The Friends of Strathcona Park will host an alpine to ocean adventure this summer with a hike for the public through the beautiful Bedwell Valley. The hike, which will take five days and four nights, will follow a wild route through the valley which was discovered by the Friends several years ago. The hike is scheduled for Aug. 1-5.
“This is one of only three valleys within the park that go from the alpine all the way out to the ocean”, says Kel Kelly, a director with the Friends. “The other two valleys, the Megin and the Moyeha, are much more difficult to access than the Bedwell.”
The hike will require two groups, one coming down the valley from Bedwell Lake and another coming up from the Pacific, launching at Tofino. The groups will meet halfway, exchanging car keys to allow everyone to get back home. “We’ve done this trip several times already”, says Kelly, “and it’s always fun when the two groups meet and share stories of their adventures going up and down.”
The Bedwell route goes through a variety of fascinating ecosystems, including alpine meadows, a rare high elevation maple forest, old growth cedar and fir groves and past several magnificent waterfalls. The river itself is never far away. Swimming at the end of a hot day of hiking is an exhilaration beyond description. Hikes with the Friends are renowned for their camaraderie and fun.
Spaces remain available for the August hike.
Hikers must be experienced and fit and are expected to carry everything they need for shelter, food, clothing and comfort in their backpack. The trip, which usually takes four days, has been extended to five to allow more time for enjoying the scenery. Participants will be asked to cover the costs of transportation, including the water taxi in and out of Tofino.
“We encourage anyone who is fit and eager to come with us to see one of the most beautiful places on the planet”, said Kelly.
For more information contact Kelly at 778-992-0246 or kelkelly55@yahoo.ca; or Jack Welsh at 250-334-2321 or jackw_1@telus.net.