Trip report by BestHike editor Rick McCharles.
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Day 2 – June 10, 2021
Michigan to Tsusiat Falls
Good morning.
Another surprisingly clear day for June on the WET Coast Trail.
You head south from Michigan on the beach. But I wore my DRY shoes with wool socks. Optimistic.
The usual rule on the WCT is to take the beach unless forced inland by tide, weather or impassable headlands. I stayed on the beach this morning as long as I could.
Between Billy Goat and Trestle Creek you MUST head up. Happily, it’s a relatively easy section of trail walking, even after being overgrown during the pandemic closure year.
One of the highlights of inland scrambles is admiring old growth trees.
At Trestle, I headed back down to the coast. Switched to my grippy trail runners with neoprene booties. I would end up wearing my “wet footwear” at least 75% of the time. I’ll wear the same on future WCT hikes.
At the Klanawa river I headed back up to do the cable car crossing. FUN and a bit challenging if you’re alone.
It’s about 3km further to famed Tsusiat Falls.
Plenty of ladders.
Challenging, trippy, muddy trails, as well.
I was taking many panorama shots on my iPhone. Some I’ll use in videos. They can make interesting speed ramps.
Arriving about 5pm I was surprised to see the only “cave” not occupied. I grabbed it instantly.
It’s illegal to camp in caves on the WCT, but you could argue this one is more of a slot in the cliff face. Still, it’s deep enough to shield from rain.
I tried my best to keep sand out of the tent.
NO I didn’t swim. I’m still chilled from a plunge here in 2004 !!
In the past these famed falls have been crowded and littered. But post-pandemic we only had about 15 people sharing a BIG space.
Evening I went exploring Tsusiat Point at low tide. The highlight of the day.
