Camper Creek to Port Renfrew: 13km

Some final packing before stepping onto the trailhead.

I climb over a fallen tree... going around it would mean hacking through the densely-tangled, off-trail cabbage for dozens of meters.

All along the trail, enormous trees have fallen to block the way. In many cases, the trail crew has helped us by cutting a section from the trunk or by cutting the footholds to help us climb up and over them. We make some great time even though the trail is all inland and full of these and other obstacles - we’re just getting good at handling this type of terrain! 

We begin to consider finishing the whole trail today. This is not great news to me as I woke up this morning without much punch and feeling the beginnings of a cold coming on. I was really looking forward to an early end to the day of hiking with some time to relax on the beach, something we really haven’t gotten to enjoy yet on this trip.

We get to the Thrasher Cove junction at 2:00pm and have only four hours to make the ferry at the end of the trail, so it will be tough to finish. However, after some quick discussion, the decision is to go for it, so I blow my nose and psyche myself up.

Marlin continues to be a trooper, limping along on those taped-up feet.

There are still some section of boardwalks...

 Stopping for rest and to consider pushing on the finish the trail.

Weary hikers push onward.

After some time, we hit another milestone. Bridge number 100 presents itself. I find it amusing, as this is obviously the hundredth official bridge, but realistically there are far more than one hundred bridges on the trail when you count the hundreds of unofficial fallen-tree crossings over small ravines.

There are lots of ups and downs in this part, which include the highest point on the trail at Logjam Creek. I think we are really benefiting from the fact that our packs are lighter with five days of supplies having been used up.  Since we have continued to make great time, we decide to stop for some lunch at the remains of an old Donkey Engine that was used for logging. It marks the 72km point – only three more to go! The mood is good and we lay all our remaining food out for a group smorgasbord.

After eating our fill we move out, but finally begin to tire with the day’s quick pace starting to take effect on our already worn-out bodies. Tempers flare. Some of us are just plain exhausted and I’m not sure, but I think Sean is even foaming at the mouth (kidding!) So we slow it down a bit - if we don't make trail's end in time for the ferry out, we'll deal with it then.

Taking the boat to across the bay to Port Renfrew.

Much to our surprise, we do make it to the end by 5:00pm, with time to spare. Everyone feels a sense of relief, and out comes the cigar that Marlin has secretly packed along for 75km! There’s a buoy hanging from a tree that you raise to signal the ferry operator that you’re waiting for a ride across the channel that separates you from Port Renfew. Mike does the honor and we sit back to wait for our boat that will take us to Port Renfrew.

End of the Line.

Once across, we spend the evening at the appropriately named End of the Line Pub, drinking some beer and sharing stories with the locals, celebrating the end of our journey.

Mike does the honor of raising the buoy.

One final group shot.

If you ever have something on your mind that you think you should do - a dream - but find yourself  procrastinating... just remember:

It’s better to wear out, than to rust out.

                         - Richard Cumberland

"The only book I've read in a long time that

made me laugh out loud - and not just once! 

Buy it, enjoy it, and try not to book a flight immediately!"

Brian de Vries

Rice Crust from the Bottom of the Pot: A Journey Across South East Asia

Although in creating this site I have tried to make the information as accurate as possible, it is not meant to be a guide, and I accept no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by anyone using the information.

Backpacking the West Coast Trail

 © 2005 Parry Loeffler