---

Ann Fiddick climbing through a tree at Salal.

Photo courtesy of Ann Fiddick

Journey in the footsteps of the 18th century Nootka Chief Maquinna. Fly to Nuchatlitz Inlet at the north end of Nootka Island and hike the rugged, isolated and pristine beaches along the West Coast to Yuquot (Friendly Cove). Yuquot is a 4300-year-old village, where you will meet descendants of Chief Maquinna, the chief who bartered sea otter pelts with Europeans and Spanish-American traders in the late 18th century. See the West Coast in its undeveloped state (like the West Coast Trail used to be). The West Coast of Nootka is very rugged. It is subject to varying weather conditions and help can be far away. For these reasons the trail should only be attempted by experienced and fit hikers or with trained guides.

Forest at Bajo. Photo courtesy of Eric Scott

The first part of the trail from Starfish Lagoon located south of Louie Bay and leading to Third Beach is a difficult scramble over and under fallen trees. However the trail is flagged and should only take half to three-quarters of an hour. Most of the remainder of the trail needs to be done on the beach at 2/3 tides or lower. This means you will need tide tables and to adjust walking times along the beach accordingly. Good hiking boots are required because of the nature of the trail along sandy, pebbly, and seaweed strewn rocky beaches and also steep sided rocky peninsulas that jut into the ocean. Running shoes are not recommended.

A great variety of wildlife may be viewed on this trail. Black bears, wolves, cougar, sea otters, seals, sea lions, and an abundance of bald eagles and ravens frequent this isolated shore. Here some black bears have a white bib. Because of the wildlife, it is necessary to put all food in rugged sealable bags that birds won't pick apart (not plastic garbage bags) and to place the bags in trees so they are not accessible to bears and wolves.

---

Take a Photo Tour of Nookta Island
Third Beach | Beano Creek | Friendly Cove

---

The Following is a Suggested Itinerary:

Calvin Creek

Photo courtesy of Eric Scott

Day 1:
Take a seaplane from Gold River to Starfish Lagoon located south of Louie Bay, which is south of Nuchatlitz Inlet. Hike for ½ to ¾ of an hour to beautiful Third Beach. Here you can obtain freshwater and camp overnight.

Day 2:
Hike from Third Beach to beautiful Crawfish Falls, which receives its water supply from Calvin Creek, which empties out of Crawfish Lake. The first two hours of this hike from Third Beach is hazardous because you have to hike on slippery inter-tidal peninsulas of rock, plus where a fall could take you into the surging seas. The remainder of the journey of four and half-hours will be spent on pebbly and sandy beaches. You may want to spend a whole separate day at Crawfish Falls, as it is the most beautiful part of the trip. There are freshwater pools below the falls where you can swim. Skuna bay is an alternate site if you have to camp before Calvin Creek.

Day 3:
This hike involves approximately seven hours along beaches past Bajo Point to Beano Creek where there's good water. Bajo has only brackish water. Bajo has interesting shore life at ½ tide or lower.

Beano Creek

Photo courtesy of Eric Scott

Day 4:
This is a strenuous 10-hour hike along the beach, past Maquinna Point to a tidal lagoon, one and half-hours west of Yuquot. You may have to hike inland through the salal to get past Maquinna Point.

Day 5:
Hike from a tidal lagoon to Yuquot in 1 and ½ hours. If you arrive in Yuquot during the period July 3 to Sept. 11, 1999 on a Wednesday or a Saturday you have the opportunity to catch the coastal steamer the Uchuck on its three-hour return trip to Gold River. Yuquot is the historic site where the Nu-chah-nuth people welcomed the first Europeans. Captain Cook and crew first arrived in 1778. Here Chief Maquinna greeted them. Visit the restored Spanish church where there are artifacts of First Nations and European history. The adjacent lighthouse is one of the few remaining manned lighthouses and one of the most stunning on the BC Coast. The keepers are most receptive and hospitable people. Walk the beautiful polished pebble beaches; swim in the small freshwater lake and chat to the native peoples about plans to restore the village to its former historic grandeur. If you have the time, rent one of the cabins along the lake or by the oceanfront and spend at least a day in Yuquot, one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Approximate total hiking time is 25 hours. Approximate distance is 35 km (22 mi.)

For experienced and knowledgeable seaplane service to Starfish Lagoon and Bajo Point contact Air Nootka at (250) 283-2255.

Learn about Ocean kayaking and canoeing Nootka Sound

When in the area the following BC Adventure Network members look forward to serving you.