Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Rainforest Trail
The Rainforest Trail is a well maintained boardwalk trail located in the Pacific Rim National Park near the communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The hiking and walking trail is separated into two loop trails intersected by the Pacific Rim Highway.
The Pacific Rim Hwy divides the
Rainforest Trail into "Loop A" and "Loop B". Each 1 kilometre loop trail explores along boardwalk paths. The trail is full of ups and downs. There are some big stair sections on the trail. Every now and then there are resting benches. Most are located before or after a set of stairs.
Decorating the paths are interpretive signs and viewing platforms. "Loop A" interpretive signs explain the history and
life cycles of a rainforest. "Loop B" interpretive signs talk about the forest environment
and the wildlife living in the forest.
There are sections of the boardwalk trail weaving around gigantic tree. Some of the most noticeable giants are the gigantic red
cedar and western hemlock trees. Their bark looks warn. Some of their branches may be broken from the winter storms. But still they stand tall and dominate the forest scenery.
The
forest is full of sights, scents and sounds. Everywhere around you are families of ferns, moss and lichens. There are birds singing above you and below you. In the distance is a creek, crackling twigs and scurrying wildlife. You can hear them but not always see them.
All visitors to the park must have
a Park Use Permit. Pack out what you pack in.
How to get to the Rainforest Trail
Travel towards the community of Tofino, BC. Along the Pacific Rim Hwy look for the road
signs indicating the Rainforest Trail Parking Lot. Turn into
the parking lot. From the parking lot you can access the "Loop
B" Trailhead. Walk across the highway to access the "Loop A"
Trailhead.
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