West Coast Trail Highlight #2a

Camper Bay, West Coast Trail

The campsite at Camper Bay on the West Coast Trail gets evening sun, leaving it dim and quiet in the morning. Two options for leaving this camp lay ahead. The main trail is full of roots and mudspots, and is one of the most difficult, if not the most annoying, section on the trail. The other option is only open at certain times-the sea shelf. Only experienced  coastal hikers should take this route. There are several hazardous surge channels along the way, but the way out at the end, up Sandstone Creek, is truly remarkable.

Camper Bay is often quite busy, as the camping options at the southern end of the trail are limited. Help is usually available if needed, from the Guardians cabin. Firewood is across the watery section in the photos, along the beachhead.  Under the cliffs, in the background, is not the best place to camp, due to the occasional rock or tree tumble.

For much of the summer of 2012, there was a resident Canada goose in the pond.