. That does not mean that things won’t change after this writing.
If you are hiking the West Coast Trail in 2025, use all the possible information you can get to make sure you are prepared and as safe as possible. Parks has a trail information page for the West Coast Trail that gives details by section. Check it out. We are always happy at Coastal Bliss Adventures to share information to keep everyone safe out there.
Enjoy the challenge!