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.
Current Projects
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Project Name: Walk in the Forest Trail
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Project Partners: Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Iisaak Forest Resources Ltd.
The "Walk in the Forest Trail" is a 500 meter stretch of boardwalk and barkmulch located one kilometre before the junction on Highway 4. In May 2010, trail restoration began when the restoration restoration crew removed old signs, garbage and invasive Scotch broom, thinned the red alder along the creek bank and planted red cedar and Sitka spruce seedlings. Large sections of the board walk were replaced with new dimensional lumber provided by Iisaak and two new signs were installed in the parking lot. One is a memorial sign dedicated to the memory of Harold Touchie; a well loved member of the Yu?lu?il?ath First Nation.
The trail is an excellent opportunity for CWFS to showcase the valuable ecological restoration work that is carried out both in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and throughout the Kennedy Flats Watershed.
This year CWFS is building an interpretive boardwalk trail through the forest and along a salmon bearing stream with an outpost centre to host out-door educational programs for schools.
Past Projects
Wild Pacific Trail
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
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
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 1-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.
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.