Giant Cedars, White Sands: Juan de Fuca Marine Trail Guidebook
Location Guided Day-Hikes
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Guidebook Hiker's Comments
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HIKER'S COMMENTS

The trail was AMAZING. The book came in really handy, and we were glad it was semi-waterproof because we really got wet! I am recommending the trail now to everyone I know. Everyone that went with me had a blast and was taken aback by how beautiful and wonderful the trail was. Anyway, just thought you might want to know! Thanks for the book.
-- Brian Weiderman

Thank you so much for mailing your trail guidebook so quickly! Also, I want to thank you for your recommendation on bringing ski poles. I was a little skeptical, my wife "even more skeptical", but they were life-savers, helping us balance in the mud, hoisting up big steps, and easing the shock on the downhills.
-- Robert

I purchased your book through your website a few months ago. I studied the book carefully as I was going on the trail with my 15 year old son and wanted to do as much research as possible. We had a fantastic trip! I believe it was in part due to your attention to detail in your book. Because of which we saw, otters, eagles feeding their young, seals and seal pups, a pod of killer whales, a grey whale, and some of the best scenery of my life! We left on July 9 and had beautiful weather. We knew what to expect and how long it might take us between points. I left my car with the Medd's in Port Renfrew and they arranged transportation to China Beach. I just wanted to thank you for doing such an excellent job on the guide book, without which, the trip would not have been as enjoyable. Thanks again.
-- Brad Anderson
Kelowna 

I really enjoyed your Juan de Fuca Marine Trail guide; it has made an enjoyable area even more enjoyable for us. Thanks.
-- Murrough O'Brien 

Hello, I am right out of your books and need a dozen more. People are talking very highly about your book, they say it's very helpful.
-- Connie and Peter Hovey
Trailhead Resort, Port Renfrew, BC

I received the JdFMT guidebook, and read it cover to cover the same evening! Our trek is in 2 weeks and I feel like I know the trail before ever even setting foot on it! Thanks.
-- Julia Renton
Washington

Your book arrived last night. It is awesome. Thank you. My 16 year old daughter and I are planning to do some of the trail (we have re-thought doing all of it now that we have your book.) We are not sure we are in shape and have not ventured on this kind of thing before. Many thanks.
-- Jan Blanchard

I've just finished a 4-day solo hike of the Juan de Fuca trail and I must say the topo map and guide book you sent me was invaluable. The kilometer by kilometer detail in the book describing the trail was perfect. I actually used the book more than the map. Not only was it great knowing what to expect along the way but it was reassuring knowing if an emergency arose there was a side trail I could take to get out quickly. Thankfully, I didn't need to use one. It also allowed me to slow down and take more breaks because I knew exactly how far I had to go to reach my next campsite and I could time my hiking speed just right. Thank you very much for offering such great hiking aids. I would strongly recommend your book and map to anyone hiking that trail.
-- Tim Feagans
Jupiter, Florida

My daughter and I just hiked the Juan de Fuca trail to celebrate her 30th birthday, and I wanted to thank you for your book which I bought last spring. Preparation is always a large part of success for a hike, but at my age it is a necessity! Without your book we would not have visited Hoard Creek with a new born seal pup, nor would we have found the trail down to Kuitsche cove to visit there. We would not have known about the seal grotto at Parkinson either. It is a wonderful trail - much better than the WCT for us though just as grueling - and like you, we particularly loved the spruce forests. Wonderful that in mid August we met so few other hikers and camped by ourselves most nights, and that there was so little sign of messy campers as at WCT. I suppose it will also have to be protected soon. Some of the trails are so fragile. Your book was a terrific resource and we thank you so much for it and wish you well with it. Thanks.
-- Jane Glover

Just wanted to let you know that I've enjoyed reading your book and your map of the trail. I'm headed for the JDF trail next Monday and I'm really looking forward to it.
-- James Frizzell
Marion, Iowa

 

 

 

 

 

 

See special article about the trail written by Donald C. Mills at: "Hike with the Whales"

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Where can I get a tide guide for the Trail?
Go to the Trail Links page, on this website, and open the Botanical Beach Tide Predictions page where you can print the monthly tide guides.

