by
Jillian Dickens
The Westerly News
Sept. 29, 2004
More people have been evacuated from the West Coast Trail this summer than in any previous year. "And we're still counting," said West Coast Trail Park Warden Jeff Carrow.
The previous record was set in 1990 when, from April 1 to October 31, 112 people were evacuated from the challenging trail. As of September 22 this year, West Coast Trail national parks staff have conducted 123 evacuations, four land searches, and five marine searches. There was also one fatality on the trail this year. These figures comprise about two percent of the 6000 people who complete the trail every year.
The West Coast Trail has been described as the toughest trek in North America. It is a 77-km, five- to seven-day hike between Pachena Bay, three km south of Bamfield, and Port Renfrew. The route takes hikers along cliffs, beaches, sandstone ledges and across suspension bridges. Torrential rains often add an extra challenge to the already muddy trail. Parks staff send extensive information to potential trail hikers, warning that the trail is not for casual, ill-prepared, or novice hikers.
Nonetheless many people, some overweight, out of shape or "of an older crowd" attempt the trail, only to be taken back out by helicopter or boat, said Carrow. One boat evacuation costs between $500 and $700 and a helicopter evacuation is $2,500.
Carrow said people need to take the trail more seriously. "A lot of people are coming off the trail after one day. They just realize they are in over their heads," said Carrow.
He suggests people go on a "trial hike" before attempting the real thing. "People should pack their packs for a six-day hike, but go on an overnight trip before coming here," said Carrow. "That way people can know what they are getting into before they are actually into it."
He said another problem
is that people are packing way over the suggested backpack weight limit.
"We are going to set up scales next year so people can weigh their
packs," saod Carrow. "They say their pack is 30 to 40 pounds
when it is closer to 80 pounds."
The West Coast Trail
will close for the season on Oct. 31.
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of The Westerly News (westnews@ukeecable.net).
The Westerly News is published each Wednesday in Ucluelet. Phone: 250
726-7029
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