Cape Scott Trailhead: (567 km from Saanich Hall, 67k on logging roads, 4wd recommended). Drive north from Victoria to Port Hardy (500 km) on highways #1 & BC#19. Just before arriving at Port Hardy take a logging road to your left and drive 67 km to the parking lot.
Note: It is 63 km on ACTIVE logging roads to the trailhead. Extreme caution should be exercised on these roads at all times.
Uses
| Backpack | Easy to moderate. | 6 hours one way. | Best from mid April thru mid October. |
Description
Distance given is to Nels Bight campground. Total distance to Cape Scott itself is 23.6km.
Access to this area requires a long hike through rainforest before reaching the abandonde Cape Scott Settlement. To reach Nels Bight take the west trail at the junction and the north fork just beyond the settlement. Cross Hansen Lagoon via the bridge at the eastern edge of the meadow and then take the high tide trail along the northern edge of the laggon to Nels Bight.
Features
This trail features animals (Black bear, Coastal black-tailed deer, Cougar, Elk, Grey wolf, Mink at San Josef Bay, River otter at San Josef Bay, Sea otter), beaches, birds (Bald eagle, Canada geese at Hansen Lagoon, Common merganser, Trumpeter swan in winter), forests (Sitka spruce and Western red cedar), marine mammals (California sea lion, Grey whale, Harbour seal, Orca), natural wonders (Sea stacks) and rivers.
Hazards
- Boardwalk (can be very slippery in wet conditions)
This area is subject to severe west coast weather at any time of the year. You must be prepared for sustained periods of extremely heavy rainfall, wind and fog. Mud is also a problem.
When exploring the area exercise caution around the old settlements. Be on the watch for abandoned wells, broken glass and rusty nails. Regard any standing structure as unstable.
Comments
CAUTION: Many sections of the trails are primitive and VERY muddy. Boardwalks have been built in a number of areas but these can be extremely slippery when wet.
Visitors should be equipped for wet weather. High topped leather or rubber boots should be carried and proper hiking boots should be worn.
The need to be prepared for ADVERSE weather conditions cannot be over-emphasized. Torrential rain can be expected at any time of the year and may last for days on end.
Exercise bear precautions while camping in and visiting this park. Use bear caches where provided.
Campsites along the trail
| Eric Lake | 3.0 km | 0 meters | | Water is plentiful. |
| Fisherman River | 9.3 km | 0 meters | | Water is available. |
| Nissen Bight | 15.0 km | 0 meters | | Water is available. |
| | Reached via a side trail heading north from the Cape Scott Settlement. |
| Nels Bight | 16.8 km | 0 meters | - Bear cache/wire
- Outhouse
- Ranger station
| Water is available. |
| Guise Bay | 20.7 km | 0 meters | | Water is available. |
The following trails can be accessed from this trail:
For additional information see:
Coastal Hikes by Philip Stone.
Trail-conditions
View trail condition reports for this trail.