Do I have to make reservations? And when can I hike the trail?
No reservations are necessary and you can hike the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail at anytime throughout the year.

Do I have to pay to hike the trail?
No, you do not have to pay trail fees to hike. The only cost for hiking the trail is to overnight campers, and the current camping fee is a minimal $5.00 per night per person. Self-registration envelopes and fee deposit boxes are located at each trailhead. NOTE: Children age 17 years and younger camp free on the trail when with an adult 18 years of age or older.

Can I day-hike the trail?
Yes, you can day-hike the trail for free anytime. The guidebook describes more than 20 day-hikes. You might want to start out by hiking the section between Botanical Beach and Parkinson Creek where new boardwalks make this 10 km section of hiking easier than others.

How many days will it take the average backpacker to hike the entire Trail?
The average hiker can complete the Trail in five days (four nights), exiting on the fifth day.

Will I be fined if I "emergency-camp" at Parkinson Creek?
BC Parks allows no camping at Parkinson Creek so if you camp there you may be liable to a fine. Only paid vehicle camping is allowed at the Parkinson Creek Trailhead, Camp instead at nearby Payzant Creek for wilderness camping.

Will I find freshwater streams on the trail?
Yes, many streams are suitable to draw water from and their locations are pinpointed in the guidebook, along with safety information for treating stream water.

Do I have to worry about bears or cougars?
If you wear bells or make noise to alert animals to your presence, you will be less likely to see them. Instructions about how to handle bear and cougar sightings are posted on the information boards at all four trailheads. You may want to read the book by David Smith called Back Country Bear Basics.

Will I encounter mosquitoes and black flies?
In a coastal rainforest, such insects aren't prominent. You may see a few, so avoid using perfumes and hairspray, because they attract biting insects.

Will I see whales along the way?
It's a marine trail, so you may indeed see whales and sea lions.  Learn more by reading my "Hike with the Whales" article (published by the Eagle-Eye Wilderness Company in 2003).

Can I just go walking on the trail to discover waterfalls, and caves?
Yes, you can go for short walks and explore many different treasures on the trail. For detailed descriptions of interesting places to visit close to trailheads refer to the guidebook in Chapter 6, "Exploring Hidden Treasures".

Have food caches been installed on the trail?
While camping on beaches, use rope to hang your food from a tree at night. At the forest campsites of Little Kuitsche Creek, and Payzant Creek food cache poles have recently been installed so you can put your food out of reach of forest animals.

Will I encounter muddy areas on the trail?
You will encounter muddy areas on the trail between kilometres 30 and 32. Other wet areas along the trail present less of a problem, and usually dry up after a few days of hot sunny weather, Remember that this is a rain forest!

Should I bring a walking stick?
Yes, bring a walking stick. I always take two ski poles for better balance on slippery log bridges, wet boulders, and in muddy areas. Hiking poles are useful for going up and down hills, of which there are many on the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail. Hiking with ski poles is recommended to those with previous leg injuries.

Do I need a compass, cell phone, fishing rod, or climbing rope?
"No" to all of the above. Stay on the trail. Cell phone reception is poor on the trail. Fishing is non-existent on the trail. Climbing rope is unnecessary.

Should I pack an axe for beach fires?
An axe is unnecessary. You will find an abundant supply of small pieces of driftwood on most of the beaches. Mystic Beach is the exception, because of its popularity for overnight camping.

What should I do if there is an injury on the trail?
While you are hiking, keep track of your kilometre location by using the markers on posts along the trail. One person stays with the injured person and the other person goes to the nearest side trail or trailhead for help, and can explain your position to the person that you are calling. You'll find pay phones in Jordan River. Call 911 for the Sooke Search and Rescue team, which is on call 24 hours a day.

What if I am hiking alone and experience a serious injury?
If you hike alone always let someone know in advance about your hiking trip. Have the person send out the search party if you have not phoned them by a pre-determined time. If you have nobody to keep track of your hiking trip, join Camp Check Canada through Eagle Eye Wilderness Company in Sooke (1-250-642-7983).

CopyrightŠ 1998-2007 by Pallas*Trine. All rights reserved. Last Updated, June 13, 2007.