This is a hike that we've heard and read about for many years. It can best be described by the materials that are written to prepare one for the hike.
From the "2001 Hiker Preparation Guide":
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The West Coast Trail (WCT) is stunning, rugged and arduous. It winds atop cliffs, over sandstone shelves, through boulder beaches and into muddy rainforests. The spectacular scenery combined with a rich natural and cultural heritage makes this area worthy of national park status. It provides a unique experience for hikers that are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge.
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Over the years the stretch of coastline encompassing the West Coast Trail has been many things to many people. Here, the influence of the ocean on the human history has been dramatic. Native people, lighthouse keepers, shipwreck survivors, homesteaders, prospectors and missionaries all have traveled along these trails and beaches. Today, visitors come to experience the beauty of the coastal environmental and the challenge of hiking one of the most arduous hiking trails in North America.
