If you decide to fly in to the Nootka, here are recommended itineraries for 7,6,5,4,or 3 nights on the Trail.
Flying in to the Nootka Trailhead
Fly into Louie Bay (map). We recommend you stay at these 5 campsites:
- Third Beach
- Calvin Falls
- Beano Creek
- (wilderness campsite near Maquinna Point)
- Tidal Lagoon (south side)
You can fly in any time during the day as Third Beach is only about an hour hiking from where the float plane drops you.
This itinerary allows you 1 or 2 rest days! The best spots for a rest day (2 nights or more in the same campsite) would be Third Beach, Calvin Falls … or perhaps in a cave somewhere near Maquinna point. On the other hand, we’d stop wherever we happened to be when the sun came out.
If it’s raining, keep walking to stay warm. When the sun comes out — stop and hang up your wet gear to dry in the sea wind.
Top of Page | Routes
Flying in to the Nootka Trailhead
No rest days. Walking during the lowest tides, plan on the same 5 sites:
- Third Beach
- Calvin Falls
- Beano Creek
- (wilderness campsite near Maquinna Point)
- Tidal Lagoon (south side)
Tides may require you to get up at dawn … or they may call for you not to start walking until noon. Hike as much as possible at low tide. Don’t feel obliged to get up early in the morning if the tides are wrong.
Top of Page | Routes
Flying in to the Nootka Trailhead
4 nights on the Trail?
- Calvin Falls
- Beano Creek
- (wilderness campsite near Maquinna Point)
- Tidal Lagoon (south side)
Fly in early in the day if you’ve only got 4 nights. Put in a long first day (map) to Calvin Falls. You’ll miss camping at Third Beach, but will still have time to explore Yuquot (Friendly Cove) while waiting for the ferry on the last day.
Top of Page | Routes
Flying in to the Nootka Trailhead
3 nights on the Trail?
- Calvin Falls
- (wilderness campsite near Maquinna Point)
- Tidal Lagoon (south side
Ouch. Brutal! Follow in the footprints of Backpacker magazine editor John Harlin. Three long days and no extra time for fun.
With only 3 nights on the trail we’d prefer this alternative.
Top of Page | Routes
