The Wild Pacific Trail is one
of the better ocean view treks in the area. The Wild Pacific Trail
explores the many different eco systems of the Pacific Rim region
while navigating across various different types of geographical
terrain navigating the west coast of Vancouver Island near the
Pacific Rim community of Ucluelet BC. The gravel, well groomed,
mostly wheel chair accessible, walking trail is 8 kilometres,
of which, much of the route is hiking around wind-bent trees and
through dwarfed shoreline forests. Future plans see the trail
expanding to 16 km of coastline bliss!
 The
Wild Pacific Trail consists of three sections with many viewing
platforms and sitting benches positioned along the nature path.
The main trailhead leading to the first section of the nature
trail is located at the small Wild Pacific Trail parking lot at
the corner of Peninsula Road, main street Ucluelet BC. There is
also parking and a major access point to the trail at the lighthouse
on Coast Guard Road.
The Wild Pacific Trail is mostly a coastal walking route, on
a boardwalk pathway, high up above the ocean waters, boulders
and surge channels churning below. The pathway follows along shoreline
cliffs which affords you fantastic views of the crashing waves
beating and pounding against the reefs below. Birds sing, waves
crash, trees bristle in the wind, boats cruise by, Bald Eagles
fly overhead - the area explodes in natural sounds with captivating
views of Barclay Sound and of the Broken Islands out in the Pacific
Ocean.
 With
binoculars, the elevation on cliffs and the close proximity to
the ocean - the Wild Pacific Trail is an ideal trip to view various
wildlife. Timing is everything when spotting wildlife, but there
have been many sightings of whales and Bald Eagles on the trail.
The area of the Pacific Rim, although confrontations are rare,
is also the home to many Black Bears and some cougars. Be prepared
if ever confronted by one of the more territorial wildlife species
found on the Wild Pacific Trail.
The 2.5 kilometre first section of the Wild Pacific Trail is
a loop trail exploring the coastal rocky shores of Ucluelet leading
to the Amphitrite Lighthouse sitting out on the peninsula. The
first section of the trail is relatively easy grade walking with
top notch marine scenery and wildlife spottings.
The last section of the loop trail to the Wild Pacific mostly
consists of boardwalk through forests or along coastlines to the
He-Tin-Kis Park. To the right, just down the street is the Wild
Pacific Trail parking lot. To the left is the next middle section
of the Wild Pacific Trail.
The middle section of the Wild Pacific Trail from He-Tin-Kis
Park to Big Beach Park. The third section of the Wild Pacific
walking path, or the first depending on which end you are starting
your adventure from, is back to trekking along walking paths exploring
coastlines, hiking over bluffs and through rainforests for 4 kilometres.
This section of the Wild Pacific Trail is a steeper hike and involves
more hill climbing then the previous parts of the trail. The exit
trailhead of this section of the Wild Pacific finishes north of
the Village of Ucluelet.
The Wild Pacific Trail is one of the finest trails capturing
the west coast scenery that is accessible by all ages and abilities
including wheel chairs in most areas. The winter season brings
storms and heavy gusts of winds and ocean mists to the coastline
followed by sometimes rain, so please prepare for the weather.
The Wild Pacific Trail is an ideal destination, when prepared,
for Storm Watching in the winter seasons and early spring.
How to get to the Wild Pacific Trail:
South Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy
to Ucluelet. In the community, the Pacific Rim Hwy turns into
Peninsula Rd. Continue driving through the village of Ucluelet
on Peninsula Rd, pass the school zone until Coast Guard Rd. On
the corner of peninsula and Coast Guard Rd is a parking lot for
the Wild Pacific Trail.
Middle Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy
to Ucluelet. In the community, the Pacific Rim Hwy turns into
Peninsula Rd. Continue driving through the village of Ucluelet
on Peninsula Rd, pass the school zone until Matterson Drive. Take
a right and follow the road until you reach the gravel parking
lot for the Wild Pacific Trail.
North Trailhead: Follow the Pacific Rim Hwy
to the northern outer boundary of the Village of Ucluelet. Look
for a large Wild Pacific Trail billboard route map sign sitting
by itself on the side of the road (same side as the bike path).
Parking is on the side of road. This trailhead does not have good
parking. If you drive past Forbes Rd or Minto Rd - you have driven
to far. |
