Hike 30:00 [2] 1.5 km (20:00 / km) +25m 18:28 / km
Nootka trail hike with Courtney/CO/Carbon/Big Fish/Little Fish. This trail is a coastal hike on Nootka Island north of Tofino. Since it requires either a float plane or a boat to access it is much quieter than the west coast trail. It is also not in a national park so no need for permits. This also means no infrastructure such as bridges, official campsites, trails signs, etc.. Shorter trail than the west coast trail as well (35-40km depending on source) so it seemed like a good choice for a less committing adventure while still getting a good taste of the west coast.
The weather was a little unsettled for the start of the trip so some stress about flying but just managed to make it in - winds were just low enough to land safely. From Louie Lagoon we hiked for 40 minutes to First Beach where we set up camp. A beautiful wild beach and we had it to ourselves for most of the evening until a second group showed up late. We saw this group the next day as well and then caught up to a group of two near the end of the hike - otherwise no other people on the trail. A little drizzly, misty and cloudy but no real rain through the evening.