Raft Cove Trail
The Raft Cove Trail is a 3.5 km out-and-back hiking route in Raft Cove Provincial Park that will take you through a thick stretch of temperate rainforest to arrive at a scenic West Coast beach. Along the trail, hikers will experience some tough terrain that includes rocky and muddy trails, but also picturesque scenery along the coast. If you want to spend a few days in the area, make use of the tent pads down the beach towards the Mackjack River for a fun weekend of camping along the coast.
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Route Description for Raft Cove Trail
While the route is a bit rough and rugged, the Raft Cove Trail is an exceptional hike along the West Coast of Vancouver Island that will reveal some breathtaking scenery and the chance to camp out overnight along the beach. As stretches of the trail are covered in rock and mud, it is best to wear proper hiking footwear in order to have the best traction along the technical route. Additionally, this route is dog friendly, but keep in mind that wolves are frequently seen in the area. Make sure to either keep your dogs on leash or within close distance.
Setting out from the parking area, follow the trail to the southwest as it enters into the thick cover of the rainforest on a route towards the coast. Carefully make your way along the rocky trail and do your best to avoid getting covered in mud, which is easier said than done while out hiking on the West Coast. Eventually, you will break out from under the forest canopy and arrive at the welcome sight of the wide sandy beach. Take some time to explore the pristine landscape and gaze out across the vast blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean. If you make your way along the beach to your right, you can find a neat cave that is the result of countless years of weathering in the harsh coastal environment, and to the left you can walk along the sandy beach where you will find the camping area next to the mouth of the Mackjack River. After exploring the area, head back along the Raft Cove Trail to return to the parking area where you began your hike.
Getting to the Raft Cove Trail Trailhead
To reach the parking area for the Raft Cove Trail from Holberg, head west on NE 60 Road for 1.0 km and turn right onto San Josef Main Road. Continue on for 11.7 km and turn left onto Palmerston Main. After 11.3 km, you will find the trailhead on the left.
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