Regarding the Nootka Trail, Markus Kellerhals on behalf of the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, an organization that advocates protection & preservation of wilderness environments, wrote:

The trail passes through a rich & diverse coastal ecosystem, bordered by a fringe of old growth forest that needs to be protected. The Nootka Trail rivals the famous West Coast Trail in both scenery & wildlife viewing opportunities. But because few people are aware of the area it has received no publicity & little protection from development.

… (visitors) demand more adequate protection for an area of incredible diversity & beauty. A private logging road now leads right on to the coast, more planned cutblocks are clustered along the coastal fringe, commercial applications are pending…”

On the internet you can download a detailed Nootka Coastal Land Use plan dated May, 2001. Some good research is presented in this document by the BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management.

What can we do to help protect this area for the future? Reply by e-mail if you have advice.
Top of Page | FAQs

Who should hike the Nootka Trail?

Many Nootka hikers have previously hiked the famous West Coast Trail. They seek a similar coastal wilderness hike but one even more wild & less developed.

Nootka is the West Coast Trail without any sissy ladders, cable cars, or bridges.

The Nootka is for the fit — campers who have previously survived coastal hikes of 4 days or longer; well-prepared hikers with proper gear & wilderness camping experience.

Is this you? A quick quiz:

• Can you start a fire with wet wood?
• Can you repair a broken tent pole?
• Can you tie-up a protective tarp in the wind?
• Can you out-wrestle a wolf? (Just kidding, on this one!)

The Nootka Trail is NOT recommended for those with chronic knee, ankle or back injuries, or disabled hikers. Children under 12 may not enjoy this tough hike — though kids as young as 7 were thriving in 2001.

Many suggest that 4 people in 2 small tents is ideal. If someone is hurt, 1 person can stay with the victim while the other 2 go for help.

Our best advice is that you hike with people that you like & know well as this is an intense experience.
Top of Page | FAQs

Can I hike it alone?

Yes, some do. But we don’t recommend it. If hurt, you may lay injured or unconscious for days before anyone else stumbles over your body. (Be sure to bring an emergency whistle if you do hike alone.)

Don’t side trip alone. They may never find you if injured!

(We recommend that any zealous solo hiker first read Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. It’s a riveting tale of solo hiking disaster in Alaska.)
Top of Page | FAQs

Should I hike the West Coast Trail or Juan de Fuca Marine Trail instead?

Yes.

That’s the short answer. The Juan de Fuca is the most accessible & best option for most hikers. No registration is required so there’s no hassle. The scenery is similar. The logistics are by far easiest on the Juan de Fuca.

The West Coast Trail is arguably as difficult as the Nootka — but that famous Trail is well maintained & patrolled. Evacuation is straightforward in case of disaster. However the West Coast Trail requires registration & a trail permit you should organize months in advance. It can be difficult to get a permit for the dates you are available to hike.

The Nootka Trail is recommended only for self-sufficient hiking maniacs. (Bring an excellent first aid kit & a VHS marine radio for emergencies if you do go for the Nootka.)

You should probably have already hiked the West Coast Trail before tackling the Nootka or have done some other similar wet, difficult rain forest hike. The Nootka is not for everyone.