Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park Trailhead: Drive south 1.1km from the Earl's Cove ferry terminal and turn left onto the road to Egmont. Drive 5.5km to the trailhead. Park on the road, do not drive down the dirt road as there is no parking at the end.
(A $0 parking fee is charged.)
Facilities available at the trailhead include:
Uses
| Dayhike | 1 boot (easy). | 1 hour one way. | Suitable all year. |
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Description
This trail gets it's name from the Chinook words "skookum" (strong) and "chuck" (water). Both terms remain in common use on the west coast.
Be sure to check the tide tables before embarking on your trip. It is recommended that you plan to arrive at the narrows an hour before the tide changes and remain there for an hour afterwards. This allows you to see the flows in each direction as well as to witness them at slack water.
Hike down the road for approximately 5 minutes until you come to the signed trail. From here it is a pleasant 40 minute walk on a good, wide path, through a second growth forest to the narrows.
The trail forks near the end with branches going to North Point and Roland Point. It is a considerably shorter walk to North Point which provides the superior viewing on ebb (outgoing) tides while Roland Point provides the best vantage point for flood (incoming) tides.
Features
This trail features forests (Douglas fir, Western hemlock and Western red cedar), historical artifacts (Culturally modified trees near Brown lake), lakes and natural wonders (Tidal rapids).
Hazards
Be sure to stay well away from the shore, it is virtually impossible to rescue someone from the rapids should they fall in.
View trail condition reports for this trail.