TRAILS
Trails are an important teaching tool for the Central Westcoast Forest Society. Trails provide residents and visitors with increased access to various rainforest ecosystems, help foster a love for the environment, and a sense of stewardship.

Wild Pacific Trail View

1. Wild Pacific Trail
The long-term vision for the Wild Pacific Trail is for a 16-kilometre trail extending along the open ocean and through the coastal rainforest from the tip of the Ucluelet peninsula to Half Moon Bay at the edge of Pacific Rim National Park.

At this point two main sections of the Wild Pacific Trail are complete.

One portion begins at 'The Edge' subdivision at Ucluelet's south end. This section is 2.5 kilometres including a boardwalk portion at He-Tin-Kis Park.

The Central Westcoast Forest Society was contracted to build Phases 3 and 4 of the Wild Pacific Trail - from the Big Beach Park to a point approximately one kilometre before the entrance to Ucluelet along the community's bicycle path. The section along the ocean is approximately four kilometres in length, with a 0.5-kilometre access road in the centre to return you to town.

The Wild Pacific Trail offers spectacular views of the open Pacific Ocean, access to beautiful beaches, and an unforgettable rainforest experience. More information can be found at: www.wildpacifictrail.com

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2. Hot Springs Trail
Hot Springs Cove is a popular destination in Clayoquot Sound. The trail and hot springs are maintained by BC Parks. In 1997 the Central Westcoast Forest Society completed needed repairs and upgrades to the 2.4-kilometre boardwalk through the rainforest that allows access to the natural springs. Hot Springs Cove is only accessible by air (15 minute floatplane charter) or by boat (one and one-half hour water taxi) from Tofino.

3. Norm Godfrey Nature Trail
The Norm Godfrey Nature Trail is a BC Ministry of Forests recreational site where the Central Westcoast Forest Society completed boardwalk repairs and upgrades (1999). The one-kilometre trail is found approximately 12 kilometres along the West Main forestry road (which begins 1.6 kilometres east of the Tofino-Ucluelet junction on Highway #4.) The drive is well-worth the time as the trail offers spectacular examples of 1000-year old trees. The trail also extends to a secluded sandy beach on Kennedy Lake.

4. Big Beach Trail and Picnic Park
The Big Beach Trail and picnic park area is situated along the Wild Pacific Trail, but a stop at Big Beach for its own sake is well worthwhile. At the foot of Matterson Drive in Ucluelet, Big Beach Park is a great place for a picnic, tide pool exploration, winter storm watching, and strolling the beach.

In 2000 the Central Westcoast Forest Society created a 300-metre trail, built a covered picnic area, and a toilet facility.

In 2002 the CWFS created an access trail from Big Beach to the Wild Pacific Trail.

Contact us:

Central Westcoast Forest Society
Box 405, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Tel: (250) 726-2424
Fax: (250) 726-7211
Email: cwfs@alberni.net