Recommended Nootka books & magazine articles?

Other non-hiking Nootka books of interest (which may be difficult to find):

• Nootka Sound, by Heather Harbord
• Nootka Sound Explored, by Laurie Jones
• White Slaves of the Nootka, later reprinted as White Slaves of Maquinna: John Jewitt’s Narrative of Capture & Confinement at Nootka, by J.R. Jewitt

Nootka magazine articles:

• Savage Coast. A Tale of Survival, Beating the Odds, and An Unforgettable Hike, by John Harlin, Backpacker magazine, September 2001
• Nootka Island — A Walk on the Wild Side, by Markus Kellerhals, Travelers Voice magazine, Summer 2000
• Historic Nootka Sound, by Lyn Hancock, Wavelength magazine, August/September 2001
• Nootka Sound, Wild Isle magazine, August / September 2001

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Do hikers ever get lost?

No. One advantage of a coastal hike is that it is almost impossible to get lost. You’ll often be bushwhacking, but never lost.

There is no definitive route on the Nootka, but a trail is blazed with brightly coloured surveyors tape (put in somewhat erratically by a school group in 2001) & by older markers nailed on to trees.

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What is the best map?

The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC brochure map is the best for hiking the Nootka. Look for a free copy at Mountain Equipment Co-op stores or contact the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC — they'll send you a copy at no cost.

We like maps so we also order

• Topographical map 1:50,000: Nootka #92E/10

available from sources including FedMap.com — about US$7 for paper, US$9 for Tyvek plus US$10 shipping.
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Place Names

There is confusion regarding place names on this wild isle.

The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC brochure map is the single best resource for hiking the Nootka. On this web site we've generally used the names from that map in cases where different landmarks have different names.

Calvin Falls is used, not Crawfish Falls. Map.

Float planes land in Louie Lagoon also known as Starfish Lagoon. The larger body of water to the west of Louie Lagoon is Louie Bay. Map. By the way, the spelling Louis is probably more correct.

One exception is the name of the first beach campsite on the normal route; the first beach is actually called Third Beach. Map. Locals often call it First Beach.

Note that Yuquot is the town sheltered in Friendly Cove. Map.

Why are the Tide Tables so important?

Tide tables are essential. You can pick these up at tourist information in Gold River, at Air Nootka or in many other locations on the coast.

If you don’t plan your itinerary using tide tables, expect to do a lot more bushwhacking & swimming. The tides aren’t critical, however. There is always some way past each obstacle even at high tide. (The exception may be some of the river crossings —especially the Tidal Lagoon. Map.

For advance planning, here are a couple of online tide prediction sites:

Even with tide tables & careful planning we’ve been swamped by the rising tide while trying to pass rocky headlands (though we’ve not yet had to tie ourselves as high up a cliff as possible to wait-out high tide as some have done)

Due primarily to the gravitational pull of the sun & moon, you will experience 2 high tides & 2 low tides every day. Try to hike the tidal shelf at low tides. Be aware that even at low tide the headlands can be impassable if the wind and waves are high. Don’t try to cross headlands unless you are sure you can round the entire point to safety. If in doubt, send a strong hiker first (without a pack) to check it out.

Full moon & new moon are the lowest tides each month — that means easier hiking for you. Check your calendar to see what dates would make for the best shelf hiking.
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Should I hire a guide?

We are independent hikers generally averse to hiring guides or Sherpas. Any experienced multi-day hiker can survive the Nootka. But if you have medical concerns or are inexperienced at coastal hiking, consider joining a commercial tour.

A few you could check out:

• Tatchu Adventures
• Sea to Sky Expeditions
• Midnight Sun Adventure Tours

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