Through the Trees
A walk around the Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet provides great views over the rocky coast and wild water.
The west coast of Vancouver Island is known for it’s wild storms.
“Storm watching” features strongly in all the tourism literature from the area – it might be one of the very few times a person could be less than happy about beautiful weather.
And we did have beautiful weather the day we stopped into the little district municipality of Ucluelet, BC, at the southern-most edge of the Pacific Rim National Park. We were on our way back to Nanaimo, along Highway 4, but had enough time for lunch and a short walk around the magnificent headland.
Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
An easy 2.6 kilometre walking loop starts and finishes near the light station, named after the British Royal Navy ship HMS Amphitrite, a Bombay-built gunship stationed in British Columbia in the 1850s.
Looking West
The waters are tame today – but in winter, the coast can be pounded by thirty to fifty-foot waves, originating off the coast of Japan.
Memorial Bench
Benches are scattered all around the walking loop, so there is plenty of opportunity to watch the waves and wildlife. Whales are regular visitors, though we didn’t see any on our circuit.
Nature’s Artworks: Tree Stump
The walk is rich in texture and colour.
Twisted Trunks
Trees have responded to the wild winds and weather this coast is known for by twisting into fabulous shapes.
Horse Tails
The area gets an average of three metres (120 inches) of rain annually, making the forest undergrowth lush and green.
Moss and Ferns
The damp of the temperate rainforest is the perfect climate for rich mosses and ferns.
Forest Fruit
Delicate fruit and flowers provide colour contrast against the greens.
Squirrel
Although the pamphlet warns that walkers might come across bears, cougars or wolves, the biggest creature we spotted was this squirrel.
Old Plank Road
Hundred-year-old-remnants from the old elevated plank roadway that used to provide access to the lighthouse, are slowly sinking back into the land.
Old Stump
Western Red Cedar
Much of the Island’s forest cover is classed as “Mature”; that is, over 140 years old. Giant Pacific red cedar are everywhere.
Over the Waterways
The scenic views stretch in every direction.
Tiny Islands
Down to the Water
Bald eagles (none of which I caught on camera) soared overhead.
Spanish Moss
Amphitrite Point Lighthouse
Before we know it, we are back at the lighthouse and it is time to return to the car.
Black Bear
Once we were back on the road, we finally spotted an American black bear, ambling off, into the woods.
It’s a short and easy hike along the well-maintained trail. The stunning ocean views and peaceful sections through ancient forests made it a worthwhile ramble.
And of course, the fresh ocean air helped pique our appetites for lunch in the local cafes before we headed back to the Island’s east coast.
Happy Rambles!
Pictures: 10July2013
