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Sandstone Creek is easily crossed by bridge on the forest trail. More adventurous hikers look forward instead to scrambling Sandstone — it can be one of the highlights of the WCT though some feel it is the most difficult section of all.
Heading towards Bamfield from the bridge, climb the steep Sandstone ladders. The hike through the forest to Cullite is straight forward. You will make good time on that section.
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Heading towards Port Renfrew, you will be on the forest Trail when you reach Sandstone. Climb down the monster ladders to the bridge, then make one of your biggest decisions on the WCT:
- Continue on the Forest Trail, or
- scramble Sandstone Creek down to the sea
We recommend you risk the scramble. It is a fun, unique hiking challenge. Here is what you will face:
- rope or cable assisted scramble down a steep bank (there is a rough trail alternative which we feel is even more difficult)
- slippery footing, perhaps crossing the creek several times
- negotiating a gigantic log jam; scrambling over & climbing under gigantic pickup sticks
- steep, difficult rock scramble at the mouth of Sandstone to get up on to the shelf
- surge channels once you finally get to the shelf
This scramble up Sandstone Creek is intimidating. You may get bruised & scratched. There is no real trail. If the creek is high you may have to bushwhack. You could have avoided all this excitement, you know, if you had instead taken the forest trail.
If not — play it safe — continue on the forest Trail to Camper. Roots, mud, bogs, fallen logs; gruelling with some easier sections. Tim Leadem calls it "routine slogging".
