The Friends of Strathcona Park will host a hike for the public through the beautiful Bedwell Valley this summer.
The hike, which will take five days and four nights, will follow a wild route through the valley which was discovered by the Friends a few years ago. The dates for the hike are Aug. 4 to 8 inclusive.
“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 organization. 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 a couple of times already,” says Kelly, “and it’s always fun when the two groups meet and share stories of their adventures to date.”
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. Hikes with the Friends are renowned for their camaraderie and fun.
There are still spaces available. Hikers must be 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”, says Kelly. For more information, he can be reached at 250 337 8348 or at kelkelly55@yahoo.ca.
— Friends of Strathcona Park