Clayoquot Sound has a staggering array of hiking trails within it. Between Tofino and Ucluelet, Pacific Rim National Park has several wilderness and beach trails, each one radically different from the last. The islands in the area are often separate Provincial Parks.
TheWestCoastTrail
The extraordinary West Coast Trail is found not far from Ucluelet. Bamfield is home to the northern trailhead to this wonderful trail known for its 80 foot ladders, stunning beaches and regular encounters with shipwrecks from the Graveyard of the Pacific.
Radar Beach is one of the countless places that makes this part of the world so amazing. It is difficult to get to due to it having an unmarked trailhead, steep and muddy trail, and considerable climbing and crawling above and below fallen trees. Where the other popular beach trails in the area have elaborate and expensive boardwalks and stairs, Radar Beach does not.
The trail begins at the end of the Radar Hill parking lot. Indiscreetly, a well used trail disappears steeply down towards the ocean, and within minutes you find yourself clinging to a rope as you ascend steeply. The trail is easy to follow in the daytime, however, you would have great difficulty keeping to the trail after dark. You would be smart to have a light with you in case you linger at the beach longer than planned. Though it's only just over one kilometre to the beach, it may take you over 40 minutes to get there. There is, along with some rope assisted sections, plenty of mud avoiding, root jumping, log crossing sections that slow you down. The mud can generally be avoided, but if you're worried, don't wear shoes you don't want dirtied. Once at the beach you will quickly realize that there are multiple beaches. One massively beautiful beach with rocky points on either side. To the right the beach has an interesting rock outcrop, great for climbing over and an amazing place to sit and watch the sunset. To the left the beach extends into the trees with a small channel of water. Crossing the water is easy, then getting to the further beaches requires a bit of climbing, depending on the tides. The further you walk, the more beaches you discover. But also, the more difficult they become to get to. The steep points of land jutting into the ocean rise steeply and are thick with sharp foliage and keep out the less determined wanderers. A sign just inside the trailhead indicates no camping at Radar Beach, but if you were to, one of these further beaches would be ideal. Even more remote than this already remote place and spectacularly beautiful.
Radar Hill and Radar Beach
Make sure to take a look at Radar Hill as well as the Radar Beaches. It's a quick and easy walk from your car to the top of Radar Hill and the views are great. Definitely one of the few places in Tofino where you can see above the forest see where you are. Almost everywhere else in Pacific Rim Park you are engulfed in trees or down by the ocean. From Radar Hill you rise above everything and there is even a mapboard at the summit naming the visible landmarks you can see on a clear day. Owing to Radar Hill being a military construction you can drive right to it. The 100 metre walk to the top of the hill and viewpoints takes only five or so minutes.
Trailhead Directions to Radar Beach
The unmarked trailhead for the Radar Beach trail is located at the far parking lot at Radar Hill. Radar Hill is just a short, 10 minute drive from Tofino. Driving from Tofino on Highway #4 look for the sign for Radar Hill on your right. Turn, and continue past the first parking area and up the hill to the far parking lot. Park on the left side of this parking lot and you will see a faint trail descend into the trees. After a few metres you will see a sign indicating that it is a dangerous and unmaintained trail, and the rope assisted descent just past the sign will confirm this.
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