Camper Bay
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Big ladders on the Port Renfrew side of Camper Bay. Be warned! Those arriving from Thrasher usual arrive exhausted — but happy to have survived the most difficult part of the WCT.
Camper is a great campsite. (If the wind & rain don’t force you into your tent.)
The cable car was working in 2001. The creek is usually easy to wade if you prefer, but can be dangerous in times of flood.
We like Camper though it is popular & usually crowded. QU'UAS trail guardians have a cabin there but it's not for you.
Avail yourself of the solar compost toilet built in 1997.
There’s a good chance you will see California Grey Whales here, if you have not already en route. Watch for seals, too.
Crows were a nuisance at Camper in 2001. And it can be windy here.
The creek changes from year to year & has been known to flood tents in the middle of the night.
On a sunny day Camper is a great spot for a wash-up.
River exiting into Camper Bay.
After you set up your tent & hang your food, go explore the amazing sea spouts around the point towards Port Renfrew.
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Sea spout.
Headed towards Bamfield, you have a big choice to make when departing Camper; take the forest or shelf? We recommend you take the shelf if conditions are right: low tides, good weather, hikers fit & morale high.
Take frequent rest stops. If you have the time, explore the fascinating tidal pools.
You must wade the creek to get started, then immediately face a sometimes difficult surge channel.
Surge channel west of Camper.
Other surge channels are easier but the biggest challenge lies ahead, the scramble up Sandstone Creek to the forest Trail:
- steep, difficult rock scramble at the mouth of Sandstone to get down to Sandstone Creek
- negotiating a gigantic log jam
- slippery footing, perhaps crossing Sandstone Creek several times
- rope or cable assisted scramble up a steep bank (there is a rough trail alternative which we feel is even more difficult)
Moving packs between Sandstone Creek & the shelf.
It is very challenging unless conditions are perfect. Take the (also difficult) forest Trail instead of the shelf between Camper & Sandstone if you are not sure you can handle the shelf.
More detail Camper to Walbran.
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If headed to Port Renfrew from Camper, climb the steep ladders to start the day. You can stay in the trees all the way to Thrasher, but we recommend instead you take one of the beach access exits down to the sea. Start looking for a steep beach access about km 64. Wait until near km 65 if you want easier beach access.
Hike the shelf planning to reach Owen Point at low tide. This is a tough section! Surge channels will challenge you. After Owen Point, it gets worse — perhaps the toughest section of the WCT. Good luck!
There are marvellous tidal pools in this area to distract you, fortunately.
If this sounds too intimidating, consider taking the forest path all the way to Thrasher. Of course you will miss beautiful Owen Point if you decide not to hike the shelf.
